BMW iX M60 Review

The luxury electric vehicle market has gained popularity in Malaysia in recent years, with consumers demanding more diverse performance, features, and range. As the high-performance version of the BMW iX series, the 2024 iX M60 targets the high-end executive-level pure electric SUV segment with its core selling points of a dual-motor system delivering 619 horsepower, a peak torque of 1110 N·m, and an official range of 561 kilometers, striving for a balance between performance and luxury. This article presents a static experience and dynamic test drive to analyze whether this car meets the needs of users seeking the ultimate experience.

In terms of appearance, the 2024 iX M60 continues the sci-fi style of the iX series, with smooth and flowing lines devoid of the complex waistlines of traditional fuel vehicles, offering high recognizability. The front end adopts a closed dual kidney grille with a geometric texture on the surface, paired with slender LED headlights on both sides, delivering strong visual impact; the headlights support automatic on/off and daytime running light functions, creating a sharp design when lit. The dimensions of the side profile are 4953mm in length, 1967mm in width, and 1969mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3000mm, giving it a sleek proportion. The 21-inch alloy wheels equipped with 255/50 R21 tires fill the wheel arches, giving the vehicle a solid and stable look. The rear design is minimalist, featuring a full-width LED taillight assembly as the main highlight, with neatly arranged internal light strips providing high recognizability when illuminated. The lower part of the rear bumper lacks exhaust pipes, aligning with its electric car identity, presenting an overall style that echoes the front design.

Sitting inside, the interior adopts a minimalist luxury theme, with the center console wrapped in a significant amount of soft-touch materials complemented by wood grain decorative panels and metal accents, offering a refined tactile experience. The central control area comprises a 14.9-inch floating touchscreen and a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster seamlessly connected, delivering high operational smoothness. The system supports functions such as navigation, Bluetooth, and CarPlay, with a clear and logical interface. In terms of configuration, the front seats offer electric adjustment and driver seat memory functions, with soft padding and sufficient support; the rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 ratio, expanding the trunk capacity (which is 500L in its default state). For practicality, the central armrest box in the front row provides ample storage space, while the door panel storage compartments can hold two bottles of mineral water. Both the front and rear rows feature USB ports and a 220V power supply, and the rear row has independent air conditioning outlets, meeting daily usage needs. Additionally, features like a HUD heads-up display, Harman Kardon 18-speaker sound system, and keyless entry are standard, fully enhancing the sense of luxury.

The spaciousness matches the expectations for an executive-level SUV, with the 3000mm wheelbase creating a roomy seating area. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, there is a fist and two fingers of headroom available. For rear-seat passengers who are 180cm tall, there is two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, while even the middle seat does not feel cramped. In terms of storage capacity, the trunk offers a standard 500L of space, which can accommodate three 20-inch suitcases and meet the needs of family travel; the vehicle also provides abundant storage compartments for small items like phones and wallets.

During the dynamic test drive, the dual-motor system delivers a maximum power of 455kW (619PS) and a peak torque of 1110 N·m, achieving an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds. The power response is quick during takeoff, and pressing the accelerator firmly provides a strong pushback sensation. Overtaking requires only a light press of the accelerator, as power is promptly output, and the car retains robust acceleration capability even at high-speed cruising. There are three driving modes: Sport, Comfort, and Eco. In Sport mode, the power output is more aggressive, while Comfort mode is smoother and more suitable for daily commuting.

In terms of handling, the front double-wishbone + rear multi-link independent suspension combination is tuned for a sporty feel while ensuring comfort. Body roll is well-controlled during cornering, with precise steering, minimal dead zone, and moderate feedback strength. On bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most of the fine vibrations, maintaining some road feel without compromising comfort. As a pure electric SUV with a weight of 2585kg, it has a solid chassis and demonstrates strong stability at high speeds. The all-wheel-drive system performs excellently on slippery roads, with no wheel spin when starting, enhancing driving safety.

In terms of range and energy consumption, the official range is 561 kilometers. During our test drive under mixed urban and highway conditions, with air conditioning set to auto at 24°C, the final range achievement rate was about 85%, and energy consumption was 26.3kWh per 100 kilometers, which is close to the official figure of 24.7kWh. In fast-charging mode, it takes 35 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%, while slow charging requires 10.75 hours, meeting the recharging needs for long trips.

The driving and riding comfort details are well executed, with excellent cabin insulation. Wind and tire noise remain at low levels even at high speeds. The energy recovery system offers three adjustable levels. At the highest level, releasing the accelerator pedal provides significant drag, while the lowest level feels similar to a fuel-powered car's coasting experience. The seats are highly comfortable, ensuring no fatigue during long rides. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps, providing a smooth ride over speed bumps without harsh impacts.

In conclusion, the 2024 iX M60's core strengths lie in its powerful performance, luxurious interior features, and spacious design. Compared to similar models like the Tesla Model X Plaid, its interior luxury is more prominent, with richer features. Against the Audi e-tron GT, it offers a clear space advantage. Overall, this vehicle balances performance, luxury, and practicality, making it suitable for high-end users pursuing an ultimate driving experience or families in need of executive-level space. If you are looking for a pure electric SUV that can cater to daily commuting while unleashing powerful performance when needed, the 2024 iX M60 is worth considering.