If you’re looking at a BMW iX and wondering whether it can tow a camper, boat, or utility trailer, you’re not alone. The BMW iX towing capacity and range story is a little more nuanced than a simple “yes or no” – especially if you’re planning longer road trips or shopping the used market.
Short answer
BMW iX towing capacity and range: quick overview
BMW iX towing & range at a glance
On paper, the iX is one of the more capable EV tow vehicles sold today: strong dual‑motor all‑wheel drive, a large battery, and high European tow ratings. In practice, it’s an excellent choice for short- to medium‑distance towing, moving boats, utility trailers, and many travel trailers, so long as you’re realistic about how much range you’ll have and how often you’ll need to fast‑charge.
Important
BMW iX tow ratings by model and market
BMW sells several iX variants globally. Hardware is similar, but the official tow rating you see on paper depends on the model year, trim, and whether you’re in North America or Europe.
BMW iX towing capacity by trim (typical published figures)
Approximate factory ratings. Always confirm for the exact vehicle and market you’re in.
| Model / Market | Tow package required? | Braked trailer rating | Unbraked trailer rating | Tongue / vertical load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iX xDrive40 (EU) | Yes | 2,500 kg (≈5,512 lbs) | 750 kg (≈1,653 lbs) | 100 kg (≈220 lbs) |
| iX xDrive50 (EU) | Yes | 2,500 kg (≈5,512 lbs) | 750 kg (≈1,653 lbs) | 100 kg (≈220 lbs) |
| iX xDrive50 (U.S., typical spec) | Yes | ≈3,500 lbs | Not typically specified | ≈350 lbs |
| iX M60 / M70 (EU) | Yes | 2,500 kg (≈5,512 lbs) | 750 kg (≈1,653 lbs) | 100 kg (≈220 lbs) |
| iX without tow package (all) | No | 0 lbs (no towing approved) | 0 lbs | N/A |
BMW iX tow ratings vary by region; European figures are typically higher than U.S. ratings.
European data for the iX xDrive40 and xDrive50 commonly shows a 2,500 kg (about 5,500‑lb) braked towing capacity with a 100‑kg vertical load limit, when equipped with the factory towing package. U.S. spec sheets and third‑party data often list a lower 3,500‑lb maximum towing capacity for the iX, again assuming a factory hitch.
No factory hitch, no towing
- BMW iX xDrive40 / xDrive45: dual‑motor AWD, lower battery capacity, same basic tow rating as higher trims in Europe.
- BMW iX xDrive50 / xDrive60: larger battery, more power, similar tow rating but better range headroom when towing.
- BMW iX M60 / M70: performance focus, similar official tow rating but heavier and more power‑hungry.
How towing actually affects BMW iX range
Range is where towing in an EV feels very different from a gasoline SUV. The iX has strong acceleration even with a trailer, but that performance pulls a lot of energy from the battery. For planning, it’s more useful to think in terms of percentage range loss than a fixed number of miles.
Solo driving (no trailer)
- iX xDrive50: EPA‑rated up to ~324 miles with 20" wheels, around 300+ miles in many real‑world tests.
- M60 and performance trims: lower ratings (around 290–300 miles), thanks to more power and larger wheels.
- Energy use: owners often see 30–35 kWh per 100 miles in mixed driving at U.S. highway speeds.
Towing at highway speeds
- Independent towing tests with other EVs and the iX show roughly a 50–60% range drop is common when towing near the rated maximum.
- Heavier, boxy trailers (tall campers, car haulers) hurt range more than small, low‑profile trailers.
- Speed is critical: jumping from ~60 mph to 75 mph can be the difference between a 40% and 60% range hit.
Aerodynamics matter more than weight
Real-world tests: towing with the BMW iX
A few independent tests in Europe and the U.K. provide useful benchmarks for what you can expect from a BMW iX when towing.
What real tests show about iX range while towing
Use these as directional benchmarks, not guarantees.
iX xDrive40 caravan test
In U.K. testing with a caravan near the iX’s 85% kerb‑weight guideline, an iX xDrive40 managed about 78 miles on a full charge while towing.
Solo, the same car ran just under 200 miles on the route – roughly a 60% range reduction when towing.
Lighter trailer scenario
With a smaller ~1,300‑kg (≈2,900‑lb) caravan, the iX’s towing range improved by roughly 25–30%, but still stayed under 100 miles per charge in that test loop.
Editorial towing impressions
BMW‑focused outlets towing ~5,000‑lb trailers with an iX report that real‑world towing range can still be 100+ miles per charge in mixed conditions – enough for short hauls or boat duty.
Put simply, the iX is capable of towing close to its official rating, but you should plan for somewhere between one‑third and one‑half of the solo range when you’re near max trailer weight and driving at typical freeway speeds.
Rule‑of‑thumb for trip planning
Is the BMW iX a good tow vehicle? Use cases and limits
Whether the BMW iX is “good” for towing depends on what you need it to do. It’s built more like a luxury crossover that can tow than a dedicated tow rig. For many owners, that’s exactly the right balance.
Where the iX shines
- Boat launches and lake runs: Short, repeatable trips with access to DC fast charging nearby.
- Weekend camping trips within 75–100 miles: Especially with mid‑size or aerodynamic campers.
- Utility and landscape trailers: Hauling gear or toys where the trailer sits low and narrow.
