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2023 BMW iX | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
The 2023 BMW iX M60 is a mid-size luxury SUV with electric power. It’s positioned as an alternative to the Tesla Model X and Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV but with performance worthy of the Bavarian automaker’s M badging.
Related: 2023 BMW iX Review: Inner Beauty
Launched for 2022 with the milder xDrive50 trim, the new-for-2023 iX M60 gets added power, a standard adaptive air suspension, and larger wheels and tires. The result is the quick acceleration and sharp handling M buyers would expect, plus a relatively civilized ride.
The iX M60’s chunky styling and oversize grille are in keeping with the current and somewhat controversial design direction for BMW, but the blocky shape allows for a spacious and comfortable cabin. And like its aforementioned competitors, the iX also comes loaded with a tech-centric interior.
Cars.com Senior Road Test Editor Mike Hanley spent some time living with the iX in the M60 trim, and his complete review can be found by clicking the link above; for a quicker look, read on for five things we like about the 2023 BMW iX M60 and four things we’re not so happy about.
2023 BMW iX | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
Things We Like
1. Power Aplenty
With two electric motors driving all four wheels and 610 horsepower on tap, the iX M60 steps out in a big way, accelerating from 0-60 mph in a manufacturer-claimed 3.6 seconds. The near-5,800-pound SUV hustles along in fine fashion with its immediate response, and there’s also plenty of power in reserve for merging and passing.
2. Nicely Tuned Suspension
The standard adaptive air suspension delivers an agreeable combination of lively handling and ride comfort, isolating the cabin from most bumps and pavement irregularities in spite of the SUV’s big 22-inch wheels and low-profile tires. Steering is light but responsive, and a choice of driving modes allow the driver to tune the suspension, steering and accelerator response to their liking.
3. Unique and Roomy Interior
A modern and clean cabin design incorporates premium materials and a quality look, while unique details include a hexagonal steering wheel and available transparent control knobs that help set the M60 apart. Optional leather upholstery is appropriately supple and rich-looking, and the front seats are big and comfortable with plenty of adjustments. The backseat is roomy enough for adults, and a flat floor makes for a more comfortable center seat.
4. Big Screens
The dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that flow together into one curved surface. The look is clean and modern, and the center touchscreen provides an alternative to BMW’s traditional console-mounted knob controller. Either way, the system is easy to navigate, and wireless Apple CarPlay proved simple and seamless for us to use.
5. Adequate Range
Depending on trim level and wheel size, the EPA estimates a range of between 274 and 324 miles for the iX. Our tested M60 falls at the low end of that scale but still allows reasonable range for road trips. BMW says the battery can go from 10% to 80% in as little as 35 minutes when connected to a DC fast charger. We were unable to test that, but we were able to add 33 miles of range in an hour using a 48-amp Level 2 home charger.
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Things We Don’t Like
2023 BMW iX | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
1. Limited View
Visibility to the front is good overall, but the same can’t be said of the view aft. Small rear and rear-quarter windows make it harder to see out the back during lane changes and parking maneuvers, though electronic aids like blind spot warning help.
2. Cargo Limitations
With just 20.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, according to Cars.com cargo measurements, cargo space is on the tight side for a two-row mid-size SUV. That’s even less room than what’s offered in some compact SUVs we’ve measured.
3. Tinny Doors
Luxury vehicles typically serve up a satisfying thunk when you close a door, reaffirming that you’ve invested in a substantial and worthy ride. That’s not the case with the iX, which has frameless glass that results in a tinny rattle when you close a door. The sound seems completely out of place in a vehicle with a starting price north of $87,000 (all prices include destination).
4. Cost of Admission
Our tested 2023 iX M60 carried a sticker price of $113,420, a relatively competitive number for the class. But a similarly equipped 2024-model-year version rings up at $120,395, a roughly $7,000 increase in one year.
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