BMW unveils iX3 M60 xDrive, a 612-hp electric M Performance SUV with up to 754 km of range

BMW has added the new iX3 M60 xDrive to its line-up as the most powerful variant yet of its fully electric Neue Klasse Sports Utility Vehicle, and as an M Performance model. The iX3 is the first Neue Klasse model, and BMW presents the new variant as a further expression of the technological leap the family represents. It uses one electric motor at each axle and comes as standard with adaptive M suspension and numerous model-specific equipment items. Orders for the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive will open at the end of January 2027.

The M60's exterior follows the new BMW M design language, with M Yellow Lights as its identifying feature; these light icons originate in motor sport, inspired by racing cars such as the BMW M Hybrid V8, and can only be used in combination with the low-beam headlights, depending on the market. Progressively designed light elements sit to the left and right of the BMW kidneys, each consisting of three striking elements inspired by the BMW M stripes, each serving as a connecting component within the light signature, which also includes the M logo. M Sport exterior items and the BMW Iconic Glow exterior package are standard, adding contour lighting for the kidneys, the BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high-beam assistant, Adaptive Headlights, a motorway beam pattern, fan-shaped area lighting within the rear lights and Welcome & Goodbye animations in Relaxed, Balanced and Excited styles. The side view features roof rails in Black high-gloss and aerodynamically optimised M mirror caps with a striped design in M colours against a black background, plus an M logo on the flanks; 21-inch M light-alloy wheels are standard, options run up to 22 inches, 21-inch sport tyres can be specified, and 22-inch M aerodynamic wheels are exclusive to this M Performance model. At the rear there are pronounced wheel arches, a black diffuser, an M60 badge in the new M design with black lettering and a silver surround, and an M-specific roof edge spoiler with two aeroblades that increases downforce at the rear axle; the launch paint range includes 25 special request finishes and will be expanded in the near future.

Inside, BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X brings together the standard BMW Panoramic Vision, a Central Display in free-cut design and the M Sport steering wheel, plus the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, with the 17.9-inch Central Display angled towards the driver. The M Sport steering wheel has shy-tech controls, a red marker at the 12 o'clock position and multifunction buttons, including two buttons for directly starting Boost Mode and M Mode, and the M-specific My Modes M Sport and M Sport Plus can be activated at the push of a button. Standard M Sport seats offer ten-way electric adjustment including lumbar support, backrest width and thigh support, plus a massage function and illuminated M logos in their integral head restraints; M seat belts are also standard, and the M-specific display includes a Powermeter showing the power currently deployed, the reserves still available and the current energy recuperation rate. The standard Harman Kardon hi-fi system has 13 speakers and 430 watts of output and enables Dolby Atmos, while the optional BMW Digital Premium gives access to M-specific in-car apps such as the M Cockpit app for individually configured real-time dashboards and the M Drag Meter for acceleration data, and My Modes adapt light, sound, displays, chassis and drive system responses. Customers can choose from three interior designs and seven upholstery variants: the standard BMW M interior design uses black Veganza with M PerformTex, the optional Contemporary world comes in Black, Castanea, Digital White and Agave Green with Veganza covers, BMW Individual combines Veganza with exclusive Merino leather on the seat cushion surfaces, and bi-colour Adelaide Grey M Sport seats can also be ordered as an option.

The iX3 M60 xDrive uses BMW's sixth-generation (Gen6) electric drive system, which BMW says offers significantly higher range figures and faster charging than the previous generation, along with 800V technology, bidirectional charging and all-new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells. The rear axle's new Gen6 EESM (electrically excited synchronous motor) is based on a newly developed stator and a significantly more powerful inverter rated at 420 A instead of 300 A, with a longer ratio and an increase in maximum usable rotor speed pushing top speed up to 240 km/h (149 mph). At the centre of the driving experience is the Heart of Joy high-performance computer, one of four superbrains, which works ten times faster than previous systems and, together with BMW M Dynamic Performance Control, controls the drive system, braking and steering subfunctions as well as charging and recuperation. Standard chassis hardware includes adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, sport steering with a variable rack ratio, an electronically controlled M Sport differential at the rear axle, anti-roll bar links at the front axle and an additional package of bracing elements at the front end, while the Soft Stop function uses energy recuperation for the smoothest stopping action in BMW's history and M Sport brakes are standard in Red or Blue. For driver assistance the car offers innovative SAE Level 2 systems and active safety functions with BMW Symbiotic Drive, and its Motorway Assistant enables hands-free driving on motorways at up to 130 km/h (81 mph).