2024 BMW iX

Good thing you can’t see it from the inside, as the cabin upholds the BMW luxury expectation. A tiered floating console bedazzles with crystal-like accents and shifter, while wood trim grounds its lineage. There are a lot of black surfaces, but plenty of options exist to brighten it up. A hexagonal wheel design fronts a digital display curved under a pane of glass, and most climate functions have been moved to the screen. It results in an open, uncluttered dash, but it also results in more reliance on the infotainment system. 

How fast is the BMW iX?

The iX can be had in quick and quicker powertrain options. The two electrically excited synchronous motors in the xDrive50i version excite up to 516 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque. On the ground, that translates to a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. 

The iX M60 cranks the amp to 11 for up to 610 hp and 811 lb-ft in launch mode to zip to 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. It may not seem blistering on paper in this EV day of sub-three-second times, but considering the chunky shape and chunkier 5,818-pound curb weight (the 50i weighs 5,670 pounds), it’s a breathless hoot off the line. 

The aluminum suspension holds front double-wishbones and rear multi-links, and BMW offers a rear-only air suspension that varies the ride height up to 1.2 inches from its ground clearance of 8.8 inches. In Sport mode or above 87 mph, it drops 0.4 inches, or it can lift 0.8 inches from normal for more curb clearance. 

The M60i comes with the adaptive air suspension, a stiffer suspension tune, and M Sport brakes to better arrest its force. In general the brake feel is light but predictive. A choice of four regen modes includes an adaptive mode that matches the traffic ahead, kind of like a lower speed adaptive cruise control but through regenerative braking. It takes a minute to get used to it, but it soon becomes a welcome relief. 

For the most part, the iX balances the expectations of M acceleration with the comfort of a crossover. Despite the low center of mass due to the heavy battery pack between the axles, and the available air suspension, the iX handles too removed from the road. There’s no real steering weighting and little communication with the pavement, and hitting curves lends a feeling of entitlement more than excitement. As in, been there, done that, blah. The disconnect disembodies the vehicle from its sharp acceleration. 

On the other side, even with 22-inch wheels, the iX has one of the comfiest, most serene rides of any other electric SUV we’ve tested.

Ample headroom and 38.9 inches of rear legroom opens up enough space in the back to fit three adults across, and behind them, all their gear. Fold down the 40/20/40-split rear seats and the cargo capacity expands to 77.9 cubic feet, making it roomier for cargo and people than the BMW X5. A tray below the cargo floor can hide or secure items, and smart uses of available space grace the door panels and cubbies of the iX.

The iX features frameless doors, as in BMW coupes, that provide an excellent seal from wind noise; other sound deadening keeps the road noise at bay. The door mechanisms—like a few other elements around the iX’s cabin—can feel more finicky than luxurious.

For more basic safety consideration, the low beltline and relatively thin pillars make it easy to see outside of the iX. 

Which BMW iX should I buy?

It’s a question of performance and options. The base iX xDrive50 Convenience comes with 20-inch aero wheels with non run-flat tires, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the large touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity and a wireless smartphone charger. It has all the new car features expected at this price, including dual USB-C ports in the front and rear rows, remote start, a 1-year satellite radio trial, heated power front seats covered in synthetic leather, and a panoramic sunroof. We’d be tempted to add the $2,200 Convenience package for a Harman Kardon sound system, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display. 

The Premium grade adds that package along with massaging seats, a wifi hotspot, various soundscapes, an interior camera that snaps selfies or captures criminals, and options ranging from heated armrests to M Sport brakes with blue calipers and an air suspension. 

How much is a fully loaded BMW iX?

The iX M60 costs $112,495 and incorporates the xDrive50’s Premium features.

How long does it take to charge the BMW iX?

Expect just over 10 hours to charge either model to full on a 240-volt connection via an 11-kw onboard charger. With DC fast-charging, the iX reloads from 10-80% in as little as 40 minutes, with a potential peak of 195 kw. Battery preconditioning helps optimize the DC fast-charge rate. It could be free, too, in 30-minute sessions on the Electrify America network for the first two years of ownership.