BMW iX M60 2022 Car review

Model: BMW iX M60
Engine: Electro synchronous motor
Transmission: 1-speed automatic transmission
Power: 455 kW / 1,199Nm
Range: Up to 566km
Acceleration 0 – 100km/h: 3.8 sec
Price: From $238,900
Status: Available

Introduction

This month, we were rather excited to get behind the (non-round) wheel of the BMW iX M60. This car is BMW’s second electric vehicle offering and presents a masterclass in aerodynamic elements and luxury accents.

Range anxiety will be a distant memory as the iX M60 has a range of up to 566km and is powered by a high voltage lithium-ion battery. Charging times are claimed from 35 minutes for 10% - 80% charge on a 200kW DC fast charger while an AC charger of 11kW is claimed to charge 0% - 100% from 10.75h.

We took this car out on the Auckland roads, first in the CBD where we found ourselves in traffic but which gave us a chance to try out the built in massage seats. They definitely took the tension and frustration of being stuck in the traffic away. Driving outside of the CBD on the open road the iX M60 is a joyful ride and its speed and unique driving make you feel safe and comfortable.

Exterior

The iX M60 garnered mixed reactions from our motoring experts, with some loving the futuristic design while the others detesting its unusual shape. The completely closed off kidney grille took attention with its distinctiveness while maintaining its signature BMW look.

The large grille is not just aesthetic as it encompasses camera technology, radar functions, sensor elements and heating elements. The front bumper also has vents which feed air to the front brakes for cooling.

The exterior door handles are electronically activated by inserting your hand into the sunken handle, squeezing the unlock switch then pulling the door open. However, to open the door from the inside you simply press the open switch and push the door open. The frameless side windows drop down slightly to allow the door to open and the door locks are soft close variants which don’t require slamming of the doors.

Unfortunately, the bonnet doesn’t open to allow for additional storage as found in most EVs and can only be opened by the service agents using electronic tooling but the positive is that there’s heaps of luggage room in the rear.

Interior

The iX M60’s 4.9m long, roomy interior and high seating position makes for a pleasant environment when carting the family around. It’s not cramped and during our drive, when the Auckland motorway came to a crawl, we simply switched on the lumbar back massage on the driver’s seat to ease away the tension. Then enjoyed some music from the entertainment system, that also uses speakers integrated in the front seats to produce some crisp sounding surround sound. Bliss.

The front seats are super comfortable and come with heating as well as air flow for cooling with the latter being our choice on the hot spring day of the test drive. To adjust the seat positions you can either use the crystal-look control buttons located on the front doors or the BMW iDrive from the touch screen or round dial on the centre control panel.

The instrument cluster and infotainment unit screens wrap around the driver and most functions, such as adjusting the climate control, are switched from the BMW iDrive.

The panoramic glass roof doesn’t have a physical sun blind to block out the harsh sun rays and instead uses electrochromic glass to switch between seeing through the glass or blocking it out with a white mist. It was surprising that there was no blind however the electrochromic glass did do the job well.

USB-C plugs are abundant with two up front and two in each front seatback for rear seated passengers, so no more fighting for charging ports.

Performance (inc. efficiency)

The suspension incorporates electronic dampers along with air suspension, which does a fantastic job absorbing and smoothing bumps and disguising the hefty 2659kg weight of this large SUV. The 22-inch M aerodynamic wheels look the part too and despite the length of the SUV, parking is a breeze as the iX M60 comes equipped with active steering which also sharpens turns while driving using rear wheel steer.

The performance is on another level, with power and torque up to 455kW and a massive 1100Nm, thanks to the two BMW eDrive electric motors making it an AWD. The iX M60 can hastily get to motorway speeds, but it’s best to warn passengers of what’s to come as you will be firmly shoved back into the seat when the throttle is floored. The claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds is seriously quick for the hefty SUV, but you will need to use launch control from a standing start if you aim to match this super quick time. Depending on the drive mode you select, it will be paired to BMW M IconicSounds Electric to add to the driving experience. To ensure you experience the best performance, select Sport mode and enjoy.

Safety

The BMW iX M60 received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on tests conducted by Euro ANCAP.

It scored 91% for adult occupant protection, 88% for child occupant protection, 73% for vulnerable road user protection and 78% for safety assist.

Sign-off

The BMW iX M60 has some other highlights to keep in mind such as 22” aerodynamic alloy wheels, with sport tyres, Bowers and Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, interior applications clear and blue, parking assistant professional and tyre pressure monitor.

During our drive, we found that range was never a limiting factor to get out and about as there’s plenty on offer with a claimed WLTP range of 550kms and regeneration that kept topping up the battery.

Pros:

• Abound with luxury features
• Sport car-like performance
• Comfortable seating
• Spacious interior

Cons:

• Steering wheel unique design
• Not a 7-seater
• No front storage compartment under the bonnet

Safety systems

• Active Protection
• 6 Airbags: front airbags for driver and passenger, side airbags for driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags for first and second row
• Central locking with electronic immobiliser
• Dynamic braking lights
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
• Warning triangle and first aid kit
• Acoustic protection for pedestrians
• Alarm system

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:

• AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
• AA Insurance - aa.co.nz/insurance
• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

Vehicle experts you can trust