BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport Review

Introduction

When we think of BMW, we think of premium quality, brand assurance, great handling cars and performance.

Until around the turn of the century, 3, 5, and 7 Series saloons dominated the lineup - a true BMW was a sophisticated saloon, after all.

But BMW had offered much more since long before then.

Estate cars - the Touring models, as BMW calls them - were offered on the 3 and 5 series, adding practicality to the saloons’ classiness.

But then came the explosion in popularity of SUVs, and before long, BMW followed suit with the X5, the X3 - and now many more.

The race to electrification began, starting with the i3 - effectively a mini-MPV - ahead of its time at its 2013 launch.

Now, electrification can be found across BMW’s range.

The iX SUV, though, was unique at the time of its launch. It was the first clean-sheet design of an electric BMW since the i3.

Several BMW vehicles now have equivalent electric models, but the iX is still going strong.

While it was a trailblazer when it was first launched, rivals caught up, so BMW has now facelifted it, hoping to regain its advantage.

At A Glance

The iX looks ultra-futuristic – although that doesn’t necessarily mean attractive.

Detractors claim the merged kidney grille - just a blank panel - resembles a pig's snout, while fans of the design say it looks menacing and athletic like it means business.

Frankly, both descriptions can be true simultaneously - its thinned-out headlights add an aggressive frown to an already macho front end.

Massive air intakes dominate the edges, while a large lower grille, divided in the middle, makes it look like it’d eat lesser cars for lunch.

The sides are smooth, apart from a modest crease to outline the wheel arches, while a black line runs across the rear pillar to bridge the gaps between the back windscreen and the rear side windows.

The rear itself divides opinion, too, with the thin, horizontal taillights looking too large and too close to everything else for the design to make sense.

Although it lacks a combustion engine, BMW has fitted it with large outlines towards the bottom, creating the illusion of large tailpipes.

The level of aggression depends on the model, with Sport, M Sport and the M70 performance model all getting slightly different appearances, especially at the front.

Changes from the pre-facelift model include framing the kidney grille, LED headlight elements, and more bodywork covered in the car's body colour rather than black cladding.

Key Features

The iX is offered in two main trim levels, Sport and M Sport, except for the performance M70 model, which we're not covering in this review.

Entry-level Sport gets 20-inch alloy wheels, a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with BMW Operating System 8.5, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, digital radio, voice control, and 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit Pro digital instruments with a head-up display.

You also get a Harman Kardon premium sound system, heated front seats, ambient lighting, an anthracite headliner, an automatic tailgate, adaptive LED headlights, and folding side mirrors.

The M Sport gets 21-inch alloys, blue brake callipers, an M Sport leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable front sports seats, and various cosmetic changes inside and out.

There are two main models in terms of power: xDrive45 produces 408PS, while xDrive60 outputs 544PS.

The M70 performance model (as if those power figures weren’t ample enough) comes with 659PS.

All have all-wheel drive as standard.

Range & Batteries

The iX xDrive45 comes with a 100.6kWh (96kWh usable) battery – increased by about 25% on its pre-facelift predecessor, the xDrive40.

The range is improved to 374 miles – an increase of over 40%.

Even better, our xDrive60 test car gets an even larger 109.1kWh battery, which can comfortably manage 426 miles, thrashing most foes.

Performance & Drive

The BMW iX isn’t a performance SUV by definition, although the performance variant - the M70 - does 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds.

That version is well over £100,000, though, so we're mainly looking at the standard models today, which, by comparison, are (a little) lighter on the wallet – especially if you lease.

The Sport trim gets the xDrive45 powerplant, achieving 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds, while the higher M Sport trim offers the same, or there’s the xDrive60 motor, which achieves it in 4.6 seconds.

Both should be more than satisfactory to those wanting pace.

Performance is not all about the electric motor - aluminium and carbon fibre are regular features in the iX's design, helping to keep the reliance on the battery as low as possible and further improving its range.

The xDrive60 model is distractingly quick. The engineering goes a lot further than acceleration, though.

The car is deliberately designed to keep much of the weight low, helping stability and cornering. As a result, it feels well-planted and assured, even around faster bends.

While no SUV handles like a hot hatch or sports car, the iX’s steering weights up nicely around corners, and it feels agile for a vehicle of this size, belying its mass. The xDrive60's 2,505kg kerb weight suggests it’s anything but nimble.

But nimble it is – or, at least, it feels like it – and you can even improve the cornering ability with rear-wheel steering, although it’s an optional extra on non-M70 models.

BMW says it’s specifically tuned the xDrive45 and xDrive60 suspensions to suit the characteristics of their respective powertrains.

