You mentioned more power?
The iX xDrive60 is the middle of the three trims in the iX lineup and produces a very healthy 536 horsepower. This update has included a realignment in the model lineup where the iX xDrive60 is the replacement for last year’s xDrive50 model, with the new M70 model taking over the top spot. There's a respectable twenty horsepower increase for this model, and it is now able to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. Can I tell the power difference between the current iX xDrive60 and its predecessor? The honest truth here is no – they both feel like absolute rockets off the line, and both are addicting to push. Just like every good fast electric vehicle (EV) out there, the throttle response is 100% linear in that you can accurately control how quickly you want to accelerate. We felt zero let up in how the iX surges to every speed limit in the city, and it is really one of the most intoxicating features of this electrifying crossover.
How does it handle, and for how long?
Handling wise, the iX is actually an above-average performer with accurate steering and sharp reflexes thanks to its relatively unique double-wishbone front suspension setup. Unless you try to halt the iX in a jiffy or really go into a corner with excessive speed, you really do not feel its excessive weight very much and the iX drives like a smaller car than it actually is. The chassis is calibrated such that it doesn't need to be overly stiff to compensate for its weight without giving up a sporty feel, and overall the iX xDrive60 rides quite well. The brake system does suffer a bit of the typical mushiness from the energy regeneration system but it does the job once you are firm with the pedal, and if you prefer to avoid the brake altogether with one-pedal-driving, it feels natural.
Drive range is increased by about 10% up to 547 kilometres by BMW’s official estimates, and during our real-world tests, we regularly saw an even higher figure offered by the onboard computer. We obviously did not test whether the range estimate was correct as doing that would involve us running the BMW iX out of juice and being stranded, but by our observation, the range seems be fairly accurate and we even saw it adding back some after we were in traffic for a while, presumably recuperated through the regenerative braking system. If additional range is needed in a pinch, you can choose the ‘Max Range’ function that limits the iX’s power delivery and comfort functions to allow it to cover up to 25% more distance before needing to charge.
What's going on inside?
Interior space of the BMW iX is quite generous with a good amount of head and legroom. The front seats are very comfortable and supportive, and offers an above-average massaging function. The BMW iX is well equipped, especially with our fully-loaded tester that comes with premium features such as Driving Assistant Professional, Highway Assistant, soft close doors, ventilated front seats, plus M-Performance seats and steering wheel to spice things up a bit.
BMW OS 8.5 infotainment is delivered through a wide, curved touchscreen. We like the simplicity of the system where most functions are reached within a click or two, and the system response is fast and screen resolution is excellent. The best feature is the optional Bowers and Wilkins 30-speaker surround sound system – it is handily one of the best stereo systems in the industry and is well worth its $4,900 standalone price tag.
