Is the BMW iX M60 the Best of Three Worlds?

A Personal Best

BMW announced their first high-performance SAV designed for purely electric mobility. The even more powerful variant of its technology flagship: the 2023 BMW iX M60. With a total system output of up to 610 bhp and 811 lb-ft of torque (when Launch Control is activated), and a unique M-enhanced adaptive dual-axle air suspension, it adds an outstanding performance experience to the world of emission-free driving.

By integrating a vehicle concept geared towards sustainability with the design of a modern Sports Activity Vehicle and thrilling dynamic driving characteristics, BMW says that the iX M60 embodies the best of three worlds: BMW i, the BMW X models and BMW M GmbH.

With Sport Mode engaged to unleash 610 bhp and Launch Control activated to release all 811 lb-ft of instantaneous torque, the BMW iX M60 will hit 60 mph from a standstill in only 3.6 seconds. The intense power delivery of its M-specific electric drive continues steadily into high load ranges, so acceleration remains almost constant up to the electronically-limited maximum speed of 155 mph when properly equipped.

The two motors of the BMW iX M60 operate on the principle of a current-energized synchronous machine. That is, instead of permanent magnets, the excitation of the rotor is triggered by the precisely metered supply of electrical energy. This design method makes it possible to completely dispense with the rare earth metals required for magnetic components when manufacturing the rotor.

The M-specific design of the current-energized synchronous machine principle enables the electric motor of the BMW iX M60 – especially in the case of the rear motor – to achieve an extremely high power density. The drive unit is six-phase operated and has a double inverter. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly significant increase in peak power, which is available up to high speeds and enables typical BMW M power delivery.

The debut of the BMW iX M60 marks a milestone in the history of BMW M GmbH, which began 50 years ago. Together with the BMW i4 M50, it signifies the entry of BMW M into the segment of electrified performance cars. The extreme power and precise control of the electric all-wheel-drive, the highly responsive actuator-based traction control system, and suspension technology that includes a dual-axle air suspension with automatic level control provide the hallmark BMW M driving experience: power, agility, and precision.

The vehicle concept of the BMW iX provides an ideal basis for an all-electric SAV with high-performance characteristics. The body structure and suspension design are geared towards combining superior ride comfort with sporty handling characteristics. The aluminum spaceframe and carbon cage with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the roof, side and rear sections are an intelligent mix of materials that combines increased rigidity with optimized weight.

The BMW iX M60’s performance, efficiency and range also benefit from its optimized aerodynamic properties, which give it a drag coefficient (Cx) of 0.26. The high-voltage battery is located low in the vehicle’s structure and within the wheelbase, lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity and ensuring agile handling as well as balanced weight distribution. The result is that the performance of the BMW iX M60 is not characterized solely by ferocious acceleration, but also by outstanding cornering dynamics and handling that can be precisely controlled at all times, even in highly dynamic situations. The perfectly balanced driving characteristics give the BMW iX M60 a confident and nimble feel at all speeds and provides the driver clear feedback in typical BMW M style.

The suspension technology of the BMW iX M60 is comprised of a double-wishbone front axle, a five-link rear axle, and electric steering with Servotronic assist and a variable ratio. In addition, the BMW iX M60 comes as standard with an M-calibrated adaptive dual-axle air suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers. This ensures particularly comfortable handling combined with increased agility and dynamic performance. The dual-axle air suspension ensures the optimum vehicle height at any speed, regardless of the load. The air supply to the suspension is regulated individually for each wheel and can therefore compensate for uneven loading. In addition, the height of the vehicle body can be adjusted manually using a button on the center console. The damper forces are adaptively controlled with continuously adjustable valves, which take into account longitudinal and lateral acceleration, road speed and steering angle as well as body and wheel acceleration on the front axle to provide the required damper force within a few milliseconds. The respective damper mapping is part of the overall vehicle setting, which can be activated by the driver using the My Modes button on the center console.

The BMW iX M60 combines its typical M performance characteristics with the exceptionally advanced technology of the BMW Group’s new future modular system in the areas of automated driving, operation, connectivity, and digital services. Like the other model variants, the BMW iX M60 features a vast range of standard equipment in the field of driver assistance systems as well as numerous innovations. A new generation of sensors, new software, and a powerful computing platform also provide considerable potential for consistently advancing automated driving and parking.

The powerful proportions of a modern SAV, clean surface design and precise details characterize the uncluttered exterior look while special M details give the BMW iX M60 its distinctive presence. The formidable brakes feature blue painted calipers and the M logo. The optional BMW Individual Titanium Bronze Exterior and M logos in a new High Gloss Black/Titanium Bronze finish on the rear of the vehicle clearly announce the high-performance character of the BMW iX M60. Unique 22-inch aerodynamic wheels featuring an exclusive Titanium Bronze design are optional.

The exclusive character of the BMW iX M60 is further emphasized by its truly comprehensive level of equipment. Included as standard are BMW Live Cockpit Professional and BMW Natural Interaction, which allows functions to be operated using speech and gestures, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, BMW Laser Light, Comfort Access, Active Seat Ventilation for the driver and front passenger, and the Radiant Heating Package, which warms the seats, steering wheel, and armrests and features innovative radiant heating of the door panels and dashboard to surround the occupants in warmth in cold weather.