Yesterday we posted an article on the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC, a massive SUV powered by a thirsty V8 twin-turbocharged engine capable of a power output of 550 hp in factory original trim, we showcased the Brabus 800 version of it with 800 hp, but the point is, such a large and heavy car needs a lot of power from an ICE V8 to make sure she puts down some interesting performance figures … but the world is changing, and more specifically the automotive world, and the move to hybrid and full-electric cars is happening at this moment.
Even a supercar manufacturer like Automobili Lamborghini SpA is looking at releasing an all-electric GT in a matter of years, they still hang onto the legendary V12 engine for the flagship model, but it will be a hybrid because that’s what is required in tomorrows world, and more and more carmakers are following the trend set by makes like Tesla, and offer high-end, all-electric cars, we’ve already seen the Porsche Taycan, and more recently the 2022 Audi e-tron GT which even comes in an RS version and is using several parts from the Taycan, and while Audi has some electric SUV in their lineup already, it’s now time for BMW to join the club, with their latest release: the BMW iX M60, the MotorSport version of the iX.
With the 2023 BMW iX M60, they want to combine the best of three worlds, the all-electric power from the i-series, the SUV market with the X-segment, and the client looking for a sports version with the M, the famous Motorsport badge from BMW M GmbH. And this new SAV, BMW calls it the Sports Activity Vehicle instead of an SUV, comes with some impressive figures: the two electric motors offer a combined power output equivalent to 610 hp, and when you go into Launch Control you’ll have an amazing 811 lb-ft of torque available under your right foot.
When in Sport Mode this will result in acceleration figures of 3.6 seconds to reach 60 mph from standing still, the top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but getting there in this all-electric iX M is all the fun, the acceleration is almost linear from 0 to 155 mph, while preliminary EPA estimates indicate a total range of 280 miles for the BMW iX M60.
The two motors have been specifically designed for the new BMW iX M60, and they don’t use magnets to turn, but instead use a principle of a current-energized synchronous machine, the excitation of the rotor is triggered by the precisely metered supply of electrical energy, in the case of the rear motor, this achieves an extremely high power density. The drive unit is six-phase operated and has a double inverter so it’s possible to have a significant power increase to get the typical BMW M power delivery not available in the regular BMW iX models.
The BMW iX M60’s body structure and suspension design have been optimized for ride comfort while still being sporty, an aluminum space frame combined with a carbon fiber reinforced plastic cage for the roof, the side, and the rear sections combine rigidity but still keep weight down, very important to get a low center of gravity in an SAV, the aerodynamic design results in a drag coefficient (Cx) of just 0.26, and because the HV batteries are fitted as low as possible, and within the wheelbase, this BMW iX M60 has an amazingly balanced weight distribution, which results in agile handling.
The BMW iX M60 suspension is another work of art, a double-wishbone front axle, a five-link rear axle, and an M-calibrated adaptive dual-axle air suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, ensuring the optimum vehicle height at any speed, regardless of the load. In addition, the height of the vehicle body can be adjusted manually using a button on the center console, but the respective damper mapping can be activated by the driver using the My Modes button on the center console.
The BMW iX M60 will be recognizable by the bespoke 22-inch wheels finished in Titanium Bronze (optionally available), but also because of the blue brake calipers with M logo, while optionally you can get the BMW Individual Titanium Bronze Exterior with the M logos in high gloss black and Titanium Bronze finish, naturally, this top-of-the-line version comes with just about any other option as standard fitment.
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.
The MY2023 BMW iX M60 will be officially launched in the United States of America in June 2022 with an MSRP of $105,100 (add a destination charge of $995), the car will be available in a limited palette of colors for the bodywork: Alpine White (STD), Dark Graphite Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic, Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic, Storm Bay Metallic, Oxide Grey Metallic, and last but not least, Aventurin Red Metallic. While for the upholstery you can select from Oyster Perforated SensaTec, Mocha Perforated SensaTec, Black Perforated SensaTec, Amido Perforated Leather, and Castenea Chestnut Perforated Leather.
