Having revealed the new 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 electric SUV in July, the Bavarian automaker saved its brawnier sibling for its close-up Tuesday at CES: the 2023 BMW iX M60.
The numbers tell the story
Along with the smaller i4 M50, the iX M60 is the first purely electric BMW to get the M performance treatment.
And in this case, the upgrade is significant, with iX M60 rated at 610 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque when Launch Control is activated.
By comparison, the other iX has 516 hp, although both have all-wheel drive. The difference in performance comes to less than a second when doing the 0-60 mph run: 3.6 for the iX M60, 4.4 seconds for iX xDrive50. But being an M, there’s more to the story than numbers.
The EPA-estimated range for the iX M60 is 280 miles, down from the 324-mile range for the iX xDrive50.
But this is no shrinking violet. It’s 195 inches long, 77.4 inches wide, offers 8.8 inches of ground clearance and weighs 5,769 pounds. It seats five, and has a relatively low 1,003-pound payload. Twenty-one-inch wheels are standard, 22s are available.
Reducing reliance on rare earth metals
All automakers are striving to reduce their reliance on the rare earth metals — many of which are sourced from China. BMW is no different. Rather than use permanent magnet motors to drive the rotor, it’s driven instead by precisely metered supply of electric current.
Moving the metal efficiently
To maximize the iX’s performance, BMW uses an aluminum spaceframe and carbon cage, with a carbon fiber roof, side and rear panels that produce a drag coefficient of 0.26.
The suspension is comprised of a double-wishbone front axle, and a five-link rear axle, along with electric steering. Air suspension is fitted at all four wheels, allowing then to be regulated individually when traversing uneven surfaces.
The dampers consider the iX’s longitudinal and lateral acceleration, road speed and steering angle as well as body and wheel acceleration, adjusting each wheel within milliseconds.
BMW says the precise control the electric all-wheel drive provides, along with a responsive actuator-based traction control system, and an air suspension with automatic leveling provides a remarkable amount of power, agility and precision in its handling.
A vehicle that’s future-proof
And the computing power that controls it all has been equipped with the connectivity, sensors and software to handle future autonomous driving requirements. While BMW said the model would come with various driver-assistance systems, it didn’t elaborate on which ones would be offered.
BMW’s starkest cabin yet
Inside, you’ll find the company’s starkest cabin yet, with a large horizontal screen visually anchored above pencil-thin air vents and controlled by a crystal-like console-mounted dial nestled in a flat panel with haptic-feedback buttons and a small toggle shifter. The “squircle” steering wheel looks a bit odd, but its spokes house controls for various functions.
Comfort and convenience features will include a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, wireless device charging, heated steering wheel with front and rear heated seats and armrests, four-zone automatic climate control, front ventilated seats, panoramic roof, power tailgate, interior camera, ambient lighting, park distance control, dynamic cruise control and automatic high beams.
Prices for the M60 haven’t been announced, but expect it to be above the xDrive50’s $83,200 before any options, sales tax or federal, state, or local tax credits.
Look for the vehicle to go on sale in June 2022.