The Bayerische Motoren Werke already has the patch if you thought the BMW iX xDrive50 was not relatively swift enough out of the blocks and a little too mushy in the bends. It is known as the iX M60.
That is not to argue that the eye-catching, X5-sized electric SUV is in the least bit subpar. The iX xDrive50 was designed first and foremost for supreme comfort and equipped with enough cutting-edge technology to warrant a headline appearance at the annual Consumer Electronics Show. We’d argue that accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and then to a top speed of 200 km/h isn’t exactly hanging around.
The 2023 BMW iX M60 will satisfy your need for more, and by more, we mean more of everything, from an overflowing feature list to an onslaught of power and torque.
The only other electric BMW to bear an M logo and the first electric SUV from M GmbH is incredibly quick, with no less than 455kW of power and a staggering 1100Nm of torque. So quickly you might startle yourself the first time. This game got me, and I’m no newbie.
The two electric motors propel the iX M60 from a complete stop to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds without making any noise, although anyone who has used the launch control feature claims it is much faster than the manufacturer claims. Hold it pinned, and it will propel itself until it approaches the 250 km/h limiter.
Even more impressive is that unlike its petrol-powered X5 M counterpart, the iX M60 is not a full-fledged M vehicle. That’s most likely to follow in the shape of the iX M, which has a larger battery and improved driving characteristics. Undoubtedly a frightening idea.
With sustainable wood, leather tanned with olive leaf extract, and flooring made from recycled fishing nets as the raw material, the iX manages to weave in a commendable level of ecological and social sustainability into the cabin in addition to being manufactured using only 100% green electricity, including the battery cells.
On the outside, the iX M60 doesn’t look all that different from its less potent stablemates, the xDrive40 or xDrive50. With its titanium bronze details, blue-painted brake callipers, and 22-inch aero wheels, I wish the M60 stood out more than it does.
What is the price of the BMW iX M60?
The brand-new iX M60 flagship is $53,000 more expensive than the iX xDrive50, starting at $222,900 before taxes and options.
If you think that’s excessive, the BMW iX range starts at $135,900 for the iX xDrive40, while the iX xDrive40 Sport costs $141,900 before on-road charges while having equal outputs and performance.
Price of the 2022 BMW iX:
- iX xDrive40: $135,900
- iX xDrive40 Sport: $141,900
- iX xDrive50: $169,900
- iX M60: $222,900
Prices exclude on-road costs.
Since Tesla has withdrawn the Model X from its Australian lineup and is currently delaying the arrival of the smaller Model Y, like-for-like competitors are virtually nonexistent.
Audi’s e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback start at $168,400 and $175,400, respectively. However, they fall short in output and performance compared to the iX M60. Mercedes-Benz produces its EQ line of electric vehicles, although the EQC isn’t as large and, as previously stated, cannot compete with the performance of the M60.
How does the interior of the BMW iX M60 look?
There isn’t a more intriguing, exciting, or pleasant interior fit-out in the business, at least not one I’ve seen. Forget for a moment that the iX M60 is an electric SUV.
With the iX line, and I do mean the entire range, BMW has outdone itself. Just look at this cockpit’s enormous, curved screens with brilliant colour and clarity, cloud-based navigation, and augmented reality. The iX M60 has additional excellent screens as well. Thanks to the sizeable, multi-informational colour head-up display, there is no need to look away from the road in front of you.
On the one hand, it has a futuristic appearance and feels. Still, on the other, it seamlessly combines mainly intuitive technology, flawless ergonomics, and comfort levels, which must undoubtedly raise the eyes of the Rolls-Royce team at the BMW Group.
You can use speech (Hello BMW, reduce the temperature), the enormous 14.9-inch touchscreen, or the stunning crystal-like iDrive controller to access most features.
Although gesture control exists, let’s be honest: this fairly unpleasant technology isn’t quite there yet. You risk melting yourself if your gesture is misunderstood on a hot day.
The steering wheel feels fantastic to the touch despite having a strange appearance. Although it has a thin design compared to certain BMW tillers, the toggle switches on each side were useful.
The incredibly plush leather seats in both rows provide fantastic comfort while having enough bolstering to keep you upright in the swift sweepers. Although they appear comparable, we would still prefer more excellent bolstering or, at the very least, electronic adjustment in the M60 over the xDrive50.
