2023 BMW iX Review: One of the Best Luxury EVs

This 2023 BMW iX Review explores one of the most ambitious vehicles BMW has ever produced. In an era where nearly every luxury brand is rushing to launch electric vehicles, the iX represents far more than BMW’s answer to Tesla. It is a complete rethinking of what a modern luxury SUV can be when engineers are no longer constrained by a traditional gasoline powertrain.

From the moment you see it, the iX makes a statement. Some buyers admire its futuristic styling, while others struggle to accept its unconventional design. Regardless of personal taste, there is no denying that the iX stands apart from virtually every other luxury SUV on the road. BMW intentionally avoided creating an electric version of an existing model and instead developed a flagship EV with its own identity.

What makes the iX particularly interesting is how thoroughly BMW committed to the project. The vehicle rides on a dedicated electric architecture, uses advanced lightweight construction techniques, and incorporates technology that would eventually influence the brand’s future lineup. In many ways, the iX serves as a rolling showcase for BMW’s next generation of engineering.

Yet the iX is not simply a technology demonstrator. It also needs to compete in one of the fastest-growing segments in the automotive industry. Rivals such as the Tesla Model X, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, Rivian R1S, Audi e-tron, and Cadillac Lyriq all target buyers looking for a premium electric SUV that can deliver luxury, performance, and practicality in equal measure.

Fortunately, the BMW enters that fight with several advantages. It offers a genuinely luxurious cabin, impressive real-world range, exceptional ride comfort, and performance that remains true to BMW’s reputation. The result is an EV that feels less like a science experiment and more like a fully developed luxury vehicle.

The most impressive aspect of the iX is how complete it feels. Many electric vehicles excel in one area while making compromises elsewhere. The BMW instead delivers a carefully balanced experience that combines long-distance usability, cutting-edge technology, premium craftsmanship, and surprisingly engaging driving dynamics.

Our Take

The 2023 BMW iX is one of the most convincing luxury EVs currently available.

Its controversial styling may divide opinions, but nearly everything else about the vehicle is exceptionally well executed. The interior feels genuinely premium, the ride quality is outstanding, the technology is among the most advanced in the segment, and the available range removes much of the anxiety that still discourages some buyers from switching to an electric vehicle.

More importantly, the iX still feels like a BMW. Despite its focus on comfort and refinement, it retains the responsiveness and driver engagement that have long defined the brand. That combination helps separate it from many electric rivals that prioritize technology over driving enjoyment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent real-world driving range
• Luxurious and spacious cabin
• Strong acceleration across the lineup
• Advanced technology and infotainment systems
• Comfortable ride with impressive refinement
• High-quality materials and craftsmanship
• Surprisingly agile for its size and weight

Cons

• Polarizing exterior styling
• Expensive, especially with options
• Touchscreen-heavy interface requires adjustment
• Some desirable features are bundled into costly packages

What’s New for 2023

The biggest news for 2023 is the arrival of the high-performance iX M60. Positioned above the xDrive50, the M60 introduces up to 610 horsepower, sharper performance credentials, and several M-specific upgrades while maintaining the luxury and refinement expected from BMW’s flagship electric SUV.

BMW also revised portions of the options structure during the model year, consolidating several packages and adjusting equipment availability in response to ongoing supply-chain challenges affecting the automotive industry. Some features that were previously available individually became part of larger option packages.

Beyond those updates, the core formula remains unchanged. The iX continues to offer impressive range, dual-motor all-wheel drive, cutting-edge technology, and one of the most distinctive interiors in the luxury EV segment, helping it remain a serious competitor against both traditional luxury brands and newer EV-focused manufacturers.

Exterior Design

There are few vehicles on the road today that generate stronger reactions than the BMW iX. Some people view it as a bold glimpse into BMW’s future, while others struggle to accept its unconventional styling. Regardless of where opinions fall, one thing is certain: the iX never blends into traffic.

The front fascia immediately commands attention through BMW’s oversized kidney grille. While the grille no longer serves the same cooling function as it does on traditional gasoline-powered models, it houses sensors, cameras, and driver-assistance technology beneath its surface. It may be controversial, but it reflects BMW’s willingness to rethink familiar design elements for the electric era.

