BMW iX M60: Temporary front runner

For BMW, the iX series is the flagship of the in-house electric mobility fleet. So it is only logical that the E-Crossover gets an M version. However, the BMW iX M60 is an M-Performance variant so not a thoroughbred M, which makes an iX M more than likely. Where M is written on it, be it performance or not, the Garching dynamic division’s self-image must already have enough performance. Especially since the BMW iX xDrive50 with its maximum 385 kW / 523 PS is not too weak on the chest.

No sooner said than done: the BMW iX M60 is the first model from the Munich-based car manufacturer to achieve a four-digit value of 1,015 Newton meters. A maximum of 1,100 Nm should be there. The key word here is “maximum”, because that also applies to the system output of 455 kW / 619 PS. However, this is a boost that is available for up to ten seconds. Otherwise it is up to 397 kW / 540 PS, which is still an announcement. This means that the 2.5 tonne e-cruiser reaches a speed of 100 km / h after 3.8 seconds and is up to 250 km / h, 50 km / h more than the BMW iX50. The fact that the BMW advances into these speed regions without technical tricks like a two-speed transmission is due to the two electric motors. These are current-excited synchronous machines that are housed in a housing together with the power electronics and the input gear. In order to do justice to the letter M, the engineers have given the engine on the rear axle an e-tuning. The electric machine is operated in six phases and has a double inverter. This engine brings up to 360 kW / 489 PS to the axle, at the front it is a maximum of 190 kW / 258 PS. It goes without saying that the all-wheel drive is designed to be rear-heavy and the front axle only cuts in when needed. The air suspension will also have a special M adjustment, but it will hardly be too tight, since the chassis of the BMW iX50 is convincing and offers sufficient comfort offers.

As with the iX50, the energy comes from a 111.5 kilowatt hour battery (net 105.2 kWh). With an average consumption of 21.7 to 24.7 kWh (WLTP), the BMW iX M60 can travel up to 566 kilometers. The batteries are filled with a maximum of 11 kW at an alternating current connection. With a direct current fast charger it is up to 200 kW. This loading speed is okay but not outstanding. In the ideal case, the energy storage device is filled from 10 to 80 percent within 35 minutes and electricity can be refueled in ten minutes for a range of 150 kilometers.

In addition to the most efficient possible drive train design and optimized aerodynamics, adaptive recuperation also helps to extend the range. Because this system adapts the energy recovery based on various data from the sensors and the navigation maps to the current traffic situation. Like the other iX models, the M60 is a technology carrier. Among other things, the striking front houses an eight-megapixel camera with which the E-SUV can see from a distance of up to 300 meters. A total of five cameras, five radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors are built into the powerful body of the Stromer. This means that the first steps in robo-driving are also possible. The driver can record a parking maneuver and call it up at the push of a button – the BMW E-SUV then automatically positions itself in this position. This means that the people of Munich are still a long way from Level 3 on public roads, but at least.

The interior offers all the amenities that the BMW iX50 has: two curved monitors measuring 12.3 “and 14.9” and, thankfully, the tried and tested rotary push button in the center console, which significantly minimizes driver distraction. The BMW iX M60 will be available from dealers from June 2022 and will cost at least 130,200 euros, which is 32,200 euros more than a BMW iX50 xDrive. Just for comparison: a Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo is 2,586 euros more expensive. A Tesla Model X costs at least around 111,000 euros.