Last year BMW launched the iX as their new technology flagship, but the fully electric SAV was missing a true performance variant by the BMW M GmbH department. This changes today with the reveal of the iX M60, the fastest and most powerful iX to date with up to 610 hp from its dual-motor layout. The iX M60 might not be the first M-branded electric vehicle as this title goes to the i4 M50, however it is the first one based on BMW Group’s new future modular architecture incorporating the latest tech. It also benefits from the iX’s aluminum spaceframe, carbon cage, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic panels.
Visually, only minor features are
differentiating this model from lesser variants. These include the M60 emblem
on the tailgate, the 21-inch Aero Bi-color Wheels (22-inch wheels are
optional), the blue-painted M-branded brake calipers, and the optional BMW
Individual Titanium Bronze exterior package. More importantly, the six-phase
operated electric powertrain with a double inverter consists of two M-specific
electric motors with a combined output of up to 610 hp when
Sport Mode is engaged, up from the standard 533 hp. Still,
this is a healthy increase over the 496 hp of the dual-motor
xDrive50 that used to be the most powerful iX until now.
Additionally, in the new iX M60 the
combined torque is 1,015 Nm, growing up to an even more impressive 1,100 Nm when Launch Control is activated. As a result, the SAV can
accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 3.6 seconds, while top speed is
electronically limited to 250 km/h. The low-positioned lithium-ion
battery pack has the same capacity of 106.3 kWh as in the lesser variants, offering
up to 450 km of driving range according to BMW’s preliminary EPA
estimate.
The suspension comprises of a
double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle but the M60 gets a
standard adaptive dual-axle air suspension system with electronically
adjustable dampers and automatic level control. This is combined with the
Integral Active Steering system and M Sport Brakes enhancing the driving
dynamics. Since the iX M60 is said to combine the best of three worlds, namely
BMW i (electric), BMW X (sports activity vehicles), and BMW M GmbH
(performance), it comes with a pretty long list of standard features. Among
those, we find an array of driver assistance systems, the Sport Package, BMW
Laser Light headlights, Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof, the BMW Live Cockpit
Professional (a curved panel with 12.3-inch and 14.9-inch screens), Natural
Interaction (voice commands), a 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond
Surround Sound System, four-zone automatic climate control, perforated SensaTec
or perforated leather upholstery, Active Seat Ventilation for the front seats
and the Radiant Heating Package.
The iX M60 was scheduled to launch in CES
2022 but BMW opted out moving all media activities to a digital program
livestreamed from Germany. The range-topping electric SAV carries an MSRP of US$ 105,100, plus a US$ 995 destination and handling fee, and its US market launch is
set for June 2022.
