2023 BMW iX M60
The exceptions to the vehicle’s open design simplicity are the glass seating levers located on the door panels. A traditional shift lever has been replaced by a small, horizontal glass fob. It glides through gearing best accomplished with finesse; it doesn’t shift.
Acceleration, steady comfortable driving and braking are the iX 60M’s fortes. The sub-four-second power allows confidence in all traffic scenarios. Need to maneuver through traffic? It’s never an issue.
The signature BMW trait is highway speed driving. The flagship SUV complies, with a caveat. The vehicle advances so smoothly, cruising far above the speed limit is an unintentional given. It takes a determined effort to keep the car’s wont to power down the road in check.
Air suspension is standard, further adding to the SUV’s superior maneuvering around traffic, negotiating corners and in all other driving situations.
One-pedal driving is increasingly available on high-end vehicles and it’s included on the iX 60M. The braking system has three levels of energy regeneration. Ease off the throttle and the vehicle slows. The feel requires an adjustment from conventional braking. But driving without having to remove your right foot to brake unless it’s suddenly needed is a welcomed, simplified process.
The BMW’s appeal is further complemented in several areas. It has a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof. Brake calipers are painted the well-known BMW blue. The seat belts match.
For audiophiles’ pleasure, the Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system is top-line with its 30-speaker/1,615-watt presentation.
Quiet, smooth driving and a simple, posh environment in which to do so catapults the new BMW to the top of the carmaker’s offerings. Brand enthusiasts will further tout the manufacturer. New BMW owners will rejoice at their first-time purchase.
Nothing BMW does comes cheap. The MSRP for the 2023 iX M60 is $105,100. Its options and taxes push the price to $109,270. For car buyers with $100,000 budgets, the new electric SUV is high-end value.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, publishes a free weekly automotive podcast and electronic newsletter available on his website, www. theweeklydriver.com. He can be reached via email: james@ jamesraia.com.