BMW iX xDrive50 vs BMW iX M60 Electric Luxury SUV Performance or Efficiency

2025 BMW iX

Overview

When the BMW iX EV SUV debuted for the 2022 model year it looked like the future, and going into 2025 this crossover still smacks of modernity and tech. Roughly the same size as the mid-size BMW X5 SUV, the iX features a spacious, chic cabin with seating for five. A dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain makes 516 horsepower in the xDrive50 model and up to 610 in the performance-oriented M60. Both lit up our test track with quick acceleration times and also managed a noteworthy 290-mile result in our real-world highway range testing. That number beats chief EV rivals such as the Audi Q8 e-tron and the Rivian R1S, making the BMW more road-trip friendly than those SUVs. The iX's cross-country capability is further enhanced with an optional hands-free driving feature intended to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. While the iX's exterior styling is divisive, there's no arguing that its stylish cabin is comfortable and well-connected, its performance is strong, and its over-the-road behavior refined. That is as it should be for an EV in this upscale price class.

What's New for 2025?

BMW's electric crossover is largely unchanged for 2025. The iX's Highway Assist hands-free driving feature gains a new element this year in the form of an eye-tracking technology that allows the driver to command a lane change merely by glancing in the direction of one of the SUV's rear-view mirrors. Elsewhere, the My BMW smartphone app gains a digital key feature that can lock and unlock the iX without the need to open and interact with the app itself. The iX enters the new year without any other changes.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The powerful M60 model commands a significant premium over the xDrive50 trim. While the M60 offers a similar driving range with quicker performance, we'd still stick with the xDrive50 because it offers the same amount of range for far less money and is plenty quick itself.

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. The high-performance variant, called M60, offers a whopping 610 hp. 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. Very little road noise upsets the cabin's quietude, even in the M60 model. The performance model also comes with stiffer front and rear anti-roll bars which keep body roll in better check, but its ride isn't as creamy as the xDrive50's.

060-MPH Times

In our testing, the iX xDrive50 scooted to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds. The more powerful M60 model rocketed to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, only 0.1 seconds behind the significantly more powerful, 835-hp Rivian R1S.

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 takes a big bite out of the EPA's overall driving 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 can 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 an 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 EV 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 optiona 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 optiondubbed Loftwhich uses microfiber cloth.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The iX features BMW's latest iDrive 8.5 infotainment interface. 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.

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 a hands-free driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The iX comes standard with the same warranty coverage as BMW's other electrified models, the i4, i5, and i7 sedans, 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

PRICEBase/As Tested: $84,195/$104,020

POWERTRAINFront 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 kWhOnboard Charger: 11.0 kWTransmissions, F/R: direct-drives

CHASSISSuspension, F/R: multilink/multilinkBrakes, F/R: 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented discTires: Bridgestone Alenza 001 B-Silent 275/40R-22 107Y

DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 118.1 inLength: 195.0 inWidth: 77.4 in Height: 66.8 inPassenger Volume: 112 ft³ Cargo Volume: 36 ft³Curb Weight: 5707 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS60 mph: 4.0 sec100 mph: 9.5 sec1/4-Mile: 12.4 sec @ 114 mphResults above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.Rolling Start, 560 mph: 4.3 secTop Gear, 3050 mph: 1.6 secTop Gear, 5070 mph: 2.3 secTop Speed (gov ltd): 124 mph Braking, 700 mph: 158 ftBraking, 1000 mph: 321 ftRoadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.88 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMYObserved: 74 MPGe75-mph Highway Driving: 81 MPGe75-mph Highway Range: 290 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMYCombined/City/Highway: 86/86/85 MPGeRange: 315 mi

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C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

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2023 BMX iX M60Vehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICEBase/As Tested: $109,895/$119,795

POWERTRAINFront Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 255 hpRear Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 483 hpCombined Power: 610 hpCombined Torque: 811 lb-ftBattery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 106.3 kWhOnboard Charger: 11.0 kWPeak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 195 kWTransmissions, F/R: direct-drive/direct drive

CHASSISSuspension, F/R: multilink/multilinkBrakes, F/R: 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented discTires: Bridgestone Alenza 001 B-Silent 275/40R-22 107Y Extra Load

DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 118.1 inLength: 195.0 inWidth: 77.4 in Height: 66.8 inPassenger Volume: 112 ft³ Cargo Volume, rear seat up/down: 36/78 ft³ Curb Weight: 5778 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS60 mph: 3.2 sec100 mph: 7.6 sec1/4-Mile: 11.5 sec @ 120 mph130 mph: 15.3 sec150 mph: 26.4 secResults above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.Rolling Start, 560 mph: 3.7 secTop Gear, 3050 mph: 1.5 secTop Gear, 5070 mph: 2.2 secTop Speed (gov ltd): 154 mphBraking, 700 mph: 160 ftBraking, 1000 mph: 330 ftRoadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.87 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGINGObserved: 81 MPGe75-mph Highway Range: 290 miAverage DC Fast-Charge Rate, 1090%: 112 kWDC Fast-Charge Time, 1090%: 50 min

EPA FUEL ECONOMYCombined/City/Highway: 78/77/80 MPGeRange: 274 mi

More Features and Specs

BMW iX M60 vs BMW iX xDrive50 Which to Buy?

Now that the BMW iX M60 has been revealed, there are two big-budget versions of the iX. When you look at them in photos, theres barely a difference between them. In fact, even as someone whos been doing this job for awhile now, I can barely tell the difference between the two, if at all. Which can be frustrating, considering how much more expensive the M60 is. However, under the skin, there are some differences worth noting. So lets take a look at the two cars and which one might be best for you.

Price

The BMW iX xDrive50 is the only iX variant currently on sale in America, so if you want one now, its your only choice. At $83,200, its priced about the same as the equivalent BMW X5 M50i. However, if you want to wait for the iX M60 performance variant, the price jumps up to $106,095, similar the X5 M. What do you get for your extra money?In terms of options, Adaptive Air Suspension is standard on the iX M60, while its an optional extra on the xDrive50. The M60 also gets 21 wheels as-standard. Gesture Control and the Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system are also standard kit on the M60 but not on the xDrive50.

Power and Performance

What youre getting for your extra money, in the iX M60, is added power and performance. Both cars use dual electric motors, one at each axle, powered by the same battery pack, but the iX M60 is far more powerful. The standard BMW iX xDrive50 makes 516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque, while the more expensive M60 makes 610 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque.

According to BMW, the iX xDrive50 takes 4.4 seconds to get from 0-60 mph, which is downright leisurely compared to the M60s time of 3.6 seconds. So if its speed youre after, the BMW iX M60 delivers it like a proper M car.

Range

All of that added power does come at a price (aside from the, erm price). For the BMW iX M60, range drops to 280 miles, from the ix Drive50s 324 EPA-rated miles. Thirty miles might not be a ton but its enough to ruin a road trip or two. So if you want the longest range possible, the iX xDrive50 is for you.

Is the BMW iX M60 Worth the Extra Money?

That really depends on what you want. If you want a high-performance SUV, akin to the X5 M Competition, but dont want the moral burden of burning so much fuel, then the iX M60 is absolutely worth the money. However, if youre just looking for a good EV SUV, the iX xDrive50 offers almost all of the same luxury and technology at a much lower price, while boasting less range. So, unless performance is your main priority, the iX Drive50 is probably the better deal.