2024 BMW iX Performance

For a luxury SUV with a curb weight of around 5,700 lbs, the base xDrive50 moves with gusto. The BMW iX dual electric motor setup delivers a muscular 516 hp and 564 lb-ft, which sends the hefty brute scuttling off the line with urgency. The claimed BMW iX 0 - 60 time is pegged at 4.4 seconds (for the xDrive50), while the top speed is limited to 124 mph.

The BMW iX transmission comprises just one forward speed and sends power to all four wheels via the electric all-wheel-drive system. Power delivery is immediate and linear, with acceleration build-up only waning at illegal speeds. If, somehow, this isn't enough for you, the hardcore M60 variant is better suited to your needs.

It may have a similar dual electric motor setup, but the high-performance derivative is far more powerful. With 610 hp and 811 lb-ft on tap in Sport Mode, this heavy electric SUV is capable of reaching 60 mph quicker than an M3 Competition (3.6 seconds). What's more, it has an electronically controlled top speed of 155 mph, which is very impressive. With winter tires fitted, this is reduced to 130 mph.

It may be an AWD SUV, but we wouldn't recommend spirited jaunts off-road. The iX prefers the tarmac to rough roads and surfaces. BMW iX performance should be more than enough to entertain buyers, though.

Where the xDrive50 uses a dual-electric motor setup, the M60 has two high-performance electric motors. Both, however, send power to all four wheels via a single-speed "e-speed" automatic transmission with a fixed ratio. The xDrive50 and M60 employ a 111.5 kWh battery.

In other markets, an xDrive40 is available. This less powerful (but cheaper) version uses a significantly smaller battery, at 76.6 kWh. BMW USA currently has no plans to introduce this model to the local market, but it would bring iX ownership to many more EV buyers. It's not as quick as its posher siblings, but it equals six-cylinder BMW SUVs in terms of acceleration.

According to the EPA, the BMW iX achieves impressive MPGe ratings. However, the figure is dependent on the specified wheel size. An xDrive50 with 20-inch wheels achieves 86/87/86 MPGe on the city/highway/combined cycles. With 21- and 22-inch wheels, this is reduced to 82/84/83 and 86/85/86 on the same cycles, respectively. Range varies from 305 miles to 324 miles, with the smallest wheels being the most efficient.

The speedier M60 isn't quite as efficient. An M60 equipped with 21-inch wheels is capable of achieving 76/80/77 MPGe on the city/highway/combined cycles. With 22-inch wheels, this changes to 77/80/78 MPGe.

Compared to rivals, the iX MPGe figures are rather impressive. The BMW may not be able to match the Tesla Model X's remarkable combined 102 MPGe, but it swiftly beats the Audi e-tron S with its paltry combined figure of 73 MPGe. The most efficient model of them all, the iX xDrive50, is capable of traveling up to 324 miles between charges. The M60's range varies from 274 miles to 288, with more miles covered in smaller wheels.

BMW notes the iX is capable of DC fast-charging up to speeds of 195 kW. Ten minutes of DC fast charging should add 90 miles of range. Meanwhile, using a 9.6-kW wall charger can get the battery to full from empty in under 12 hours.