The floating console bridge with nautical influences is one of my favourites because it combines simplicity, design, and overall functionality. The wood-topped design of the crystal-like start/stop, drive selector switch, and rotary iDrive controller looks and feels fantastic. Even the volume scroller is constructed of it.
The wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are quick and highly reliable compared to other cars we’ve driven. Wireless charging eliminates the need for expensive Apple charging cables. A sizable dual-door console bin with leather upholstery organizes the storage space up front for extras. More area is under the console bridge and an applicable upright phone holder.
The boot in the back has plenty of space, which can easily accommodate three large luggage and a few soft bags. There is significantly more hauling capacity when the rear seats are folded in their 40/20/40 split. Even better, all-electric vehicles on an open EV platform, like the iX, don’t have a hump in the middle for the transmission and are more comfortable for passengers in the back.
What’s inside the hood?
The dual-motor all-wheel drive system of the electric BMW iX M60 produces 455kW of power and up to 1100Nm of torque in launch mode. To save battery life and range, peak torque in the Sport mode is limited to 1000Nm.
The iX xDrive50 generates 385kW of power and 765Nm of torque with the same twin-motor configuration. The same high-density 112kWh battery is included in the iX M60 and iX xDrive50, giving the M60 a 566km range on the WLTP test cycle while the xDrive50 gets significantly more at 620km.
While fast charging at an ultra-rapid station will cause the iX to slurp electrons at up to 200kW, the combined charging unit of the iX M60 can be set using alternating current (AC) at home utilizing three-phase power with a peak power of up to 11kW.
It indicates that an iX M60 battery can charge from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes. If the battery power were at 10%, it would take about 10 minutes to recharge to a range of 150 kilometres.
Comparisons with models like the Tesla Model 3, which can charge at a rate of 250kW in base trim, and the Porsche Taycan, which can consume power at a rate of up to 350kW, will be made, albeit we disagree with these comparisons. Identify the many markets that each vehicle competes in.
How is the BMW iX M60 propelled?
If in Sport mode, we thought the iX xDrive50 was speedy off the line (which it is), the iX M60 is in another league entirely.
It feels like it leaves the starting line twice as quickly and is sure to take you off guard. On a few occasions when driving in Germany, the sheer force at full throttle was so rapid that we had to temporarily back off until our brains caught up. Compared to most internal-combustion automobiles, it seems incredibly speedy even in its most efficient mode.
The relentless pulling power provided by both electric motors as they simultaneously unleash a combined 1000Nm of torque from the start up to 251km/h, which is what we were able to achieve on the autobahn, will have you grinning like a Cheshire cat in addition to the car’s ballistic acceleration out of the gate.
We retreated in response to an Audi R8 that applied the brakes abruptly, but I thought the M60 had more to offer. Who knows how fast it can go because it is electronically limited for efficiency and range. When driving an iX M60, you may accelerate to the point where you are effectively travelling at warp speed without having to wind up the revs like you would in this area if you were driving an ICE vehicle.
Given that the M60 is optimized to have an extraordinarily low drag coefficient of 0.26 in Sports, aerodynamics may be of assistance. Given its size and proportions, that is quite an accomplishment; nevertheless, as you get on the X5 M, no extra-wide wheel arches may create the drag, which helps.
Being able to control such a mighty shove underfoot is incredibly wonderful. In terms of driving performance, I’d even say it’s a life-changing experience. Power output can be metered at minute intervals during the peak-hour crawl without changing to a more economical drive mode. It is not always possible in a typical performance vehicle.
Even in Sports, some adaptive recuperation is in action, which only boosts the flagship EV’s efficiency and range. Even on high-speed autobahns, you can drive appropriately with one foot and complete brake regeneration by moving the drive selector back.
With the iX M60’s significant performance improvement over the still-quick iX xDrive50, it is also surprising how linear all the primary controls feel, including the throttle, brakes, and steering.
Then there are the M-turbine noises that Hans Zimmer composed to accompany the M60’s brake and throttle actions. It’s difficult to explain, but you never seem weary of them since the bass and volume levels perfectly harmonize with the push.
These resemble, if not exactly match, the sounds made by the i4 M50, another BMW M Performance EV with aggressive throttle response. The M60 receives the same configuration as the iX xDrive50 but with its M-specific tuning for more rigid body control when you lean on it. The iX xDrive50 is, first and foremost, a luxury EV fitted with dual-axle air suspension calibrated for optimum bump-crushing compliance.
