xDrive50

The BMW iX sits at the top of BMW's electric lineup as a full-size luxury SUV competing against the Mercedes EQS SUV and Audi e-tron. Critics consistently highlight its genuinely driver-focused dynamics — unusual for a large electric crossover — alongside one of the most distinctive and polarizing exterior designs in the segment. The xDrive50 offers a practical 309-mile EPA range, while the performance-oriented M60 trades roughly 30 miles of range for a substantial 610-hp output. Reviewers from Car and Driver and MotorTrend have praised its interior quality and driving refinement as benchmarks in the electric luxury SUV class.

xDrive50 delivers 309 miles of EPA-rated range, competitive against the Audi e-tron and Mercedes EQS SUV at its price point

M60 variant hits 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds with 610 hp, making it one of the quickest large luxury SUVs available

Interior quality and materials — including optional Merino leather, open-pore wood, and a curved display — are rated among the best in the EV segment by Edmunds and Car and Driver

Steering feel and chassis tuning provide a noticeably more driver-engaged character than most electric SUV competitors, per MotorTrend road tests

DC fast charging at up to 195 kW on the xDrive50 allows for reasonably quick charge stops on long trips

Exterior styling is highly divisive — the large hexagonal kidney grille and unconventional proportions have drawn consistent criticism from reviewers and buyers

M60's EPA range drops to 280 miles despite its $112,300 base price, a meaningful penalty for a six-figure performance variant

iDrive 8 infotainment relies heavily on touch and voice inputs, with reduced physical controls that some reviewers, including InsideEVs, note require adaptation

Base xDrive50 price of $88,300 positions it at a premium over rivals before options, which can push the as-tested price well past $100,000

Mercedes-Benz

EQE 350+ SUV

EQE 350 4MATIC SUV

EQE 500 4MATIC SUV

EQE SUV

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV slots between the smaller EQA/EQB crossovers and the flagship EQS SUV, targeting luxury buyers who want a practical five-seat footprint without stepping up to the larger model's price. Built on the same dedicated EVA2 platform as the EQS, it carries over much of that car's technology and interior craftsmanship. Reviewers consistently highlight the available Hyperscreen dashboard and the genuinely premium cabin quality, while also noting that its real-world range and charging speeds trail rivals like the BMW iX and Cadillac LYRIQ at this price point.

Cabin materials and fit-and-finish are broadly praised as class-appropriate, with soft-touch surfaces and Mercedes-typical attention to detail throughout

The optional MBUX Hyperscreen spans the entire dashboard and draws consistent attention from reviewers for its visual impact and functionality

EQE 500 4MATIC trims reach 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, providing strong real-world passing and merging performance for a mid-size luxury SUV

Ride quality is repeatedly described as smooth and well-composed on the standard air suspension, absorbing highway imperfections without harshness

At 279 miles EPA-rated, the rear-wheel-drive 350+ trim leads the lineup in range and represents the most efficient entry point into the EQE SUV family

DC fast charging is capped at 170 kW, which lags behind rivals like the Cadillac LYRIQ (190 kW) and BMW iX xDrive50 (195 kW) and results in longer stops on road trips

The 4MATIC variants drop EPA range to 253 miles, a meaningful reduction that reviewers at InsideEVs and Car and Driver flag as below average for the segment and price

The MBUX infotainment system draws repeated criticism for burying common climate and audio functions in submenus, requiring multiple taps for tasks that physical controls would handle immediately

Starting at $79,050 before options, and with popular packages adding thousands quickly, the EQE SUV is expensive relative to rivals that offer comparable or greater range for less money

	BMW iX	Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
Body type	SUV	SUV
Trims	2	3
Starting price	$88,300	$79,050
Max EPA range	309 mi	279 mi
Max power	610 hp	402 hp
Quickest 0–60	3.6 s	4.6 s
Federal tax credit	Not eligible	$7,500 eligible
Drive options	Dual-Motor AWD	Single-Motor RWD Dual-Motor AWD
	Full BMW iX specs →	Full Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV specs →

BMW iX vs. Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV