BMW iX M60 with 455kW/1100Nm here in mid-2022
The most powerful variant in the full-electric BMW iX line-up, the monstrous 455kW/1100Nm iX M60, will arrive in Australia by mid-2022.
The range-topping M-tuned model – the first electric SUV to receive the hallowed BMW ‘M’ treatment – hits 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, has a top speed of 250km/h and offers a range up to 566 kilometres on the WLTP test cycle.
Its 3.8 second acceleration figure puts the M60 large SUV on a performance par with the brand’s $212,900 petrol-powered 460kW/750Nm X5 M Competition weapon.
In normal driving conditions the iX M60 makes do with ‘just’ the 397kW and 1015Nm, but with Launch Control engaged you get the full 1100Nm and score a ten-second burst at 445kW… for when you’re really late for school drop-off.
Most powerful EV in the range
It’s the most torque offered in any production BMW to date – petrol, diesel or EV – and with that kW figure the iX M60 takes the crown as BMW’s most powerful electric car.
No word from BMW Australia on the price of the iX M60, which joins the 240kW iX xDrive 40 ($135,900 plus charges) and 370kW iX xDrive 50 ($169,900) in the range. Bank on the M60 coming in north of $200,000.
Unveiled today at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the iX M60 is the latest full electric offering from BMW M following the i4 M50, set to launch in Australia even sooner.
BMW ‘M’ purists may baulk at the idea of the magic letter – celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022 – adorning the German giant’s tidal wave of electric cars. But with the brand wholly committed to an electric future it’s little wonder ‘M’ versions are being hurried through.
The iX M60’s suspension technology “integrates BMW M-specifically tuned dual-axle air suspension with automatic level control” as part of a setup to “elevate dynamic potential.”
In other words, this heavyweight EV will probably corner in a way physics generally disagrees with – much like the aforementioned X5 M Competition.
Carbon body parts
In BMW M tradition, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used in the roof, side and rear sections to increase rigidity and shave kilos.
Other M goodies include a sports braking system with M logo dark blue callipers, Titanium Bronze 22-inch alloy wheels and an abundance of M logos.
The SUV’s 112kWh battery is located deep down in the underbody to lower its centre of gravity. DC charging is possible up to 200kW, and AC charging up to 11kW.
BMW claims battery charge level can go from 10 to 80 percent in 35 minutes using an ultra fast charger, with up to 150km range added in ten minutes if starting at 10 percent charge.
The 566 kilometres range puts the iX M60 at the pointy end of distances possible between charges in the large electric SUV segment – although if used as ‘M’ intends you’ll not be seeing such figures.
The iX M60’s range is below that of the 600km+ offered in the less bonkers iX xDrive 50.
Standard equipment for the incoming range topper includes BMW Live Cockpit Professional and BMW Natural Interaction (the old polarising gesture control), while surround sound, BMW Laserlight, Active Seat Ventilation and more “will be available” – so count on dropping a few extra dollars on these.
