Does BMW make a fully electric version of its X5 SUV? Nope. But the 2024 BMW iX comes close. At 195 inches, this electric 5-seat BMW SUV is an inch longer than the X5 but a bit narrower and not quite as tall.
As in 2023, there are two versions of the BMW iX: the xDrive50 and the exceptionally potent iX M60. The 2024 BMW xDrive50, with 516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque, has a maximum range of 324 miles. The 2024 BMW iX M60, with 610 hp and 749 lb-ft of torque (or 811 lb-ft in Launch Control mode), has a max range of 288 miles.
Both are equipped with a 111.5-kWh lithium-ion battery, and both are plenty quick: The xDrive50 hits 60 in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 124 mph. The iX M60 blasts to 60 mph in only 3.6 seconds and hits a top speed of 130 mph.
Rivals for the 2024 BMW iX are increasing in number every day. They include the Cadillac Lyriq, Tesla Model X, Rivian R1S, Fisker Ocean, and the more compact and affordable Audi Q4 e-tron. Also worthy of consideration is the Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV.
The iX xDrive50 and M60 share much content. This includes a massive digital dashboard that features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, both incorporated under one vast and slightly curved piece of glass. The infotainment can be controlled by voice, touch, or the iDrive touchpad controller.
All iX models also have multiple energy recuperation modes, including one-pedal driving and a real-time adaptive setting that automatically determines the ideal amount of battery regen for the given situation.
Because all BMWs iX models are all-wheel drive (AWD), they employ an electric motor for each axle. The BMW-built motors, of note, don’t use permanent magnets that require hard-to-source rare-earth materials. Instead, they use traditional electromagnets and brushes.
Note: BMW builds the iX in Germany, so it doesn’t qualify for the United States government’s $7,500 EV tax credit.
2024 BMW iX xDrive50: $87,100
Let’s start with a tip: If you want an iX with the best possible range (324 miles), order an xDrive50 with the standard 20-inch wheels. If you order 21s or 22s, the range drops slightly, to 305 and 315 miles, respectively.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the most efficient BMW iX xDrive50 is rated at 86 MPGe city/87 MPGe highway/86 MPGe combined. (MPGe is the EPA’s way of telling us how far the vehicle will travel on 33.7 kWh of electricity, equivalent to the amount of energy found in a gallon of gasoline.)
Standard features on the 2024 BMW iX xDrive50 abound. In addition to a power liftgate and LED exterior lights, you get a panoramic roof, a wireless phone charger, and niceties like a rearview camera washer and a heated, power-adjustable steering wheel.
Also standard are 8-way power-adjustable heated front seats, perforated faux-leather seating, quad-zone automatic climate control, power-folding outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, five USB ports, and a 12-speaker audio system with navigation, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
On the safety front, the iX also comes well equipped. Foremost among the driver aids and safety features are a forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring (with steering assist), and a lane-departure warning. The standard iX xDrive 50 also gets rear cross-traffic alert, front/rear park assist, reverse automatic braking assist, and lane-keeping assist.
Notable options packages include the $2,300 Driving Assistance Professional Package, which features adaptive cruise control, a parking program, and an active lane-keeping program.
The $2,200 Convenience Package adds Parking Assist Plus, a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view monitor, and Iconic Sounds Electric. With this last feature, various synthesized powertrain sounds composed by Hans Zimmer can be piped in through the audio system to enhance the iX’s sporty ambiance.
Stand-alone options include 22-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires for $1,900 or 21-inch alloys with all-season tires for $950.
With its laudably low $995 destination fee, the 2024 BMW iX xDrive50 totals $88,095. With no money down, financing that amount for 60 months at 5% interest works out to about $1,662 per month. See 2024 BMW iX xDrive50 models for sale near you
2024 BMW iX xDrive50 includes:
Live Cockpit Plus – This is the name BMW gives to the iX’s massive curved dash, which features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central information display that can be controlled by voice, touch, or the iDrive central controller.
Iconic Sounds Electric – Electric cars are generally very quiet. But with Iconic Sounds Electric, the BMW iX has synthesized powertrain sounds (composed by Hans Zimmer) piped in through its audio system to heighten the driving experience.
Active Protection System – When this system detects an imminent accident, it pretensions the seatbelts and closes the windows and moonroof before activating automatic post-crash braking, which prevents the BMW iX from rolling into perhaps another accident.
2024 BMW iX M60 (starting at $111,500)
The iX M60 builds on the standard xDrive50 primarily with performance upgrades. Beyond the significant upgrades in power and torque, that means self-leveling air suspension, active rear steering, and larger M Sport brakes with blue calipers.
Other standard details unique to the iX M60 are 21-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, and a 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system. You also get adaptive cruise control, active LED headlights, and heat for the steering wheel, front and rear seats, and even the front armrests.
With the $1,150 Luxury Package, you get soft-close automatic doors and interior accents incorporating genuine glass and wood. The $2,300 Driving Assistance Package is identical to that of the iX xDrive50, replete with active cruise control, active lane-keep assist, and Highway Assist, which now allows hands-off driving on certain limited-access highways at speeds of up to 85 mph.
Stand-alone options include 22-inch alloy wheels with high-performance tires for $950 and blue seatbelts for $300. Perforated leather seat upholstery, in black or Castanea Chestnut, is available for $3,500, or you can also order a microfiber wool blend for $500.
According to the EPA, the BMW iX M60 on 22-inch wheels is rated at 77 MPGe city/80 MPGe highway/78 MPGe combined. It has a max range of 274 miles. The 2024 BMW iX M60 on 21-inch wheels comes in at 76 MPGe city/80 MPGe highway/77 MPGe combined. It has a max range of 288 miles.
Adding the $995 destination fee to the iX M60 base price brings the total to $112,495. Financing that amount with no money down for 60 months at 5% interest works out to about $2,123 a month. See 2023 BMW iX M60 models for sale near you
2023 BMW iX M60 includes:
Launch Control – When activated, the BMW iX M60 unleashes its full 811 lb-ft of torque to propel this electric SUV from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.6 seconds. Hang on to that hexagonal-shaped steering wheel!
Integral Active Steering – At speeds under 30 mph, the iX M60’s rear wheels steer slightly in the opposite direction of the front, tightening the cornering line and reducing the turning radius.
Bowers & Wilkins audio system – Featuring 30 speakers, this 1,615-watt Diamond Surround Sound system includes headrest speakers for the four outer seating positions.
