A year after the BMW iX was launched, Munich has now given us the high-performance version of its supposed technology flagship. Say hello to the BMW iX M60, and it combines the best of what BMW i (electric mobility), BMW X (SUVs), and BMW M has to offer.
610 Horsepower, Up To 280 Miles Of Range
So what makes the BMW iX M60 special? Its performance, of course.
For reference, the previous highest-performing iX--the xDrive50--produces 516 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque, with its 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time happening in 4.6 seconds.
As for range, the BMW iX M60 has the same 106.3 kWh battery pack as the standard iX models. This means it has up to 280 miles of range according to BMW's preliminary estimates.
If you're thinking of the BMW iX M60 as a competitor to the Tesla Model X Plaid, well, don't get your hopes up. The recently updated Model X Plaid is claimed to have 1,020 horsepower, though no torque figure has been provided yet.
With Great Power Comes Better Handling
To handle all that added power, the BMW iX M60 benefits from an upgraded suspension. The double-wishbone front and five-link rear axle benefit from standard adaptive dual-axle air suspension with electronically adjustable dampers. Additionally, the Integral Active Steering, which is their marketing term for rear axle steering, and M Sport Brakes should provide better cornering and stopping power.
Here's How To Spot An iX M60 Out In The Wild
So how can you tell that you're looking at a BMW iX M60 and not its tamer siblings? Well, your identifiable cues are very subtle. The iX M60 looks largely the same as the standard models. Your only indicators that this is the high-performance variant are its M60 badges at the rear, the 21-inch Aero Bi-color or 22-inch Titanium Bronze wheels that are fitted to the car in these press photos, and the blue M brake calipers. Buyers can also opt for the BMW Individual Titanium Bronze exterior pack that's fitted to the vehicle you see here.
As BMW's flagship electric performance SUV, the iX M60 understandably comes fully loaded with plenty of standard features. Some of these include BMW iDrive 8 with the Live Cockpit Professional digital gauges, BMW Natural Interaction--which allows functions to be operated using speech and gestures, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, BMW Laser Light, Active Seat Ventilation for driver and front passenger, among other features.
You Have Until June 2022 To Save Up For An iX M60
The 2023 BMW iX M60 was supposed to make its debut in CES 2022, but the automaker opted to have the launch streamed from Germany. Nevertheless, the iX M60 will go on sale in June 2022 with a starting price of $105,100, along with a $995 destination fee.