BMW iX M60 electric SUV packs over 1,000 Nm of torque

Electric mobility and incredible performance are not necessarily mutually exclusive. BMW wants to drive this point even further with the reveal of its iX M60 electric sports activity vehicle (SAV), days before the model’s scheduled world premiere at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. 

This latest offering is significant to the German automaker for several reasons. The iX midsize luxury SUV that serves as its base is already the first purpose-built BMW electric vehicle (EV) since the i3, as well as being the fourth model under the BMW i sub-brand.  

The iX M60 adds to this roster of credentials by being the first M model underpinned by BMW’s fifth-generation electric drivetrain architecture. Apart from sustainable mobility, the platform is also engineered for automated driving, operation, connectivity, and digital services.

Exterior  

Consistent with its Vision iNext Concept forerunner back in 2018, the iX M60 features a heavily chiseled exterior, with a spaceframe built using aluminum, high-strength steel, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) for weight reduction. The fascia revolves around the massive kidney grille surrounded by LED headlamps and triangular air intakes on the front corners. 

The iX M60 isn't that much different from the standard iX version

Square fenders house 22-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, with blue brake calipers featuring the iconic M logo. Door handles resting flush with the rest of the body exude a futuristic look, while the rising chrome beltline points toward a wide tailgate inhabited by sleek LED taillamps hovering over a bulging rear bumper with diffuser.    

Interior 

What the iX M60 lacks in passenger space (with just enough room for five occupants), it makes up for by making the cabin a showcase in sustainability. Specific interior panels are made of wood sourced from responsibly managed forests. 

The cabin is brimming with tech and sustainability

Leather upholstery has been tanned using olive tree leaf extract and other natural materials, while floor coverings use recycled fishing nets as raw material. The ventilated multifunction seats also feature a heating function, as do the hexagonal steering wheel, armrests, door panels, and dashboard.

Tech & Safety

The iX M60 brings BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional, integrating the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen into a single unit. It features the latest generation iDrive display, running on the new BMW Operating System 8. BMW Natural Interaction allows speech and gesture control. 

Wood panels are sourced from responsibly managed forests

Navigation is done through a cloud-based BMW Maps system with Augmented Reality Video for precise route planning and real-time traffic information. Onboard connectivity is done through the 5G mobile standard, which also enables Remote Software Upgrades that add continuous improvements to the vehicle’s functions.   

BMW claims that the iX M60 brings the most extensive range of driver-assist features it has offered so far. This is made possible by new-generation sensors, software, and a powerful computing platform that provides possibilities for Level 3 autonomous driving, apart from parking assist capabilities.

Powertrain 

Dual electric motors, one on each axle, dish out an expected 619 horsepower and up to 1,100 Nm of torque with Launch Control engaged. Acceleration from zero to 100 kilometers per hour is at 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour and an operating range of 566 kilometers. 

The iX M60 delivers 619 horsepower and 1,100 Nm of torque

The electric all-wheel drivetrain uses actuator-based wheel-slip management and M-specific dual-axle air suspension to endow the iX M60’s handling with precision and agility. This works with the low floor design of the electric platform, reducing the vehicle’s center of gravity.     

Pricing

BMW iX M60

No pricing information has been disclosed for the BMW iX M60, which is slated to have its global launch in June 2022. Along with the xDrive 40 and xDrive 50 variants of the iX, the M60 will be manufactured at the BMW Group Plant in Dingolfing, Germany. 

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