2023 BMW iX Review: Electrifying The Competition

It may not be the prettiest creation to leave Munich in recent years, but the 2023 BMW iX represents the future of the German luxury brand. Underpinned by a bespoke electric platform, the luxury SUV is every bit as modern as the exterior suggests. For 2023, the Tesla Model X and Audi e-tron S competitor is available in two flavors. The range comprises the xDrive50 and the high-performance iX M60. The former boasts an impressive 516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque, but the power-hungry will be more impressed by the mighty M60; up to 610 hp and 811 lb-ft is on offer, allowing the big EV to hit 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.

But it's so much more than a battery-propelled rocket. The new BMW iX SUV boasts one of the finest modern interiors of any modern SUV. It's plush and high-class without being stuffy. It may not be able to match the Tesla in terms of range, but the BMW gets close and, what's more, is cheaper too. But both Tesla and Audi have something BMW can't hope to match in this segment - attractive styling. Yes, this is subjective, but the polarizing looks will put a lot of prospective customers off the idea of iX ownership. So, is the fully electric SUV excellent enough to look past the challenging design?

What's the Price of the 2023 BMW iX?

The 2023 BMW iX price starts at $84,100 for the xDrive50. The M60 derivative has a starting MSRP of $108,900. It's worth noting that the prices stated here are exclusive of tax, registration, licensing, incentives, and the $995 destination and handling fee. By adding the available package and various options, the M60's cost can quickly increase. How much, you ask? Fully loaded, you're looking at more than $119,000.

2023 iX Exterior

Dimensions

2023 iX Performance

2023 BMW iX Handling and Driving Impressions

In keeping with its status, the electric SUV rides with competence. It's buttery smooth and simply floats over blemishes and potholes with ease. You get the sense that the 2023 iX uses its 5,659-pound weight to crush poor road surfaces into submission. The iX uses a double-wishbone setup at the front and a five-link suspension system at the rear.

For an even better ride, the iX xDrive50 is available with air suspension, which is standard on the M60 derivative. But this is a BMW, so what's it like in the bends? The automaker has always been adept at making tall SUVs handle like their car offerings, and the iX is no different; the low center of gravity pays dividends and keeps the large Bimmer planted.

While the xDrive50 is surprisingly fun, it's the M60 that offers a better dynamic experience. Despite its sportier edge, the standard air suspension never trades comfort for handling prowess. You can really feel the front wheels communicating through the tiller, and while it's no BMW M3 (or X5 M), it's definitely the most exciting car to drive in its class. It's also very agile, considering its weight and size. Naturally, the sportier variant comes equipped with M Sport brakes and rear-wheel steering.

2023 iX Interior

2023 iX Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is The 2023 BMW iX A Good SUV?

BMW really did something here. If you can get past the bizarre styling, you'll find the BMW iX electric vehicle to be one of the best electric luxury SUVs on the market. There are very few blemishes on its report card. Yes, it may not boast the impressive range and performance of its Tesla rival, but even the dynamic M60 is cheaper than the base Model X, which retails from $120,990. The Tesla is also trounced in terms of perceived build quality, overall refinement, and luxury. At this point, you may gesture towards the Audi e-tron S. Yes, there's no denying Ingolstadt's riposte is handsome and blessed with a very tasteful interior. It's slightly more expensive than the xDrive50 derivative, but you also receive more performance in return.

The Audi, however, has one fatal flaw - its range. The iX rival can only travel 208 miles between charges, which is way behind the claimed 324-mile range of the 2023 iX. For some, that alone will put the e-tron S out of contention. As a compromise between the Audi and Tesla Model X, the BMW really does make the most sense. It's so much more than the perfect middle ground, though. It has a truly incredible ride quality, a delightful cabin, and is certainly the most fun to drive of the three. Moreover, if you stick to the base xDrive50, the BMW also offers the most value for money. If you can get past the divisive looks, go for the new BMW iX SUV.

What 2023 BMW iX Model Should I Buy?

If it was our money, we'd opt for the base model. The new iX xDrive50 price is very appealing; it's a lot of car for $84,100. This leaves us with plenty of cash for our ideal specifications, such as the $2,500 Sport exterior package. We'd opt for the Black Sapphire Metallic paintwork to minimize the sudden front end and team it with the Oyster-colored Sensatec upholstery. It may be exceedingly pricy, but the amount of features that come with the Premium Package makes it too good to ignore. We'd throw in ventilated seats for $500 and the $1,000 adaptive LED headlights to finish everything off nicely. All in all, our well-specified iX xDrive50 comes in at $95,100, excluding destination.