BMW iX M60: A Powerful and Refined Electric SUV

Electrifying Performance, Polarizing Price: The 2023 BMW iX M60 Tested

The BMW iX M60 is the most effective version of the brand’s all-electric SUV. With a staggering 610 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque, it can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera. But this performance comes at a cost, both literally and figuratively. At over $105,000, the iX M60 is priced well into luxury territory, and that’s before you start ticking option boxes. So is this electric Bimmer worth the premium? After spending three weeks with the iX M60, I can say it’s an incredibly capable and engaging SUV. The instant electric torque provides notable acceleration that’ll pin you back in your seat, and the sharp, responsive handling belies the vehicle’s near 6,000-pound curb weight. However, the iX M60’s sky-high price tag will make it a non-starter for many buyers. There are simply too many compelling electric SUV alternatives that offer 80-90% of the performance for thousands less. The official BMW website lists the iX M60’s key specs, including a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds, a top speed of 155 mph, and an estimated range of up to 288 miles. My real-world testing aligned closely with those figures, with the caveat that high-performance driving will drain the battery far quicker. Engaging Sport mode and flooring it from stoplights resulted in an average range of around 225 miles.

Key Features

The iX M60 packs a host of advanced tech features, but three stand out as particularly noteworthy: Adaptive Air Suspension: This system automatically adjusts the vehicle’s ride height and damping based on driving conditions, load, and speed. It provides a remarkably smooth, composed ride on the highway, yet can stiffen up for tighter cornering when you want to have some fun. I noticed a significant difference in body control when rapidly changing directions compared to the standard iX suspension. Regenerative Braking: The iX M60 offers multiple levels of regenerative braking, from gentle coasting to aggressive one-pedal driving. In the most aggressive “Max” mode, the SUV can slow itself dramatically just by lifting off the accelerator, feeding that energy back into the battery. This feature takes some getting used to, but it’s incredibly effective at managing range. BMW Curved Display: The iX’s massive 14.9-inch curved touchscreen is a technical tour de force. The crisp, active OLED panel provides excellent visibility even in direct sunlight, and the intuitive BMW iDrive 8 interface is a breeze to navigate. I was able to access key vehicle functions, media, and navigation with minimal distraction.

Performance

The iX M60’s performance is nothing short of astonishing. Punch the accelerator, and you’re met with a violent surge of instant electric torque that pins you back in your seat. Independent testing by Car and Driver clocked the iX M60 sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system provides impressive traction and grip, allowing you to rocket out of corners with ease. However, that performance comes at a cost. Aggressive driving will drain the 111.5 kWh battery pack much quicker, with my real-world range averaging around 225 miles. Switching to the more efficient Comfort driving mode can eke out closer to the EPA-estimated 288 miles, but you’ll have to sacrifice some of that notable acceleration. Handling is also a mixed bag. The iX M60 changes direction with surprising agility for a 5,800-pound SUV, thanks in part to the adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering. But the sheer mass is still evident, and you can’t entirely escape the physics of moving that much metal and battery pack around tight corners. It’s more agile than a standard iX, but can’t match the precision and poise of a true performance SUV like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

Design & Build

The iX M60’s exterior design is certainly distinctive, with its massive kidney grilles, slim LED lighting, and slab-sided body. It’s a bold, futuristic look that will definitely turn heads, for better or worse. The interior is similarly striking, with a minimalist, tech-forward aesthetic highlighted by that massive curved display. Material quality is excellent throughout, with soft-touch surfaces and tight panel gaps. However, the iX M60’s size and weight do have some practical drawbacks. Outward visibility is compromised by the thick pillars and high beltline, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a chore. The large, heavy doors also require more effort to open and close. And while the cargo area is quite spacious at 35.5 cubic feet, the high load floor makes it less convenient for hauling bulky items.

Compared to Rivals

The iX M60 faces stiff competition from other high-performance electric SUVs. The Tesla Model X Plaid offers comparable acceleration and a more futuristic, minimalist interior for around $10,000 less. However, the Model X can’t match the iX’s premium materials and build quality. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is the iX M60’s closest rival in terms of performance and handling, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds. But the Porsche starts at over $180,000, making the BMW look like a relative bargain.

Value for Money

At over $105,000 to start, the iX M60 is undoubtedly a premium-priced vehicle. You’re paying for the BMW badge, the advanced technology, and the supercar-like performance. But in my opinion, the value proposition is a bit shaky compared to the competition. While the iX M60 is unquestionably an impressive machine, it’s hard to ignore the fact that you can get 80-90% of the performance for thousands less with alternatives like the Tesla Model X Plaid or Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. Those vehicles may not have the same level of build quality and luxury appointments, but the difference in real-world usability is negligible for most buyers.

Who Should Buy It

The iX M60 is best suited for affluent buyers who want a high-performance electric SUV with a premium German pedigree. If you have the means and prioritize notable acceleration, advanced tech, and luxurious materials, the iX M60 could be a compelling choice. However, I’d hesitate to recommend the iX M60 to buyers on a tighter budget. The price premium over similarly capable alternatives is simply too high to justify for most consumers. There are too many other excellent electric SUV options that deliver 90% of the performance for thousands less.

Final Verdict

The 2023 BMW iX M60 is an engineering tour de force a high-performance electric SUV that can outrun many supercars. The instant electric torque, agile handling, and tech-forward cabin make it an engaging and capable daily driver. But the sky-high price tag puts it firmly in automotive excess. While I was thoroughly impressed by the iX M60’s capabilities, I can’t help but feel BMW is pushing the limits of what buyers should reasonably pay for an electric SUV. For the same money, you could get a well-equipped Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT that offers comparable performance and an even more premium experience. Or you could save tens of thousands and still get 90% of the thrills with a Tesla Model X Plaid. Ultimately, the iX M60’s astronomical price is its biggest downfall. It’s an strong vehicle, but not strong enough to justify such a steep premium over the competition. Unless you’re a diehard BMW enthusiast with deep pockets, I’d recommend looking elsewhere for your high-performance electric SUV needs.

Where to Buy

You can find the 2023 BMW iX M60 on the official product page.