Viewed from the side, the iX reveals cleaner and more elegant proportions. Flush door handles, smooth body surfaces, and carefully sculpted aerodynamic details help reduce drag while creating a futuristic appearance. Unlike many electric SUVs that appear overly complex, the BMW balances innovation with restraint.

The rear design is arguably more successful than the front. Slim LED lighting elements, crisp body lines, and a wide stance give the iX a sophisticated and modern look. It feels expensive, distinctive, and unlike anything else in BMW’s lineup.

Whether you love it or hate it, the iX succeeds in one critical area. Years from now, nobody will mistake it for another SUV. In an industry increasingly filled with lookalike crossovers, that individuality carries significant value.

Driving Experience

The most surprising aspect of the BMW iX is how quickly you forget its size. On paper, this is a large luxury SUV weighing nearly three tons. Behind the wheel, however, it behaves with a level of composure and agility that seems to challenge physics.

BMW’s engineers benefited from one of the greatest advantages of an EV platform: battery placement. By locating the battery pack beneath the floor, they created an exceptionally low center of gravity. The result is a vehicle that remains remarkably stable through corners despite its considerable mass.

Steering response is another pleasant surprise. While not as communicative as BMW’s best sports sedans, it feels precise and predictable. The iX changes direction with confidence, and drivers quickly develop trust in the chassis. Few luxury EVs manage to balance comfort and control as effectively.

Highway travel is equally impressive. The iX feels planted at speed, effortlessly covering long distances while maintaining excellent stability. Crosswinds, rough pavement, and changing road conditions rarely disturb its composure. It behaves more like a luxury grand tourer than a traditional SUV.

What ultimately separates the iX from many competitors is its sense of balance. Tesla products often prioritize acceleration. Mercedes frequently focuses on isolation and comfort. BMW manages to combine both approaches, creating an EV that feels engaging when the road becomes interesting while remaining exceptionally comfortable during daily driving.

Performance & Acceleration

Performance is available in abundance regardless of which version of the iX you choose.

The xDrive50 delivers 516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque, numbers that would have been reserved for high-performance SUVs not long ago. Instant electric torque allows the vehicle to launch with authority, reaching highway speeds with effortless urgency.

For buyers seeking even greater performance, the iX M60 elevates the experience dramatically. With up to 610 horsepower available, it accelerates with a level of intensity that feels startling in a luxury SUV of this size. The sprint to 60 mph takes only a few seconds, placing the M60 firmly among the quickest SUVs BMW has ever produced.

What makes the acceleration so impressive is not merely the speed itself but the way it is delivered. There is no waiting for downshifts, no turbo lag, and no hesitation. The moment the accelerator is pressed, the iX responds instantly and smoothly.

Yet BMW avoided turning the iX into a one-dimensional performance machine. Even in its most powerful form, the vehicle remains refined and controlled. Drivers can enjoy remarkable speed without sacrificing the comfort and luxury expected from a flagship BMW.

The result is a performance character that feels distinctly premium. Rather than constantly encouraging aggressive driving, the iX provides immense capability whenever it is needed and then quietly settles back into its role as a sophisticated luxury EV.

Ride Comfort and Cabin Refinement

If performance grabs the headlines, comfort is what ultimately makes the BMW iX such an impressive luxury vehicle. This is where BMW’s flagship EV quietly separates itself from many competitors.

The first thing occupants notice is the silence. Electric vehicles are naturally quieter than their gasoline-powered counterparts, but that advantage can expose other sources of noise that manufacturers struggle to suppress. BMW clearly invested significant effort into insulation, acoustic glass, and overall refinement because the cabin remains remarkably isolated from the outside world.

At city speeds, the iX glides over broken pavement with a smoothness that feels almost effortless. Impacts are softened before they reach passengers, and the suspension avoids the harshness that affects some electric vehicles equipped with large wheels and heavy battery packs.

