2023 BMW iX Review

The 2023 iX SUV, which offers comparable room and functionality to the brand's well-liked X5 but with cutting-edge flair, serves as a preview of BMW's electrified future. With 516 horsepower in the xDrive50 and a whopping 610 horsepower in the M60, two electric motors provide all-wheel drive and more than enough power, and a sizable battery pack provides enough energy for an expected driving range of more than 300 miles per charge. The luxurious interior of the iX is well-appointed and has a stylish, futuristic design. A large digital dashboard shows what BMW's iDrive infotainment system will look like in the future and is operated by a cool, see-through rotary handle on the center armrest.

Modifications for 2023

For 2023, a high-performance M60 model will be added to the roster. It will have an all-electric drivetrain with 610 horsepower and a 290-mile driving range. It has air suspension that adjusts for traveling in a sporty manner. Other places have combined the individual features of the Convenience, Dynamic Handling, and Luxury bundles into one huge collection of features and marketed it as the Ultimate package.

Which Trim To Purchase?

Over the xDrive50 trim, the potent M60 model demands a significant premium. The xDrive50 accomplished the same amount of range for a lot less money, even though the M60 can travel 290 miles on a single charge and has better performance.

Power & Performance

There are two distinct iX models available. The first is the xDrive50, which comes standard with all-wheel drive and is powered by two electric motors that together produce 516 horsepower. The iX xDrive50 accelerated to 60 mph in our tests in just 4.0 seconds. With its staggering 610 horsepower, the high-performance M60 model is capable of propelling the mid-size SUV to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. The base xDrive 50 comes equipped with rear-wheel steering, while the M60 has adjustable air suspension as an option. You can anticipate plenty of power, a pleasant ride, surprising energy economy, and agile handling.

Battery Life

The iX has a sizable 105.2 kWh battery pack that, according to the EPA, will enable a traveling range of up to 324 miles per charge. The iX's range surprised us when we tested it on our 75 mph highway fuel efficiency test. Normally, highway driving drastically reduces an EV's total driving range, leaving only a small portion of the estimated range, but the iX managed an impressive 290 miles during our test. 290 miles of range were also obtained by the 610-hp M60 that we tested. When connected to a 200-kW connection, the iX can recharge from 10% to 80% in just 35 minutes thanks to its standard DC rapid charging capability. BMW and EVgo have collaborated to offer iX drivers a network of public charging stations, but the SUV can also charge through a Level 2 home charging station and on other well-known networks.

Interior & Comfort

The Bimmer SUV is comparable in size to the company's mid-size X5 and X6 crossovers, and both its interior room for passengers and cargo are comparable to those of those vehicles. The iX's interior features a variety of high-tech features, including a big curved touchscreen instrument panel and a hexagonal-shaped steering wheel, and is both straightforward and contemporary. As an extra, BMW provides a sizable panoramic sunroof with electrochromic shading, a unique feature found on very few cars. The iX's stereo system has incorporated speakers into the power front seats, which are also heated. Genuine leather and faux leather upholstery options are available, but BMW also provides a textile cushion fabric choice called Loft that makes use of microfiber cloth.

Infotainment

BMW's iDrive 8 infotainment system was first introduced on the iX, but iDrive 8.5 is now available as a free over-the-air upgrade. The program features a voice-activated assistant, customizable menus and graphics, and more. The iX's futuristic dashboard is made up of a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a sizable 14.9-inch infotainment monitor. All models come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and BMW also provides a Wi-Fi hotspot with a 5G cellular link. A 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is an alternative to the usual 18-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo system.

Safety

Parking sensors, automated emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlamps, and lane-keeping assist systems are just a few of the many driver-assistance features that BMW includes as standard equipment on the iX. Visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for more details about the iX's crash test findings. Important safety elements 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 & Coverage For Maintenance

The iX comes with the same warranty coverage as BMW's other electrified model, the i4 sedan, which provides more comprehensive security for the electric vehicle's components and basic coverage for four years or 50,000 miles. A complimentary service program for three years is also included with every new BMW.

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

Competitive Cars

BMW iX vs. Tesla Model X

It's understandable why the Tesla Model X has long been the de facto leader in the premium electric SUV segment. The Model X has a greater cargo space than the iX, faster acceleration, a longer driving range (up to 351 miles), and the ability to accommodate up to seven people. Tesla's Supercharger network, which enables simple refueling away from home, is also advantageous for the Model X. Despite this, there are many benefits to the iX. Even though the iX costs considerably less to purchase than the Model X, which costs $121,000 and up, its interior appears and feels much more opulent than that of its Tesla rival.

BMW iX vs. BMW X5

Of the brand's conventional SUV versions, the BMW X5 is the most similar to the iX. Although the iX's interior is a little more futuristic, both of these vehicles, which are about the same size, please with lively propulsion, a polished ride, composed handling, and well-built interiors. However, the X5 has a much cheaper starting price and can be had with third-row seats. The iX isn't certified to tow a trailer, but it can, and its engine lineup includes powerful six- and eight-cylinder choices. The all-electric iX, on the other hand, has significantly lower operating expenses and a smaller carbon footprint. Both are excellent luxury SUVs, despite being distinct.