2023 BMW iX
Overview
BMW’s electrified future is previewed by the 2023 iX SUV, which offers similar space and practicality as the brand’s popular X5, but with cutting-edge flair. Two electric motors provide all-wheel drive and more than ample power—516 hp in the xDrive50 and a whopping 610 hp in the M60—while a large battery pack delivers enough juice for an estimated driving range of over 300 miles per charge. The iX’s spacious interior is lined with fine materials and features a fancy, futuristic design; a large digital dashboard displays the future of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system and is controlled by a cool see-through rotary knob on the center console. The iX has what it takes to compete with established all-electric rivals such as the Audi e-tron and the Tesla Model X, and should stack up well against newcomers such as the Fisker Ocean and the Rivian R1S.
What’s New for 2023?
The high-performance M60 model joins the lineup for 2023, complete with a 610-hp all-electric powertrain and a driving range of up to 290 miles. It rides on an air suspension that adapts to sporty driving. Elsewhere, the individual Convenience, Dynamic Handling, and Luxury packages have been consolidated into one big pile of features and sold as the Ultimate package.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The powerful M60 model commands a significant premium over the xDrive50 trim. While the M60 is capable of 290 miles on a single charge with quicker performance merits, we’d still stick with the xDrive 50 because it achieved the same amount of range for far less money.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Two different variants of the iX are on offer, the first being the xDrive50, which is powered by a pair of electric motors that combine to make 516 hp; all-wheel drive is standard. In our testing, the iX xDrive50 scooted to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds. The high-performance variant, called M60, offers a whopping 610 hp and we estimate that’s enough to rocket the mid-size SUV to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. An adjustable air suspension and a rear-wheel-steering system are both optional on the entry-level xDrive 50 and standard on the M60. During our initial test drive of an xDrive50 model, we noted plentiful power, surprising energy efficiency, agile handling, and a smooth ride.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The iX sports a large 105.2-kWh battery pack that the EPA estimates will offer up to 324 miles of driving range per charge. When we tested the iX on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test we were surprised by its range. Normally, highway driving quickly reduces the overall driving range of an EV and the result is a fraction of its overall range estimate, but the iX recorded an impressive 290 miles of range in our test. The 610-hp M60 we drove for the same test also achieved 290 miles of range. DC fast charging capability is standard and the iX can recharge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 35 minutes when hooked up to a 200-kW connection. BMW has partnered with EVgo to provide a network of public charging stations for iX drivers, but the SUV is able to charge on other popular networks, as well as through a Level 2 home charging station.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EPA estimates that the most efficient iX model is the one equipped with the standard 20-inch wheels, which earned ratings of 86 MPGe city and 87 MPGe highway. Going with one of the iX’s larger sets of wheels reduces those numbers, but only slightly. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route the iX managed only a 81 MPGe result, but provided an excellent 290 miles of range. For more information about the iX’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Bimmer SUV is about the same size as the company’s mid-size X5 and X6 crossovers, and its passenger and cargo space is similar to those models as well. The iX’s interior design is both simple and modern with a host of high-tech elements including a large curved touchscreen instrument panel and a hexagonal-shaped steering wheel. BMW offers a large panoramic sunroof featuring electrochromic shading as an option—a trick feature found on only a few vehicles. Power front seats are also heated and feature integrated speakers for the iX’s stereo system. Both faux-leather and genuine leather upholsteries are offered, but BMW also offers a textile seat fabric option—dubbed Loft—which uses microfiber cloth.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
BMW is using the iX SUV and the i4 sedan as the launchpad for its next-generation infotainment interface, which it calls iDrive 8. The software allows for customization of menus and graphics, as well as a voice-activated assistant. A large 14.9-inch infotainment display combines with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to create the iX’s tech-forward dashboard design. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board, and BMW also offers a Wi-Fi hotspot with a 5G cellular connection. An 18-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo system is standard; a 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup is an option.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
BMW offers a comprehensive set of standard driver-assistance features in the iX, including parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlamps, and lane-keeping assist systems. For more information about the iX’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The iX comes standard with the same warranty coverage as BMW’s other electrified model, the i4 sedan, which means basic coverage for four years or 50,000 miles and more generous protection for the electric-vehicle components. All new BMWs also come with a three-year complimentary maintenance plan.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles EV components warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2022 BMW iX xDrive50
Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $84,195/$104,020
POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 268 hp, 260 lb-ft
Rear Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 335 hp, 295 lb-ft
Combined Power: 516 hp
Combined Torque: 564 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 105.2 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drives
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza 001 B-Silent
275/40R-22 107Y ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 118.1 in
Length: 195.0 in
Width: 77.4 in
Height: 66.8 in
Passenger Volume: 112 ft3
Cargo Volume: 36 ft3
Curb Weight: 5707 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.0 sec
100 mph: 9.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.4 sec @ 114 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.3 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.3 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 124 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 158 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 321 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.88 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 74 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving: 81 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 290 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 86/86/85 MPGe
Range: 315 mi
2023 BMX iX M60
Vehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $109,895/$119,795
POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 255 hp
Rear Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 483 hp
Combined Power: 610 hp
Combined Torque: 811 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 106.3 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 195 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive/direct drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza 001 B-Silent
275/40R-22 107Y Extra Load ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 118.1 in
Length: 195.0 in
Width: 77.4 in
Height: 66.8 in
Passenger Volume: 112 ft3
Cargo Volume, rear seat up/down: 36/78 ft3
Curb Weight: 5778 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.2 sec
100 mph: 7.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.5 sec @ 120 mph
130 mph: 15.3 sec
150 mph: 26.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.7 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 154 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 160 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 330 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.87 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING
Observed: 81 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 290 mi
Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 112 kW
DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 50 min
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 78/77/80 MPGe
Range: 274 mi
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