The experience becomes even more impressive on the highway. Long-distance travel is arguably where the iX performs best. Wind noise is exceptionally well controlled, road noise remains distant, and the vehicle settles into a relaxed rhythm that makes hundreds of miles disappear with surprising ease.

Models equipped with the available air suspension take refinement to another level. The system continuously adapts to changing road conditions, helping the iX maintain composure whether it is cruising across smooth interstate highways or navigating rough secondary roads.

BMW deserves credit for finding a balance that many competitors miss. The iX feels luxurious without becoming disconnected from the road. Drivers still receive enough feedback to remain engaged, but never at the expense of passenger comfort. It is a difficult compromise to achieve, and the iX handles it exceptionally well.

Interior and Luxury Feel

BMW approached the iX cabin as an opportunity to rethink what a luxury interior could look like in the electric era.

The dashboard design is clean, open, and intentionally minimalist. A large curved display dominates the front of the cabin, while physical controls are reduced to only the essentials. Unlike some minimalist interiors that feel empty, the iX manages to feel modern without sacrificing warmth or character.

Material quality is excellent throughout. Soft-touch surfaces, premium upholstery options, carefully crafted trim pieces, and thoughtful details create an environment that feels worthy of the vehicle’s premium price tag. The fit and finish are particularly impressive, reinforcing the sense that the iX was designed as a flagship product rather than simply another electric SUV.

Passenger space is another highlight. The dedicated EV architecture eliminates many of the packaging compromises found in traditional SUVs, allowing the cabin to feel noticeably more spacious than its exterior dimensions suggest. Rear-seat passengers benefit from generous legroom, while the flat floor contributes to an open and airy atmosphere.

Perhaps most importantly, the interior feels different from anything else BMW currently sells. The iX does not simply electrify an existing design. It introduces a distinct identity that helps justify its position at the forefront of BMW’s electric lineup.

Technology and Infotainment

Technology is central to the iX experience, and BMW spared little effort in making the vehicle feel genuinely advanced.

The curved display combines a digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen beneath a single glass surface. The presentation is clean, modern, and visually impressive without feeling overwhelming. Graphics are sharp, animations are smooth, and the system operates with the responsiveness expected from a premium vehicle.

BMW’s iDrive 8 interface introduces a deeper level of customization than many competitors. Drivers can tailor displays, shortcuts, and vehicle settings to suit their preferences, while voice controls have become significantly more natural than previous generations. In many situations, simple spoken commands are enough to adjust navigation, climate settings, or media functions.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring easy smartphone integration. The system also supports over-the-air updates, allowing BMW to improve functionality and add features throughout the ownership experience.

Audi and Mercedes offer excellent infotainment systems of their own, but BMW’s technology feels particularly well integrated into the overall vehicle. Rather than existing as a collection of isolated features, the digital systems work together to create a seamless experience.

For audiophiles, the available Bowers & Wilkins sound system deserves special recognition. Combined with the iX’s exceptionally quiet cabin, it delivers one of the best audio experiences currently available in any luxury SUV, electric or otherwise.

Range, Charging & Efficiency

Range anxiety remains one of the biggest concerns for potential EV buyers, and BMW clearly understood that when developing the iX. Rather than chasing headline-grabbing performance figures at the expense of usability, the company engineered an electric SUV capable of covering meaningful distances between charging stops.

The xDrive50 remains the standout choice for buyers prioritizing range. With an EPA-estimated range of up to 324 miles when properly equipped, it remains one of the longest-range luxury electric SUVs of its generation. Even several years after its introduction, those figures continue to compare favorably with many newer competitors.

Real-world performance is equally impressive. Unlike some EVs that struggle to approach their official estimates during everyday driving, the iX often delivers results that feel realistic and achievable. Careful energy management, aerodynamic efficiency, and intelligent regenerative braking all contribute to that consistency.

Wheel size plays an important role, however. Buyers attracted to the largest available wheels should be aware that range decreases noticeably as wheel size increases. The visual upgrade may be appealing, but efficiency-conscious shoppers will likely prefer the smaller wheel options.