- Occasional car‑hauler duty: Short distances to tracks or shops when range isn’t critical.
Where it struggles
- Long‑distance RV travel: Repeated 60–90‑mile charging legs can get tiring on multi‑day trips.
- Remote destinations: Sparse DC fast charging makes it harder to plan when you have a heavy trailer.
- Very tall, heavy fifth‑wheels or triple‑axle campers: Often over the iX’s official limits and aerodynamically punishing.
When the iX makes lots of sense
Planning range and charging stops when towing
Effective towing in a BMW iX is less about squeezing every last mile from the battery and more about building a comfortable rhythm: drive, charge, stretch, repeat. Here’s how to set yourself up for success.
BMW iX towing trip planning checklist
1. Know your real solo range first
Before you hook up a trailer, run your iX on a regular highway loop and see what range you actually get at your typical speed. Use that as your starting baseline.
2. Apply a 40–60% range penalty
For near‑max trailer weights, assume you’ll get only <strong>40–60% of your solo range</strong>. If you normally see 280 miles, budget 110–150 miles at best with a big trailer, then cut that further for winter or high winds.
3. Plan conservative charging stops
Use apps like A Better Routeplanner, PlugShare, or your iX’s built‑in nav to target DC fast chargers every 60–90 miles. Stopping more often but for shorter sessions can be less stressful than running the battery down deeply.
4. Favor high‑power DC fast chargers
Look for 150 kW or 200 kW stations where possible, those better match the iX’s DC capability. That keeps your 10–80% fast‑charge window closer to the published 30–40 minutes.
5. Factor in terrain and weather
Climbs, headwinds, cold temperatures, and wet roads all increase consumption. Build a buffer into your plan, arriving at chargers with 15–20% state of charge rather than single digits.
6. Practice with a shakedown trip
Before a big vacation, do a shorter towing run on familiar roads. Take notes on energy use, charging times, and how your specific trailer behaves.
Charging with a trailer attached
Towing tech and features built into the BMW iX
The iX may not look like a traditional tow rig, but it quietly bakes in a lot of towing‑friendly hardware and software, especially when optioned correctly.
Key BMW iX towing‑related features
Most of these show up on U.S. and European builds, especially with factory tow prep.
Dual‑motor AWD and instant torque
All iX trims use dual motors with all‑wheel drive. Electric torque at low speeds makes hill starts and boat ramps feel easy compared with some turbocharged gas SUVs.
Adaptive air suspension (on many trims)
Optional air suspension can help keep the iX level under tongue weight, improving stability and comfort with a loaded trailer.
Factory retractable tow bar (EU)
European models often offer an electrically retractable tow bar with a rated 2,500‑kg braked capacity and 100‑kg vertical load.
Built‑in trailer stability and drive modes
Like most modern BMWs, the iX integrates traction and stability control tuned for towing. Some software updates also refine drive modes and regen for smoother trailer behavior.
Brake controller and wiring
Buying a used BMW iX for towing: what to check
If you’re shopping the used market, it’s worth taking a closer look at how the vehicle was used and what it’s equipped to tow. This is where a platform like Recharged can simplify the process: every EV we list includes a Recharged Score battery health report, transparent history, and expert guidance tailored to how you plan to use the vehicle, including towing.
Used BMW iX towing checklist
1. Confirm factory tow equipment
Check the original build sheet or window sticker for the towing package or retractable tow bar. Visually inspect the hitch assembly and wiring. Avoid heavy towing with aftermarket hardware that isn’t properly engineered or certified.
2. Review battery health and fast‑charging history
Towing means <strong>more energy per mile</strong> and often more DC fast charging. Ask for a battery health report and charging history. On Recharged, this is surfaced in the Recharged Score to help you compare iX listings with confidence.
3. Inspect brakes, tires, and suspension
Extra weight works chassis components harder. Look for uneven tire wear, brake rotor lip or discoloration, and any suspension noises over bumps. A pre‑purchase inspection from a shop familiar with BMW EVs is money well spent.
4. Ask how it was used
Occasional light towing to the lake is very different from weekly, near‑max‑weight towing on long trips. Service records and owner interviews can help you understand prior use.
5. Test drive with weight (if possible)
If the seller is open to it, test drive with a small trailer, or at least with a fully loaded vehicle. Listen for noises, feel for stability, and watch energy consumption.
How Recharged can help
FAQ: BMW iX towing capacity and range
Common BMW iX towing questions
Bottom line: who the BMW iX is (and isn’t) for
If your priority is a quiet, high‑tech, fully electric luxury SUV that can also legitimately tow a boat, camper, or utility trailer, the BMW iX is one of the strongest options on the market. Its official tow ratings, especially in Europe, are competitive with many midsize SUVs, and real‑world testing shows that, while range takes a substantial hit under load, you can still complete meaningful towing trips with smart planning.
Where the iX falls short is as a dedicated long‑haul RV hauler. If you’re dragging a big camper across three time zones, an electric SUV in 2025 still asks more of its driver than a diesel truck does. But for mixed use, daily commuting, family duty, and a few towing weekends per year, an iX can do the job with style.
If you’re ready to explore a used BMW iX that fits your towing plans, Recharged can help you compare listings with verified battery health, fair pricing, and EV‑specialist support from trade‑in and financing to nationwide delivery. That way, you can spend less time guessing about range and more time enjoying the drive, and the trailer behind you.