Most are unlikely to notice, but given it’s a hefty SUV, BMW's efforts to improve its handling are very reassuring.

Even better, BMW's ability to improve handling without sacrificing ride comfort sets it apart from most other manufacturers.

Granted, the M70 isn’t as cosseting as the standard models, and given the two standard trim levels are ‘Sport’ and ‘M Sport’, it’s clear the iX is focused on performance as much as practicality.

But the ride comfort is still there, offering a reasonably relaxing, quiet, and airy driving experience.

It's like riding on a cushion of air – and that's precisely what you’re doing, as air suspension was fitted to our test car – again, an optional extra on the non-M70 models, but included as standard on the M70.

Air suspension makes a noticeable difference. If you want the best of all worlds, consider it when you check out the options list.

We thought the iX’s athletic characteristics would make it a nightmare to navigate a village or a narrow country lane - yet it’s as easy as can be.

Yes, in the same way, it's not as agile as a BMW M3, and it's not as easy to park as a 1 Series hatchback - but it's uncomplicated and comfortable to drive at lower speeds, helped by its hushed presence and the air suspension.

The regen braking is adjustable and offers one-pedal driving in its maximum setting. Once you get used to whichever regen mode you’re using, it's easy to predict and makes the driving experience even less hassle.

Charging

Our xDrive60 test car charges up from 10-80% in 35 minutes at a maximum speed of 195kW.

The xDrive45 has a smaller battery and a slightly slower maximum rate, generating a similar result of 34 minutes at a charging speed of 175kW.

Both versions support 11kW home charging, meaning a 0-100% battery re-fill takes nine and three-quarter hours in the xDrive45 and eleven and a quarter hours in the xDrive60.

That sounds quite impressive, although Kia's charging speeds are now at 350kW.

Running Costs & Emissions

Given there’s only electric power to worry about, miles-per-gallon and emissions figures aren’t applicable here.

That makes the iX an ideal company car, given that it's in the lowest band for Benefit In Kind tax, but then again, so is every other electric vehicle, so there's no shortage of choices.

In terms of reliability, BMW finally has turned a corner and is well on its way to restoring its former reputation as a manufacturer of dependable cars after spending many years in the doldrums.

Interior & Technology

The iX’s interior looks nice, inviting and sophisticated.

Admittedly, it doesn’t have the wow factor it did when it first came out, as its panoramic screens and lack of buttons are becoming increasingly commonplace on many non-premium branded cars nowadays.

Nevertheless, it still looks the part.

The steering wheel is thick and performance-like, there’s lots of silver trim to break up the colour scheme, and the materials used in the cabin are pleasing to look at and touch, with a mixture of wood, fabrics and glass.

Our xDrive model also has the optional extra ‘Castanea’ design suite interior – an unusual browny-orange colour. That won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it looks unique and a welcome change from most cars' dark grey and black interiors, including as standard on the iX.

Despite increasingly looking the norm now, the dual-unit on the dashboard, housing both the 12.3-inch digital instrument display and the 14.9-inch infotainment screen, is still eye-catching.

BMW has long held the crown for the best infotainment system, a record stretching back to the original ‘pie dish’ rotary dial controlling its budding iDrive system.

Its modern-day successor, the BMW Operating System, is a joy to use. It offers a high-resolution screen, superbly crisp graphics, and an intuitive, responsive, lag-free interface.

Even better, there is still a rotary dial, which appears to be dying out - it is so much easier than prodding away at the screen on the move.

Disappointingly, despite the rotary dial being retained, physical controls for the air conditioning aren’t, but the voice control can adjust the temperature as well as perform plenty of other functions – and it mostly interprets your voice commands accurately.

While it lacks the X-Factor of Mercedes’ interior styling, BMW prioritises substance over style and achieves this with aplomb.

Practicality & Boot Space

The seats and steering wheel have oodles of travel, so adjusting them to find a comfortable driving position is easy – even easier in our test car, as electric adjustment is standard on the M Sport trim.

You sit fairly high, but despite the iX's hefty size, you don't sit quite as high as you would in other large SUVs.

Nevertheless, forward visibility is still fine, with a large windscreen ensuring an unobstructed view. The pillars aren't as thick as on some competitors, and the side windows extend far forward.

Rearward visibility is less generous, due to the rear seat headrests, much thicker pillars, and a shallower back windscreen, which heavily hinders your view.

Parking sensors at the front, rear and side mitigate the issue, along with a rear-view camera which, although standard, can be upgraded if you're willing to pay extra – we’ll cover that later.

Adjustable lumbar support is offered as standard, too, to enhance comfort.

The front offers plenty of headroom and legroom, so you won't struggle to get comfortable if you're very tall.

The rear is good, too, providing lots of legroom and, thanks to only a slight slope in the roofline, bags of headroom.

Placing three adults in the back is easy to accommodate without compromising too much shoulder room.

The boot space is 500 litres, expanding to 1,750 litres with the rear seats down in a 40:20:40 split - and they'll fold by pressing a button in the boot.

The boot size is a bit low for a big SUV - it's only on par with a BMW 3 Series Touring, and most of the iX’s rivals offer more space - even a BMW X5 has a boot capacity that, with the rear seats in place, is 30% more accommodating.

It is mainly because the rear windscreen slants diagonally, with the bottom of the tailgate extending out much further than the top, which you’ll notice when viewed side-on.

Interior storage is more generous, with large sectional door bins, a big glove compartment, two cubbies, a wireless charging tray and two decent-sized cup holders.

Safety

The iX was tested by Euro NCAP in 2021. It earned a five-star safety rating and scored 91% for adults, 87% for children, and 81% for safety assists.

Those assists include automatic emergency braking and Driving Assistant Plus, which offers active cruise control with distance control, speed limit assist, lane keep assist, and steering assist.

You can pay extra to upgrade to Driving Assistant Professional, which includes enhanced camera and radar-based lane-keeping aid, front collision warning, rear cross-traffic warning and collision prevention, and speed limit information and assist.

Another option is Parking Assistant Professional, which provides a panoramic 3D View (allowing you to view the image on a phone or tablet), Remote Control Parking, Manoeuvring Assistant, and Reversing Assistant Professional.

BMW Drive Recorder, which upgrades from the 180-degree camera, offers 360-degree video recording and anti-theft recording.

Options

There is a choice of alloy wheels, 20, 21, 22, and 23 inches, although the M Sport trim (with 21-inch wheels) can't be downgraded to 20-inch rims.

There is a selection of interior materials and colour schemes, too.

The Comfort Pack includes a climate-comfort windscreen, electrically adjustable ventilated and heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The Technology Pack upgrades the maximum home charging speed from 11 to 22kW, Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Professional, which we mentioned earlier.

Plenty of these items are available individually, along with other upgrades, such as a glowing kidney grille, four-zone air conditioning, air suspension, four-wheel steering, a ‘sky lounge’ panoramic roof, and various accessories.

Rival Cars

Naturally, BMW doesn’t have the playing field to itself, especially as Mercedes-Benz has the electric EQE SUV, although there’s no direct opponent from Audi now, as the Q8 e-Tron has been discontinued.

Volvo has the EX90 - an electric XC90 - while Kia's EV9 deserves serious consideration.

Suppose you're not 100% sold on an electric car? In that case, Audi's Q7, the Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover are likely alternatives – especially as, unlike the iX, all of them (including the latest Range Rover) are seven-seaters, apart from the EQE.

Of course, there’s also BMW’s own X5 and X7.

Verdict & Next Steps

Undoubtedly, the BMW iX is impressive in almost every way, although its looks will inevitably be its most debated feature.

It has a sophisticated, premium interior that befits BMW's name. It feels sophisticated to drive, offering excellent handling for such a large vehicle, not to mention quick straight-line performance and refinement.

Added to practicality, economy, and a class-leading infotainment system, plus upgrades that successfully regained its lead over the competition, it’s a case of ‘what’s not to like?’

However, several of its cleverest features are optional extras – and they can get expensive very quickly.

The air suspension, in particular, is one we’d pick – but as soon as you look at the options list, you’ll be seriously tempted to hand over even more cash.

For that reason, we’d stick to the entry-level xDrive45, which has sufficient performance, range, and charging speeds. The xDrive60 is a satisfactory middle ground for those who don't want to fork out for the full-fat M70.

Regardless, the iX is a car that is a step ahead of Audi and Mercedes-Benz in terms of manufacturing the next generation of SUVs.

Where to next?

View latest BMW iX lease deals - from just £693 per month inc VAT**.

Call us on 0118 3048 688 or hit the green 'Enquire' button for more details.

Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of Special Offers and Lease Deals. 

New electric SUV? Read our latest Reviews and find the right model for you.

Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive Leasing Guides.

Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest Car Leasing News.

**Score based on Select’s unique meta score analysis, taking into account the UK’s top leading independent car website reviews of the BMW iX xDrive60

**Correct as of 26/06/2025. Based on 9 months initial payment, 5,000 miles annually, over a 48 month lease. Initial payment equivalent to 9 monthly payments, or £6,239.88  (Plus admin fee) Ts and Cs apply. Credit is subject to status.