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.