BMW iX M60 High Performance Electric SUV with M Division Flair
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BMW launched the iX electric crossover as its technology flagship, so there is no reason why it would not get a high performance version with "M" name. It was not a matter of if but a question of when? Now, the German premium carmaker answered that question by unveiling the 2023 BMW iX M60.
BMW iX M60 Combines Best Of Three Worlds
BMW touts the iX M60 as an embodiment of the best of three worlds: BMW i, BMW X models and BMW M. Central to its electrifying performance are two electric motors operating on M-specific current-energized synchronous machine principle. This means that metered electrical energy, instead of permanent magnets, excites the rotor. This results in higher peak power delivered in the typical BMW M manner.
When the driver engages the Sport Mode and activates the Launch Control, the electric drive system of the iX M60 delivers 610 hp of max output and 811 lb-ft of instantaneous torque. With such huge amount of power, the iX M60 can zoom from nil to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. Since this intense power delivery continues steadily into high load ranges, the iX M60 retains almost the same pace until it reaches its electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The BMW iX M60 boasts a low drag coefficient (Cx) of just 0.26, which doesnt only benefit performance, but also the EVs efficiency and range.
Superior Handling And Cornering In M Style
BMW built the iX M60 with low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution. This allows the iX M60 to offer superior performance not just on the straight line, but also when negotiating corners. The iX M60 features precisely controlled handling that ensures a more confident drive at all speeds and the typical BMW M driving feedback.
RELATED: BMW Concept Previews The Most Powerful Series Production M Car Ever
Also aiding the dynamics of the BMW iX M60 is its suspension technology comprised of a double-wishbone front axle, a five-link rear axle, and electric steering with Servotronic assist and a variable ratio. BMW also fitted the iX M60 with an M-calibrated adaptive dual-axle air suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers.
Underpinned by the BMW Group's new future modular system, the iX M60 features a new generation of sensors, new software, and a powerful computing platform.
To Arrive In The US This June 2022
The iX M60 distinguishes itself from the standard model with special M details, including blue painted calipers and the M logo. Optional exterior elements are also available. The iX M60 will arrive in the United States in June 2022.
Source: BMW
New BMW iX electric SUV: prices, specs and range-topping M60 model
This is the new BMW iX M60: a high-performance version of the German brands flagship electric SUV that has the Tesla Model X Plaid squarely in its crosshairs. The new range-topping model will arrive in summer 2022, with prices starting from 111,905.
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The latest electric M BMWs dual-motor four-wheel-drive setup produces 611bhp and 1,100Nm of torque; enough to propel the iX M60 from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph. It also has a range of up to 357 miles, which is likely thanks to the same 105.2kWh battery used in the xDrive50 version, although BMW hasnt disclosed the new variants battery size at the time of writing.
This new performance-focused iX also gets M-specific settings for the cars air suspension, aimed at sharpening up the handling, as well as 22-inch alloy wheels, Titanium Bronze detailing on the kidney grilles and M badges and other design changes that distinguish it from other models in the iX line-up.
The first two versions of the BMW iX arrived in November 2021, with both the xDrive40 and xDrive50 available in Sport and M Sport trims. The entry-level xDrive40 Sport with its 257-mile range is priced from 69,905, rising to 91,905 for the xDrive50 Sport, which gets a maximum range of 380 miles. Upgrading to M Sport costs an additional 3,000; this adds sportier styling thanks to an aerodynamics pack, which includes new front bumper and side skirts and M Sport brakes.
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While it features more distinctive styling, the iX is a similar size and shape to the BMW X5. Rivals include other luxury electric SUVs like the Audi e-tron S, Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes EQC and Tesla Model X, as well as forthcoming models like Polestar 3 and Mercedes EQE SUV.
BMW iX range, charging and performance
The iX is powered by the fifth generation of BMW's 'eDrive' electric powertrain, which in the iX includes two electric motors that produce 322bhp and 630Nm of torque in the xDrive40, making it capable of 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. The more expensive xDrive50 gets 516bhp and 765Nm of torque from its powertrain, for a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds. The xDrive50 also has a larger 105.2kWh battery, so can do up to 380 miles on a charge.
The top-of-the-range iX M60 produces 611bhp and 1,100Nm of torque from the same dual-motor setup. Thanks to that power and four-wheel-drive, the second electric M model can accelerate from 0-62mph in under four seconds, much like the new Tesla Model X Plaid it directly rivals. While it hasnt been officially disclosed, the iX M60s 357-mile range suggests it uses the same 105.2kWh battery as the xDrive50 model.
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When it comes to charging, you can replenish the battery at up to 200kW in the iX xDrive50, if you can find a fast enough charger in the wild. That would allow for a top-up from 10% to 80% in less than 40 minutes, while charging fully from an 11kW home wallbox will take under 11 hours. We expect the same figures will apply to the iX M60 when it arrives in Summer 2022.
Meanwhile, the entry-level xDrive40 comes with a 71kWh battery, which BMW claims is capable of returning 257 miles on a charge. The xDrive40 is only capable of charging at up to 150kW, which means you can still take advantage of the growing number of ultra-rapid chargers in the UK. At that speed, it also takes less than 40 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%, due to the xDrive40 having a smaller battery.
