2023 BMW IX xDrive50

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. 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. 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 xDrive50 because it achieved the same amount of range for far less money. 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. 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. 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. 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 iX was originally the launchpad for BMW’s iDrive 8 infotainment software, but has since offered a free over-the-air update to iDrive 8.5. The software allows for the 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. 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, adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode. 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.