BMW's iX electric SUV receives the M60 flagship model, starting at £111,905
BMW has boosted the performance of its iX electric SUV with this new iX M60 model. With the 611bhp and BMW M division tuned chassis, the iX M60 will target the Tesla Model X when it launches in the summer of 2022.
The iX M60 sits on top of the iX xDrive50, the most powerful variant of BMW's technology flagship, and thanks to a dual-motor four-wheel drive setup, the iX M60 generates a huge torque of 1100 Nm and can sprint from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds. It starts at a limited maximum speed of 155 mph — 31 mph faster than the xDrive50.
Given the extra power, the range has dropped to the claimed 357 miles compared to the xDrive50's official total mileage of 380 miles. BMW hasn't specified the size of the M60 battery yet, but it's likely to use the same 71kWh unit as the other models in the iX series, sandwiched around the car floor. The M-specific settings of the automotive air suspension system should enhance the handling of the iX M60, and like the smaller version, it uses a mixture of aluminum and carbon fiber in its construction to help offset the weight of large electric vehicles and improve agility.
In addition to mechanical upgrades, the iX M60 has received a number of design changes to differentiate it from other models. The blue M-brand brake calipers sit behind the 22-inch alloy wheels, with titanium bronze detailing on the double kidney grille and M badge.
Inside, the iX M60 also comes standard with more equipment, such as soft-closed doors, BMW's Laserlight headlights, the company's parking assistance upgrade kit and internal camera. The interior is decorated with Suite Natural leather upholstery and is also equipped with fully keyless operation, heated, ventilated and massage seats, BMW's Thermal Comfort Kit and Bowers & Wilkins Diamond sound.
BMW's iDrive 8 infotainment system — which debuted on the iX — is still there, with a curved panel mounted on the dashboard. It combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen that can also be operated via a rotary controller on the center console. iDrive 8 setups include 5G connectivity, an augmented reality navigation system, and the brand's Digital Key Plus, which can replace traditional keys with your smartphone.
The iX M60 will launch in the UK this summer and starts at £111,905, £20,000 more than the iX xDrive50.