BMW iX M60 and Mercedes EQXX, Two Different Visions of Germany's EV Age

Just in time for January’s biggest event of 2022, the Las Vegas-based Consumer Electronics Show, both Mercedes-Benz and BMW came up with new real-world or intended EV flagships. Sure, the 2023 BMW iX M60 is a production-series zero-emission crossover. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX is a project car with the mission to deliver the best EV efficiency. And it looks like a sleek sedan.

Naturally, that should render the iX M60 and Vision EQXX incompatible for a direct comparison. And we are not here to try and bend the rules of engagement. But it’s also possible to highlight their differing visions (pun intended) regarding the road to electromobility. After all, they seek to bring the best of many worlds together.

BMW, if we start in alphabetical order, has decided to try and tame the iX (dear God, what a truly insipid name) ugliness with a little bit of M GmbH sportiness. Sure, some fans might not have anything against the design of this EV crossover SUV, but let’s face it – the styling gives mixed feelings aplenty to everyone else. Anyway, the iX eludes that with a focus on mashing up “the best of three worlds: i, X, and M.”

Frankly, one could argue the positive quantities differ in this high-riding potion, but at least the technical details are mesmerizing. Briefly, there is going to be up to 610 horsepower (Sport Boost), which is enough to hit 60 mph/96 kph in a mere 3.6 seconds. Top speed is equally impressive at 155 mph (250 kph) with summer performance tires, but even more important is the EPA range. That one reaches up to 280 miles (451 km) on a single charge of the 111.5 kWh (106.3 net) battery pack.

It will arrive at the EV party around the world from June, but we only have U.S.-market pricing for now. It is quite expensive at an MSRP of $105,100 (plus $995 destination and handling). Alas, these are the crazy times we roll in. Besides, the Bavarian automaker promises a lot of perks for the iX M60. Among them, electric AWD via two motors, a bespoke M-enhanced adaptive dual-axle air suspension, and many more.

As for Mercedes-Benz, although we can easily assume the Vision EQXX looks decidedly road legal, for now, it’s just a project. Albeit one that’s fitted with a cool “EQX 2022E” license plate. So, perhaps Daimler is blatantly hinting at a possible series-production new name. Wouldn’t it be fittingly ironic if Mercedes had an EQX four-door sedan, whereas BMW has an iX crossover SUV?

Assumptions aside, Mercedes-Benz created “a new technology blueprint for series production.” Not today’s manufacturing, though. We can all read between the lines and easily understand that Daimler is looking for a solution to everyone’s Tesla Model S Long Range and Lucid Air EV predicament. After all, it’s easy to understand why not everyone approves of the sleek four-door design. But also, logically assume that it was necessary to have both Tesla and Lucid in the crosshairs.

In their own words, the Vision EQXX is how Mercedes imagines the future of electromobility. A project that in just one-and-a-half years delivered “the most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever built – with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 km (62 miles).” As well as a drag coefficient of just 0.17, and a battery pack that would fit even inside a compact vehicle. While it’s still able to provide a range of more than 1,000 km (621 miles) on a single charge.

Well, these two might have slightly or overtly controversial designs, but based on their technical capabilities we can still say the German EV future looks good...