2023 BMW iX M60 Review

The luxury electric vehicle market in Malaysia has been heating up in recent years, with consumers increasingly demanding high-performance, long-range electric models. In the niche of executive-class pure electric SUVs, there is a growing demand for products that combine a sense of luxury with practical performance to fill the gap. The 2023 BMW iX M60, as the high-performance electric SUV under the brand, is equipped with a 540-horsepower dual-motor system and offers an official range of 561 kilometers, a highly competitive combination of specifications in its class. The primary aim of this test drive is to verify the actual performance of this vehicle in daily driving, highway cruising, and charging convenience to determine if it meets Malaysian consumers' expectations for a luxury electric vehicle.

From the exterior perspective, the design of the iX M60 continues the family style of BMW's i series. Its overall lines are rounded and smooth, with no traditional combustion engine grille. Instead, a closed kidney grille design is used, paired with chrome trim around it, giving it a high degree of recognition. The innovative LED headlights have sharp styling and are connected to the kidney grille, offering a striking visual effect when lit. The side profile is characterized by a waistline that extends from the front fender to the rear, paired with 21-inch multi-spoke wheels, exuding both solidity and a hint of sportiness. At the rear, the taillights feature a through-type design, with BMW's iconic badge embedded in the center. The diffuser-style elements below enhance the car's sporty look.

Sitting inside, the cabin exudes a sense of luxury. The dashboard is wrapped in large areas of soft-touch materials, accented with metal trim and wood grain panels, giving it a refined texture. A 14.9-inch central touchscreen is seamlessly integrated with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, creating a floating dual-screen design; the controls are smooth, and the display quality is excellent. The multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in leather with a logical button layout and a comfortable grip. The front seats offer electric adjustments and memory functions, with soft leather and excellent support, making long rides fatigue-free. The rear seating space is exceptional as well, with a wheelbase of 3,000mm. A 180cm-tall passenger sitting in the back seat has about two fist widths of legroom and ample headroom. The trunk capacity is 500 liters and can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats, meeting the storage needs of family trips.

In terms of power, the iX M60 pairs dual motors on both the front and rear axles, delivering a combined system output of 540 horsepower and a maximum torque of 1,100 N·m. The official 0-100km/h acceleration takes just 3.8 seconds. During actual driving, the initial power response is very fast. A light press on the accelerator provides a strong sense of thrust; during overtaking, stepping harder on the accelerator produces continuous and abundant power output. Even at high speeds, the acceleration remains robust. The vehicle provides three driving modes: Sport, Comfort, and Eco. When switched to Sport mode, power output becomes more aggressive, and the steering wheel feels heavier, offering more driving pleasure.

In terms of handling, the iX M60 is equipped with a double-wishbone independent suspension at the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear. The chassis tuning leans towards sporty characteristics while maintaining comfort. When cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and the steering is precise, inspiring sufficient confidence. On bumpy roads, the suspension effectively absorbs most vibrations, so passengers inside will not feel obvious discomfort. However, due to the vehicle's considerable weight, a certain sense of inertia can still be felt during quick lane changes.

In terms of range and charging, the official pure electric range is 561 kilometers. In actual tests, under mixed road conditions, the range achievement rate is approximately 80%, which means an actual range of around 450 kilometers, basically sufficient to meet daily commuting and short-distance travel needs. The power consumption is about 26kWh per 100 kilometers, which is close to the official figure. As for charging speed, using a fast-charging station, it takes only about 40 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. With a slow charger, it takes 6.25 hours. Charging convenience performs decently under the current charging infrastructure in Malaysia.

Regarding quietness, the performance of the iX M60 is commendable. As an electric vehicle, it does not have engine noise, and during driving, wind noise and tire noise are well controlled. Even at high speeds, the cabin maintains a relatively quiet environment. The regenerative braking system has three adjustable levels, with the highest level providing strong regenerative force. When releasing the accelerator, the vehicle noticeably decelerates, making it suitable for use in congested urban areas, effectively enhancing the range.

In terms of safety configuration, the iX M60 comes standard with six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and other safety features. The 360-degree panoramic camera and automatic parking assist also bring convenience to daily driving.

Overall, the 2023 BMW iX M60 performs well in terms of power, luxury features, and range. Compared to electric vehicles in the same class, it offers stronger performance output and a more luxurious interior feel. Although the price reaches RM 645,630, making it a high-end model, considering the overall product strength, it remains highly competitive. This car is suitable for consumers who pursue high performance and luxurious quality. Whether for daily commuting or long-distance travel, it can meet the needs well. If you are a user with high expectations for electric vehicles and a sufficient budget, the iX M60 is definitely worth considering.