The 2023 BMW iX either looks like something a Star Wars stormtrooper would drive, or it has all the organic, futuristic design of Zaha Hadid’s architecture, depending on your point of view. Whether you like it or not, the appearance of the iX is unavoidable. However, nothing is contentious about how it drives while operating the vehicle. Although it isn’t inexpensive, the iX offers excellent power and handling in the best BMW tradition, a long-range, and a ton of contemporary technology. In addition to all of that, it’s a spacious, opulent location.
Although the iX debuted as the 516-horsepower xDrive50 for 2022, the more aggressive 610-horsepower M60 debuted as one of the first cars for the 2023 model year last summer. Consequently, the iX sees few modifications this year, although supply chain problems have plagued the options list. Customers may still purchase 2023 iX models with the current packages for now. However, the Convenience, Driving Dynamics, and Luxury options for the xDrive50 will soon be consolidated into one massive “Ultimate” package.
The rivals of the iX are novel this year. The world of electric vehicles is evolving quickly. In 2023, the Cadillac Lyriq, the Rivian R1S, and Mercedes-Benz’s EQE and EQS SUVs will join the Audi e-Tron, Tesla Model X, and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT in the race for supremacy. The GV60 and Electrified GV70, which Genesis has recently introduced, are both much smaller than the BMW. While they are all formidable rivals, the Model X Plaid and Mach-e are the only ones that perform nearly as well as the iX, which offers a blend of elegance, range, and refinement that few other devices can equal.
When driven aggressively on a twisting canyon road, the xDrive50 and, notably, the M60 appear to defy physics despite the iX’s almost three-ton heaviness. Placing the battery pack under the floor results in a low centre of gravity, significantly improving stability. Both cars are quicker than their gas-powered X5 equivalents, with the iX M60 reaching 60 mph in 3.6 seconds compared to the X5 M Competition’s 3.7 seconds. Both cars feature dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. However, the iX achieves warp speed in quiet stillness or with an exclusive Hans Zimmer electronic soundtrack.
The base xDrive50 (20 20 inches) will give an EPA-rated 324-mile range, 24 miles short of the class-champ Model X and more than any other competition. However, cool-looking giant rims (21 or 22 inches on the iX) degrade range like other electrics. A 195-kW D.C. fast charger can also charge 10% to 80% in 35 minutes. The iX also has a lot of utility, with a spacious interior and up to 77.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The futuristic features included on the inside, however few, will also not disappoint travellers.
BMW also offers abundant technology, but like other Bimmers, option packages come with a price for the most excellent features. The iX employs Munich’s most recent iDrive 8 software on a large “curved display” that combines a 12.9-inch instrument and 14.9-inch infotainment screen, which adds to the car’s technological overload. Although the X5 has more straightforward interfaces, most of the iX’s electric rivals also have giant screens. Both iX models are the best in their class, simple to live with, and fun to drive despite their divisive aesthetics and digital learning curve.
What’s New
Despite going on sale in 2022, the iX M60, which has a price tag of $109,000 and 610 horsepower, is already in its first full model year.
The iX M60 models now come with a $3,000 Executive Package that includes soft-close automatic doors and a variety of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and traffic jam assistance. BMW’s Gesture Control technology was renamed “Natural Interaction.”
The Convenience, Dynamic Handling, and Luxury packages of the iX xDrive50 should be combined into a single new “Ultimate” package. However, this package’s release date has been postponed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lengthy real-world range and accurate estimates
- Hugely roomy, comfortable interior
- It looks and feels high-tech and expensive.
Cons
- Polarizing exterior design
- “Optional” packages aren’t optional.
- It is pricey to start, and many desirable features cost extra.
Performance:2023 BMW iX
There are two ways that BMW makes the iX, although both include dual-motor AWD systems. The rear axle motor of the xDrive50 produces somewhat greater power for a rear-drive bias, totalling 516 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque. The M60’s engines have 532 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque; in sport mode, the former number increases to 610 horsepower.
The xDrive50 and M60 reach 60 mph in 4.4 and 3.6 seconds, respectively, faster than most of its rivals because of their immense power and instantaneous E.V. torque surge. These numbers still fall short of the Model X and its Plaid variant (3.8 and 2.5), but the iX handles better than the X due to its lighter weight and more agile handling. It combines the relentlessness of the Porsche Taycan with the ridiculous launch mode of a Tesla, giving it the same bite. Though it’s smaller, the Mach-E GT can move similarly.
Because of its low centre of gravity, it handles nicely. An optional two-axle air suspension and four-wheel steering add-on are also available for enhanced operating characteristics and agility. Unlike the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, this three-ton SUV doesn’t truly feel its weight until you approach the absolute edge of turning, which is unlikely to be explored by most drivers. It seems snappy in a large, heavy E.V., which is a nice feature. Regenerative braking has three settings, although most drivers would probably choose the most forceful one for one-pedalling.
