ELECTRIC VEHICLES31 JUL 2026BMW iX xdrive60: Where luxury is woven into an experienceDiscover how the BMW iX xDrive60 redefines luxury electric motoring on South African roads, offering a serene air-carpet ride, impressive real-world range, and a lounge-like…4 min read

With a serene air-carpet ride, impressive real-world range and a lounge-like interior, BMW’s flagship electric SUV sets a high benchmark for luxury EV motoring on South African roads Having spent considerable time behind the wheels of various electric vehicles navigating South African roads, I’ve grown accustomed to a familiar trade-off. Heavy battery packs usually require firm suspension setups to keep body roll in check, resulting in a ride that can feel brittle over broken asphalt, expansion joints and the occasional unexpected pothole. The BMW iX xdrive60 completely upends that dynamic.

I’ve been driving this car for a few days now and there’s just something about it that screams premium electric. To put it simply, it floats. The dual-axle air suspension swallows high-frequency road imperfections before they ever reach your seat, turning chaotic daily commutes into a quiet, effortless glide.

That tranquil composure easily tricks you into forgetting what’s under your right foot. But the moment you decide to flatten your foot, the car responds instantly with violence. Packing 400 kW and 765 Nm of pure, unfiltered electric torque, it pinned me into the seat so hard I genuinely wondered if I’d wake up with a touch of whiplash the next morning.

[paywall]

There’s no wind-up, no gearbox hesitation—just a violent, instantaneous surge that slingshots 2.5 tonnes of SUV forward like a lightweight hypercar. The hexagonal steering shape might look odd at first glance but I adjusted to it almost immediately. It’s light, direct and easy to turn, while the flat top and bottom give you an unobstructed view of the digital display.

Paired with rear-wheel steering, the bulky iX maneuvers through tight spaces with surprisingly light-footed agility. Despite that explosive power, it manages its energy with impressive composure. Sitting mid-week with 40% battery left and a comfortable 250 km of range remaining on the dashboard, it proves that a realistic 600 km total range is well within reach—taking the anxiety out of long-distance EV travel.

[/paywall]