BMW launches an even more agile iX

BMW is unveiling its iX M60. This is a fresher version of the SUV iX, which we tested in December .

See more pictures of the iX M60 at the bottom of the article.

To take the performance figures first: the iX M60 does zero to one hundred in 3.8 seconds, and can continue until the needle stops at 250 kilometers per hour. The engine power is 455 kilowatts, and the torque up to 1100 newton meters.

Here are some asterisks. The engine power is a peak value, and the maximum power is only available for ten seconds at a time. Otherwise, the maximum power is 397 kilowatts. The stated torque is when the so-called “launch control” is active, and is otherwise 1015 newton meters. By all means, these are also impressive numbers.

According to BMW, the performance will be at about the same level as a BMW X5M.

The newcomer will cost approximately 1,149,000 kroner, and can be ordered from Norwegian dealers from mid-January.

At a press event before the launch, BMW’s Johann Kistler, project manager for BMW iX, said that it is not enough to only have long range when making an electric car. They have set a number of different goals for circular thinking, interior space, and driving experience.

For the M60, they have taken this further, and at the same time given their own chassis layout and given the far sportier driving experience. And at the same time of course also developed a separate fake engine sound especially for this variant.

566 kilometers range

The range should be up to 566 kilometers after the WLTP driving cycle, and the gross capacity of the battery is 111.5 kilowatt hours. The same battery as in the xDrive50 variant, in other words, but with 64 kilometers less range.

The car charges with up to 200 kilowatts, which according to BMW should do possible to add 150 kilometers range with a ten minute charging session if charging starts with 10 percent charged battery. If you have a little better time, the onboard charger gives up to 11 kilowatts from a three-phase charging socket.

The car has four-wheel drive with one engine per axle. Non-permanently magnetized synchronous motors are used. The rear motor is special for the M60 variant, in that it is a six-phase motor with a double inverter. It has a maximum power of 360 kilowatts, against 230 kilowatts on the xDrive50 variant of the iX.

The front motor is the same as on the xDrive50 version, and provides up to 190 kilowatt.

The interior is the same as in the other iX variants. Photo: BMW Sportier chassis

The car chassis and chassis are set up to be sporty. In addition to double A-arms on the front wheel suspension, the car also has a multi-link suspension at the rear. Especially for the M60 variant, particularly powerful stabilizer bars are at the rear. The air damper system is also specifically developed for the M60 variant.

In addition, the M60 has sports brakes, and comes standard with 21-inch wheels. 22 inches in a special M-design will also be available.

BMW also promises that the car’s four-wheel drive system will make it «accelerate as if it were running on rails».

There is little that distinguishes the M60 from other iX variants in appearance, beyond an M60 emblem on the back of the car, blue-painted brake calipers with M-logo, and a few other color shades on panels on the side and behind the car.

Also the interior is as far as we can decide the same as is available in the other variants.

The M60 must be well equipped, and comes with BMW’s laser lights, Bowers & Wilkins sound system, ventilated seats and much more as standard.

BMW iX M60.

BMW iX M60. (Image: BMW)