The Most Powerful BMW iX Will Cost You Over 30 Miles of Range
There are plenty of luxury EVs on the market with tons of plush features for a relatively decent price ($50,000 to $60,000). However, BMW takes it one step further with an electric SUV that also packs plenty of power. However, it comes at a price, both in cost and battery range. Let’s look at how much you lose with the BMW iX M60 model.
What the BMW iX M60 offers as far as performance is concerned
Powering up the BMW iX M60 is a dual-electric motor setup that can generate a total of 610 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque. That’s 94 more horsepower than the xDrive50, which also has 247 fewer lb-ft of torque, according to CNET.
With that much power, the M60 SUV can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, nearly a second faster than its sister vehicle, which can pull a 4.4-second acceleration time.
With the iX M60, you’ll also get rear-axle steering, air suspension, MSport brakes, blue calipers, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14.9-inch display screen for the infotainment system.
Ultimate power comes at an unfortunate cost
Having almost 100 extra hp makes driving an EV more fun. However, owning that much power comes at a steep cost. First, the price is significantly more than what you’d pay for its sister vehicle, with a price tag of $ 83,200 to start. If you choose the BMW iX M60 SUV instead, expect to pay around $109,895 before any add-ons.
Then there’s the driving range. The battery on the xDrive50 will get you around 324 miles before you have to worry about charging it up again. By choosing the M60 outfit, you’ll lose some of that. It only offers 274 miles with 20-inch wheels. That’s a loss of approximately 50 miles of driving range when you compare the two IX models.
The model CNET’s reviewer tested came with $300 blue seat belts and a $3,000 Executive package, which increased the price to over $113,000. You’ll get some advanced driver’s features, such as Traffic Jam Assist, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Hands-Free Parking Assist. It also has soft-close doors and a few wood trim touches.
Is the BMW iX M60 worth it for the hefty price tag?
The BMW iX xDrive50 will generate a hefty 516 hp with 564 lb-ft of torque. It also offers a tire pressure monitor, hexagonal steering wheel, the same display and instrument cluster as the M60 model, and perforated Sensatec Upholstery. Add to that the over 300-mile driving range, and you get quite a bit for the EV’s $80,000 price.
The main difference between the M60 and the xDrive50 is the price and the horsepower/torque figures. While the extra 94 ponies put a lot of pep into your ride, it isn’t worth the heftier price tag and loss of range. You can still get a lot of power with the xDrive50 and save yourself almost $30,000 with it as well.
As for who would buy the BMW iX M60, it would have to be those who are financially well off to be able to afford it. The xDrive50 model is expensive but nowhere near the price the top trim iX commands. There will still be a few drivers who can come up with the funds to purchase it.