Aside from its impressive performance capabilities, the iX is a calm vehicle to drive, coasting down motorways easily and dampening almost all the bumps it meets. Long trips will find the BMW fairly pleasant thanks to its airy, sleek interior and smooth ride.
Power Consumption, Charging, and Range:
Integrated inside each iX is a 105.2 kWh battery pack under the floor. Like other electric vehicles, the vehicle’s configuration determines the range the group offers. The EPA rates the xDrive50 for 324 miles and 86 MPGe when equipped with the factory-installed 20-inch wheels. If you choose 21-inch wheels, that mileage and MPGe drop to 305 miles and 83 MPGe; nevertheless, the giant 22-inch wheels have ratings of 315 and 86. Among the iX’s rivals, only the Model X performs better, with 348 miles and 102 MPGe for the basic model and 333 miles and 98 MPGe for the Plaid.
When you upgrade to the iX M60, you’ll give up speed for range. This model can go 288 miles on standard 21-inch wheels or 274 miles on 22-inch rims while still getting 78 MPGe. Despite being much behind the Model X Plaid, this is still in the upper echelon of the class.
With the range on both models, users will have less fear and will be less reluctant to appreciate the iX’s powerful and deft handling. These extravagances will also draw attention to the SUV’s superior regenerative braking system, which also uses sensors to monitor the road ahead, enabling the vehicle to cruise when the throttle is released when there is no obstruction or to stop when it detects a vehicle approaching.
Depending on the available power, the iX may be ultimately charged at home in 7 to 11 hours using a Level 2 charger. For two years, BMW and Electrify America have partnered to provide complimentary 30-minute D.C. fast charging sessions. If a 195 kW rapid charger is available, the iX can be charged from 10% to 80% in around 35 minutes.
Driver assistance and safety:
We docked the BMW iX some points for not having had its crash or safety ratings assessed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS); however, it did receive a five-star overall rating from the European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP), an E.U. agency that conducts comparable tests. EuroNCAP’s testing uncovered a strong crash structure and highly efficient active-safety features like the U.S. models. The iX has outstanding outward visibility, which enhances the driver’s awareness of their surroundings.
Although specific functions are only included in particular packages, BMW offers a comprehensive suite of active safety measures. The following are standard: automatic emergency braking with the front and rear pedestrian identification; front and back parking sensors; rear cross-traffic alerts; blind spot detection; recognition of traffic signs; evasion aid; lane departure warnings; forward-collision warnings; and exit warnings.
Along with a few additional features, an optional Driving Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control with lane centring, stop-and-go, and traffic jam assistance. The systems are all excellent, but they can only be added to the xDrive50 in conjunction with other option packages, costing more than the $1,900 that BMW lists for the system alone.
Coziness & Space:2023 BMW iX
BMW’s designers have made the most of the iX’s “skateboard” E.V. chassis to create a spacious, airy cabin. With its flat floor and no massive driveline tunnels like the gas-powered X5 and X7, the iX offers fewer space sacrifices. BMW has also unusually designed the furniture. There seems to be a better forward room since the centre console stops short of the dash. The back seats resemble a Natuzzi couch because they curve around the doorway.
Furthermore, almost anybody can find comfort in any position because of the ample head and legroom up front, which totals over 40 inches. There are 38.9 inches of legroom in the back. That is somewhat less than the Cadillac Lyriq (39.6) but still more than the Model X, R1S, EQS SUV, and X5 or X7. All the seats provide support, but the iX’s chairs are more geared toward comfort than holding you securely in place while you whip this massive machine around a track, in contrast to the X5 M’s heavily reinforced seats.
With the touch of a button, the panoramic sunroof, which is essentially above everything, may be made opaque or translucent using an electrochromic shade.
Infotainment:2023 BMW iX
Drivers of the iX are met with BMW’s massive “curved display,” which, like the Lyriq’s setup, combines a 14.9-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel beneath a single glass pane. It’s less visually striking but less distracting than the wall-to-wall Hyperscreen of the EQS SUV. There are relatively few physical controls, and they’re not all that great, save for the crystalline iDrive control wheel and the driving mode selection.
The newest iteration of BMW’s operating system, iDrive 8, powers everything technological. There are a ton of digital features and menus to become familiar with. Although they’ll need time to adjust, most owners should get along. A very excellent digital assistant that can recognize and react to human speech is another feature of iDrive 8. But other things are better with buttons, including radio volume, heated seats, and HVAC controls.
Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eighteen-speaker Harman Kardon radio. Besides several additional innovations, BMW’s 5G eSIM (which transforms the vehicle into a linked mobile device) and a 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system are options.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Although transporting goods in this opulent SUV seems out of place, the iX has enough capacity to accommodate large antiques or additional items if necessary. When the rear seat is folded down, there is 77.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats and a sizable area in front of the back seat made possible by the flat floor.
This surpasses the capacity of the e-tron (28.5 to 57 cubic feet), Lyriq (28.0 and 60.8), and even the 30 to 60 cubic feet of the more rugged Mustang Mach-E, with its trunk intact. Despite its larger size, the R1S (47 cubic feet behind the second row and 88.2 overall) and the Model X (93.2 cubic feet with all seats folding) have more capacity than the iX.
Design:2023 BMW iX
There isn’t much middle ground regarding the iX; you will love or loathe it. Its bold design is evident from the exterior, where its massive, muscular, Star Wars-like form appears. Except for the gigantic cross-hatched grille, which is more subdued in a dark colour but pops when the iX is painted in a bright hue, the design is quite simple, even if it draws attention. Despite potential controversy, the dimensions are far better than the bloated-looking Model X.
The inside of the iX is where it shines. BMW maintains its understated, minimalist design philosophy with an interior full of intriguing features. The dash vents, the contrasting colours, and the stitching on the seats all reflect the diagonal metal slashes that highlight the doors. The sizeable curved display, the unique but valuable hexagonal wheel, and the materials utilized overall all have an upscale feel. Another special feature of appearance and texture is the optional stone-grey microfiber-wool mix inside.
Is the BMW iX 2023 Worth It?
Even if the beginning price of the iX ($85,095, including a $995 destination charge) is high, it is still much less than the starting prices of the Model X ($109,990 at the time of writing) and the EQS SUV ($105,550 from Mercedes-Benz), at least until the latter company’s EQE SUV is released.
Here, too, you get what you pay for. High standards are established for performance, comfort, and elegance with the iX. Its long range among the electric competitors lets drivers enjoy it to the fullest without worrying too much about stopping the hammer. The iX boasts a more extended range than Mercedes, more space than Rivian, and the most excellent handling of all its rivals, even without the option packages that add the finest tech. Its opulent interior makes Tesla’s cabin appear like it came from a cheap store.
The xDrive50 is the better bargain of the two; even though the M60 performs better, you can feel the additional 100 horsepower. It is almost precisely as quick. Additionally, you gain an extra range of around 40 miles; the remaining funds let you choose the best, most costly customization options for the iX.
We would choose the Driving Assistance Professional package ($500) and the Stone Gray Microfiber-Wool inside ($500), the most excellent colour combination. However, obtaining the latter item is more complicated than it should be. Although it is advertised as a $1,900 option, it is only available on the xDrive50 in conjunction with the $7,000 Premium or $2,000 Convenience packages and on the M60 only as part of the $3,000 Executive package.
While the other packages have some excellent amenities, they will probably be combined into one package in 2023. Meanwhile, the xDrive50 Premium package has rear-wheel steering, heated seats, surround-view monitoring, 5G Wi-Fi setup, and other niceties. Despite that, even if the packages could vary in 2023, the xDrive50 is still less expensive than the Mercedes or Tesla basic models.
How Much Does BMW iX Insurance Cost?
Data varies since the BMW iX is still a new vehicle. However, insurance costs seem to be lower than for some other options. An average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record is around $3,000. In contrast, the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT is $2,683, the Jaguar I-Pace is $3,173, and the Tesla Model X costs a whopping $4,320 (and $5,741 for the Model X Plaid).
BMW iX Generations
First Generation
2022 to Present
The BMW iX is the first battery-electric car constructed on a flat floor, has a skateboard-style chassis, and is the first completely electric SUV from the German carmaker. The architecture of the comparably new i4 and i7 is modified from traditional automobiles. The 610-horsepower M60 (introduced as a 2023 model) and the 516-horsepower xDrive 50 are the two dual-motor all-wheel drive versions of the iX. The latter has a zero-to-60 speed of under 3.6 seconds. Even with their curb weights close to 6,000 pounds, both drive like true BMWs—quick and agile.
Verdict
The 2023 BMW iX is one of the cars that will divide views on design the most; Wars meets BMW look is unquestionably daring. Beneath that distinctive look lies an all-star electric SUV with excellent performance, long-range, and comfortable comfort. About speed, the original iX xDrive50 is joined this year by a 610-horsepower M60 variant. Both are in line with BMW’s performance heritage and a pleasure to drive despite their almost three-ton weight. They also have an EPA-rated range of up to 324 miles and a spacious cabin resembling a concept vehicle.
