Range anxiety remains the biggest barrier to EV adoption, and BMW knows it. The iX M70, with its 111.5 kWh battery and EPA-rated 305 miles of range, is BMW's answer to long-distance electric travel. We put it to the ultimate test: a 540-mile round trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas through the Mojave Desert.
The Route
Our route followed I-15, the same path millions of Southern Californians take to Vegas. Elevation changes are significant — you climb from sea level to 4,200 feet at Mountain Pass before descending into the desert. Summer temperatures can exceed 110°F, but our February trip saw mild 65-75°F conditions.
Outbound: LA to Vegas
We departed fully charged from Santa Monica. With climate set to 72°F and traveling at posted speed limits (70-80 mph), the iX M70 consumed energy at approximately 2.8 miles per kWh. We arrived at the Barstow Supercharger (BMW's ChargeForward network partner) with 47% battery after 120 miles. A 22-minute stop brought us to 85%. The remaining 150 miles to Vegas was covered with 34% remaining — more than enough.
Charging Infrastructure
BMW's ChargeForward partnership with Electrify America means plug-and-charge functionality at over 800 stations nationwide. Peak charge rate on the iX M70 hit 196 kW in our testing, adding roughly 90 miles in 15 minutes. The integration with the BMW Maps system is seamless — the car pre-conditions the battery for optimal charging when you route to a station.
The Verdict
The iX M70 handled the LA-to-Vegas corridor with less planning than we expected. Two charging stops each way, totaling under 90 minutes of charging for the entire round trip. For a family road trip, that aligns naturally with meal and rest stops. BMW has closed the convenience gap significantly.