Charging performance is another area where the BMW remains highly competitive. When connected to a compatible DC fast charger, the iX can replenish its battery from roughly 10 percent to 80 percent in about 35 minutes. While newer EVs have started pushing charging technology even further, the BMW’s charging capability remains more than adequate for long-distance travel.

Home charging is where most owners will spend the majority of their time. Using a Level 2 charger, the iX can comfortably recharge overnight, transforming the ownership experience. Instead of visiting gas stations, owners simply begin each day with a fully charged vehicle waiting in the driveway.

Perhaps the most impressive achievement is how BMW balanced efficiency with performance. Vehicles producing over 500 horsepower rarely deliver this level of range. The iX manages to combine both attributes without forcing buyers to choose between practicality and excitement.

Ultimately, the iX succeeds because it makes electric ownership feel easy. Range is sufficient for road trips, charging times are reasonable, and efficiency remains competitive even by modern standards. That combination significantly reduces many of the concerns that still discourage some luxury buyers from making the transition to an EV.

Practicality & Cargo Space

Luxury buyers often focus on technology and performance, but practicality remains a critical part of everyday ownership. Fortunately, the iX performs exceptionally well in this area.

The dedicated electric platform creates packaging advantages that traditional SUVs simply cannot match. Without a large engine, transmission tunnel, or conventional drivetrain components competing for space, BMW’s designers were able to maximize interior volume throughout the cabin.

Rear-seat passengers benefit from generous legroom and an unusually open feeling thanks to the flat floor. Even taller adults can travel comfortably, making the iX a legitimate family vehicle rather than merely a luxury commuter.

Cargo capacity is equally impressive. The rear cargo area is large enough for luggage, airport runs, family vacations, and bulky everyday items. Fold the rear seats down, and the available space expands dramatically, allowing the iX to accommodate everything from furniture boxes to sporting equipment.

The result is an electric SUV that feels every bit as practical as many traditional luxury crossovers while delivering the additional benefits of an EV platform.

Safety & Driver Assistance

BMW equipped the iX with one of the most comprehensive collections of driver-assistance technologies in its lineup, reinforcing its position as a flagship electric vehicle.

Standard safety features include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assistance systems. These technologies operate continuously in the background, helping reduce risk without overwhelming the driver.

The available Driving Assistance Professional Package adds more advanced capabilities, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-centering assistance, and traffic-jam assistance. During long highway journeys, these systems significantly reduce driver fatigue.

One area where BMW excels is system calibration. Some manufacturers rely on constant alerts and intrusive warnings that can become frustrating over time. The iX generally takes a more measured approach, providing assistance when needed while allowing drivers to remain in control.

Visibility also contributes to overall confidence behind the wheel. The elevated seating position, large glass area, and sophisticated camera systems help drivers maneuver a vehicle that might otherwise feel intimidating in tight spaces.

Safety is rarely the headline feature that attracts buyers to the iX, yet it remains one of the vehicle’s strongest attributes. Combined with the SUV’s stable handling, advanced technology, and premium engineering, the extensive safety package helps make the iX one of the most reassuring luxury EVs currently available.

Competitors Worth Considering

The BMW iX competes in a rapidly evolving segment where nearly every luxury manufacturer is investing heavily in electric vehicles. Yet despite the growing number of alternatives, the BMW continues to occupy a distinctive position.

The Tesla Model X remains the most obvious rival. It offers stronger straight-line performance, a larger charging network, and slightly better range in certain configurations. However, the BMW counters with superior material quality, a more refined ride, and an interior that feels genuinely luxurious rather than technology-focused.

Mercedes-Benz approaches the segment from a different direction with the EQE SUV and EQS SUV. Both prioritize comfort and futuristic design, creating an almost lounge-like experience inside the cabin. The BMW, however, feels more engaging to drive and maintains a stronger connection to the road without sacrificing refinement.

The Rivian R1S appeals to buyers seeking adventure and versatility. Its off-road capability, rugged character, and available third row make it a unique alternative. Yet the Rivian feels purpose-built for exploration, while the BMW is designed primarily as a luxury grand tourer.

Audi’s Q8 e-tron delivers traditional German refinement and impressive build quality, but it cannot quite match the BMW’s combination of range, performance, and technological sophistication. The Cadillac Lyriq also deserves consideration thanks to its striking design and value proposition, though it lacks the polish and dynamic capability that define the iX.

What ultimately separates the BMW from this group is balance. It blends performance, luxury, technology, practicality, and efficiency with fewer compromises than most of its competitors.

Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?

The xDrive50 remains the smartest choice in the 2023 BMW iX lineup.

While the M60 receives most of the attention thanks to its 610-horsepower output and astonishing acceleration, the reality is that the xDrive50 already delivers performance levels that exceed what most drivers will ever need. With 516 horsepower, it remains exceptionally quick while also offering the longest driving range in the lineup.

The additional range becomes more valuable over time than the extra acceleration. Owners will appreciate fewer charging stops on long journeys and greater flexibility during everyday use, particularly when temperatures are less than ideal.

Financially, the xDrive50 also makes more sense. The money saved compared with the M60 can be invested in desirable technology, comfort, and driver-assistance options that improve the ownership experience every day.

For most luxury EV buyers, the xDrive50 strikes the perfect balance between performance, efficiency, comfort, and value.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The 2023 BMW iX proves that a luxury EV can be more than a showcase for technology. It demonstrates what happens when a manufacturer with decades of engineering experience builds an electric vehicle without forgetting the qualities that made its traditional vehicles successful.

Its styling will continue to divide opinions, and that reality is unlikely to change anytime soon. Yet once drivers move beyond the exterior design, they discover one of the most complete luxury electric SUVs currently available.

The cabin is among the finest in the segment. Ride quality is exceptional. Range remains highly competitive. Technology is advanced without feeling overwhelming, and the driving experience retains enough BMW character to satisfy enthusiasts while remaining comfortable enough for everyday luxury use.

Many competitors excel in individual areas. Tesla offers superior charging infrastructure. Rivian provides greater adventure capability. Mercedes delivers remarkable comfort. The BMW’s strength is that it performs exceptionally well in nearly every category.

That balance makes the iX easy to recommend. It is not merely a good electric SUV. It is a genuinely excellent luxury vehicle that happens to be electric.

If you’re shopping for a premium EV and want a vehicle that feels sophisticated, practical, comfortable, and rewarding to drive, the 2023 BMW iX deserves a place near the very top of your shortlist.

FAQ

Does the BMW iX still feel like a traditional BMW despite being fully electric?

Surprisingly, yes. While the iX delivers power in a completely different way than BMW’s gasoline-powered models, it retains many of the characteristics that define the brand. Steering precision, chassis balance, and overall driver confidence remain present, even though the vehicle is primarily tuned for comfort and refinement rather than outright sportiness.

Is the BMW iX a better long-distance road-trip vehicle than a Tesla Model X?

For many luxury buyers, it can be. The Tesla benefits from its Supercharger network, but the BMW counters with a quieter cabin, more supportive seats, superior ride comfort, and higher-quality interior materials. Drivers who regularly spend hours behind the wheel may find the iX to be the more relaxing travel companion.

How much does wheel size affect the BMW iX’s range?

More than many buyers expect. Larger wheels improve appearance but can noticeably reduce efficiency and overall driving range. Buyers who prioritize maximum range should strongly consider the standard wheel options rather than selecting the largest available designs.

Is the BMW iX too technology-focused for buyers who prefer traditional controls?

There is certainly a learning curve. Many functions are integrated into the touchscreen interface, and BMW’s iDrive 8 system offers extensive customization. However, the interface is generally well organized, and most owners adapt quickly after a short period of use. The technology feels advanced without becoming unnecessarily complicated.

Will the 2023 BMW iX age well compared to newer electric SUVs?

Its technology will inevitably be surpassed by future EVs, but the qualities that make the iX appealing extend far beyond specifications. Interior craftsmanship, ride comfort, refinement, passenger space, and driving dynamics tend to remain valuable long after range figures and charging speeds become outdated. Those strengths should help the iX remain desirable for many years.