The performance-oriented variant of the BMW iX has arrived virtually at the 2022 CES Show. Offering more power and performance than the standard model, the 2023 BMW iX M60 is the hottest version of the battery-electric crossover to date. Featuring two electric motors, the iX makes 532 hp and 749 lb-ft of torque. Use Launch Control and output increases to a healthy 610 hp and 811 lb-ft This allows it to hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, which is crazy quick for a vehicle of this size. The iX M60’s top speed is limited to 155 mph.
Like the iX xDrive50, the 2023 BMW iX M60 uses the same 111.5-kWh battery with a usable capacity of 106.3 kWh. However, it can charge at higher peak rates of 250 kW, enabling it to go from 10 to 80 percent in around 35 minutes. The onboard 11 kW charger will get you a full charge in 10.25 hours via a level 2 AC charger (12.25 hours on a 9.6 kW charger). Preliminary EPA estimates state that the iX M60 can travel up to 280 miles on a single charge. The iX xDrive50 is good for 324 miles when equipped with 20-inch wheels, 305 miles if you go for the 21-inch wheels or 315 miles on models with the 22-inch units.
Specific upgrades for the 2023 iX M60 include electric motors with current-energized rotors. This effectively negates the need for rare earth metals for magnetic components in the manufacturing process. Additionally, using this design allows for high power density. The powertrain has a double inverter plus a drive unit that operates in six phases, resulting in a significant increase in peak power.
In addition to the powertrain upgrades, the iX M60 gets a specially-tuned body structure and suspension that promises to blend sporty handling and a good ride. Extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastics on the roof, side, and rear give the crossover a rigid body while keeping weight in check. The iX M60 also gets an M-tuned air suspension with automatic level control and electronically-controlled shocks as standard equipment, which should give it a cushy ride and the agility befitting the M badge it wears. In front, it uses a control arm setup while the rear employs a five-link layout. The iX M60 also gets Servotronic assistance with variable-ratio steering. Adaptive dampers continuously adjust valves and take into account longitudinal and lateral acceleration, road speed, steering angle, and body and wheel acceleration on the front axle. It can also be configured individually via the My Modes button on the center console
BMW also optimized the iX M60’s aerodynamics to improve its efficiency, resulting in a vehicle with a drag coefficient of 0.26. The battery is mounted under the passenger cabin, resulting in a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution. Unique design details include M-badged blue brake calipers, 21-inch alloy wheels, and M logos finished in High Gloss Black/Titanium Bronze. You can also add the BMW Individual Titanium Bronze Exterior package and 22-inch alloy wheels finished in Titanium Bronze.
The 2023 BMW iX M60 starts at $106,095 but gets a long list of standard equipment. This includes BMW’s Laser LED exterior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, the Sport package, adaptive air suspension, a full suite of driver assistance and collision prevention systems, the iDrive 8.0 interface with built-in navigation, and a surround-view camera. The crossover goes on sale in the U.S. in June 2022.