As you turn the large unit into a corner, there is still a tiny roll, but it is better off because it is more controlled. Although it’s still fantastic at smoothing out speed bumps and damaged roads, you can now drive the M60 in more congested areas with much greater assurance.
That’s not to say some owners won’t crave more outright finesse handling; However, that might require a more assertive approach to ride comfort or a switch from air suspension to conventional springs and dampers, which could signal the iX M to be in full force. We also spent a lot of time driving around Berlin. Despite the iX M60’s size, the four-wheel steering effortlessly navigates even the trickiest of situations, like several underground parking lots and turns at traffic lights.
What do you get?
iX M60 Features:
- BMW IconicSounds electronic driving assistance system,
- the professional parking assistant,
- professional surround sound system,
- Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System,
- 22-inch pneumatic aluminium wheels,
- comfortable seat heating,
- BMW multifunctional front seats for biological interaction
- BMW Live Cockpit with Wireless Start 8.0 Wireless Charging Interior Olive Suede Interior Design Pack
- and a panoramic glass roof
- and an integrated active steering system
- 2-Axle Air Suspension Doors That Adapt
- Uses for BMW Laserlight Sport Tires with Tyre Pressure Monitor M Sport Brakes in Dark Blue Metallic Five-year,
- unlimited subscription to the Chargefox network for Clear&Bold Interior Camera
Paint choices
For the BMW iX M60, eight paint variants are offered, including five metallic and two BMW Individual metallic options:
- Alpine White (non-metallic)
- Black Sapphire
- Sophisto Grey
- Phytonic Blue
- Blue Ridge Mountain
- Oxide Grey
Blue Ridge Mountain Oxide Grey costs $2600 each.
- Storm Bay
- Aventurine Red
Options for upholstery
The following three upholstery services are all provided without charge to the customer:
Stone Grey Interior Design Loft
- Combination cloth/microfiber seat coverings
- Microfiber instrument panel
- Microfiber centre console and centre armrest
- Emphasize Gold and Bronze components and controls.
- Gold and bronze highlights in head restraints
Program for alloy wheels
On the iX M60, three 22-inch wheel designs are offered at no additional cost to the buyer. In preparation for the release of the iX M60, one new wheel design—the 22-inch M aerodynamic wheel 1023 Bicolour Titanium Bronze 3D polished buff—will be added to the iX lineup.
Optional bundles:
- Package for comfort: $3500
- front seats,
- heating for the steering wheel,
- and active seat ventilation
- Seat heating, front,
- and rear armrest heating,
- and a centre console is all included in the heat comfort package.
- heating of the armrests, front and back doors
- The lower portion of the heated instrument panel,
- together with the steering wheel and glove box lid
- Front and rear door panels that are heated, upper trim
The BMW iX M60 is secure.
ANCAP has awarded the BMW iX a five-star safety certification based on evaluations made by Euro NCAP in 2021. It received scores of 91% for protecting adult occupants, 88% for protecting children, 73% for protecting vulnerable road users, and 78% for providing safety assistance.
Every model includes as standard:
- AEB with pedestrian, cyclist, and intersection assistance
- Blind-spot observation
- Help with lane changes
- Lane-keeping aid
- aid with front and rear cross-traffic
- recognizing traffic signs
- Safe exit alert
- assist with evasive steering
- auto-speed limit assistance
- Stop/go adaptive cruise control
- sensors for back and front parking
How much does it cost to operate a BMW iX M60?
In contrast to most other premium brands, which have embraced four or five-year periods, BMW only offers a three-year warranty.
BMW Australia presently offers four- or six-year capped price servicing for the iX at $1520 and $2195, respectively, but has not formally announced a specific service program for the future iX M60.
If serviced annually, that averages $380 and $365, respectively.
The View from CarExpert on the BMW iX M60
One glance at the BMW iX M60’s top performance figures may convince some (possibly many). In contrast, others will covet its cutting-edge technology, plush comfort, or switchgear designed in the style of Swarovski.
The ride, more controlled handling, and five years of cost-free charging at Chargefox locations are further benefits. Yet, it commands a significant price premium over the iX xDrive50, which some people will find unreasonable. With the iX M60, you can have your cake and eat it too. This all-electric SUV successfully fulfils its purpose.
It is incredibly fast up to its electronically-capped high speed, has a fantastic range, is a genuine tech-fest inside, and provides the utmost comfort and space for the entire family.
You ask, any complaints? No, that would be like grabbing at straws. However, it does raise the question of when we will see a full-fat iX M with improved driving dynamics and more available.