Design
Aerodynamic touches include the overall streamlined body shape, flush doorhandles and slender door mirrors, as well as adjustable flaps built into the grille and other front surfaces of the car. These stay closed most of the time but can open when extra cooling air is required.
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BMW reckons up to 40 miles of the iX's range can be attributed to those measures, while further benefits come from an optional sport package that adds 'Air Curtains' up front to direct air over the wheels without turbulence and 'Air Blade' at the rear to minimise the vacuum effect behind the car, adding another nine miles of range. The standard 21-inch alloys can also be upgraded to other designs or 22-inch 'Air Performance' drag-reducing wheels, promising another nine miles of added range.
Elsewhere, a variety of materials have been used in constructing the iX's body in order to keep weight as low as possible, including high-strength steel, aluminium, thermoplastics and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic.
Interior and technology
According to BMW, the iX has been designed "from the inside out" with prime consideration given to the passenger environment. As there's no large engine block to fit in up front, the windscreen pillars are further forward on the iX than they would be on an equivalent combustion-engined car. This pays dividends when it comes to interior space.
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A large panoramic glass roof and no central tunnel to intrude on legroom are said to contribute to a spacious and airy feeling inside the iX, while on-board technology has been designed to be unobtrusive and user-friendly something BMW calls a 'shy tech' approach. The iX also features a hexagonal steering wheel a first for BMW and a head-up display.
The centrepiece of the iX's interior is a slim instrument panel, incorporating a 14.9-inch curved display screen and 12.3-inch digital drivers display the first time such technology has been offered in a production BMW. The screen appears freestanding from the occupants' point of view and is made from anti-reflective glass, so does not need to be shielded from sunlight.
Voice control and touchscreen functionality can be used to operate most functions, but drivers can also use the familiar BMW iDrive control wheel to navigate menus and select options if they prefer. The wheel is integrated into a centre console that features a control surface divided up by 'feeler bars' instead of conventional separate buttons.
The space gained from the lack of a central tunnel is also used to create additional storage in the centre console; the lower level houses a pair of cupholders, a smartphone tray with inductive charging, a 12V power connection and two USB ports. The centre console armrest opens to reveal an illuminated storage compartment.
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The sports front seats can be specified with integrated speakers, while in the rear BMW is promising a "lounge-style ambience," with a bench seat designed for three occupants, and the two outer seats getting integrated head restraints. Coat hooks, tablet computer mounts and USB charging ports are all fitted for rear-seat occupants to use, while the rear seats split and fold in a 40:20:40 ratio for extended cargo space.
A number of interior upholstery options are available, including a textile-and-microfibre blend, Sensatec synthetic leather and natural leather. Wood and recycled plastics are also used around the interior, including on the door panels, seats, centre console and floor lining.
As standard, the iX gets a 18-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo. A further possible upgrade is a Bowers & Wilkins concert-hall setup with 30 speakers (including eight built into headrests) and '4D Audio' capability.
Price, equipment and on-sale date
The entry-level xDrive40 Sport starts from 69,905, and as previously mentioned, gets a 322bhp dual-motor setup, 71kWh battery and 257-mile range. Standard kit includes 21-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital drivers display, a 14.9-inch infotainment screen and an 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, as well as BMW safety systems like parking assistant and driving assistant professional.
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The xDrive50 Sport adds integral active steering and air suspension, plus 200kW charging capability, a power increase to 516bhp, the larger 105.2kWh battery and range of up to 381 miles. The xDrive50 Sport is priced from 93,905 24,000 more than the basic model.
Upgrading to M Sport trim costs an additional 3,000, so prices start from 72,905 and 96,905 respectively for the iX xDrive40 and xDrive50 in M Sport trim. These models get sportier styling, which includes a new front bumper and side skirts, 21-inch Aero wheels and M Sport brakes, plus exclusive interior trim options and blue seatbelts.
There are plenty of optional extras offered as well, most of which come as part of packs. The list includes a 'skylounge' pack, which adds a panoramic sunroof and sun-protection glass; while the 'comfort plus' pack includes soft-close doors plus heated and ventilated seats; the 'technology plus' pack adds parking assistant, interior camera and a Bowers & Wilkins stereo.
The top-of-the-range BMW iX M60 gets a mammoth power output of 611bhp and 1,100Nm of torque, plus a 357-mile range, M air suspension, 22-inch alloys and design changes to distinguish it from the other variants.
Inside, the iX M60 also receives more equipment as standard, such as soft-close doors, laser headlights, BMWs Parking Assistant Plus package and an interior camera. The interior is trimmed in natural leather, while there are also heated, ventilated and massaging seats, BMWs Heat Comfort package and the previously mentioned Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system.
Welcome one and all, Im Ellis the news reporter on Auto Express, the brands former online reviews editor and contributor to DrivingElectric. Im proud to say I cut my teeth reporting and reviewing all things EV as the content editor on DrivingElectric. I joined the team while completing my masters degree in automotive journalism at Coventry University and since then Ive driven just about every electric car and hybrid I could get my hands on.
