BMW iX3 M60 xDrive revealed

BMW has unveiled the iX3 M60 xDrive, a new performance flagship for its Neue Klasse-based electric SUV, bringing 450kW and a 3.9-second 0-100km/h claim to the top of the range.

European orders open from the end of January 2027 with production starting at BMW Group’s Debrecen plant in Hungary in early 2027.

Sitting above the existing iX3 50 xDrive as an M Performance model, the M60 pairs a motor on each axle for a combined 450kW and 875Nm, a substantial jump over the 50 xDrive’s 345kW/645Nm, and enough to shave a full second off that model’s 0-100km/h time.

Top speed is electronically limited to 240km/h.

Much of the power increase comes down to a newly developed Gen6 electrically excited synchronous motor at the rear axle, running through a more powerful 420A inverter (up from 300A), a newly developed stator, and a longer gear ratio paired with a higher maximum rotor speed, a combination that also lifts top speed to 240km/h.

Despite the extra performance, the M60 carries over the same 108.7kWh (net) battery used in the 50 xDrive.

The added power draw drops claimed WLTP range to 754km, down from the 50 xDrive’s figure, though BMW’s own materials elsewhere put the iX4 M60’s equivalent range at 777km, suggesting a modest variance between the coupe and SUV body styles.

The M60 retains the same 800-volt architecture as other Neue Klasse models, with DC charging topping out at 400kWwhich is enough, BMW says, to add up to 340km of range in a 10-minute charge, and 22kW available on AC.

Visually, the M60 leans hard into BMW’s M Performance design language.

The standout feature is a new M Yellow Lights treatment, a styling cue BMW says draws inspiration from motorsport, specifically the BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance racer, usable only in conjunction with the low-beam headlights depending on market.

Progressively lit bars flank the kidney grille, each built from three elements inspired by BMW’s traditional M stripes, with an M logo integrated into the light signature.

M Sport exterior trim and the BMW Iconic Glow package adding adaptive light functions like BMW’s Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam assist that come standard.

Further M-specific touches include black-finished roof rails, aerodynamic M mirror caps with M-stripe detailing, M badging on the flanks, a black rear diffuser, an M-specific roof spoiler with twin aeroblades for extra downforce, and a rear M60 badge in black lettering with a silver surround.

The M60 rides on 21-inch M alloy wheels as standard, with 22-inch wheels, reserved exclusively for this variant, available as an option. BMW is offering 25 “special request” paint finishes at launch, with more colours to follow.

Inside, the M60 gets a dedicated M Sport steering wheel with a red marker at the 12 o’clock position, along with direct-access buttons for Boost Mode and M Mode.

Standard M Sport seats bring 10-way electric adjustment including lumbar support, backrest width and thigh support plus a massage function and illuminated M logos integrated into the head restraints.

M seatbelts and an M-specific instrument display, including a Powermeter showing current power usage and remaining reserves, round out the sporting cabin treatment.

Standard trim is BMW’s M interior design, using black Veganza (synthetic leather) with M PerformTex, with Contemporary and BMW Individual trim levels available as options, the latter adding genuine Merino leather on seat cushion surfaces.

A 13-speaker, 430-watt harman/kardon sound system with Dolby Atmos support is also standard.

Adaptive M suspension comes standard on the M60, bringing electronically controlled dampers, variable-ratio sport steering, and two exclusive M-specific driving modes, M Sport and M Sport Plus, that adjust drivetrain, chassis, and steering response together.

An electronically controlled M Sport rear differential improves traction through corners and on slippery surfaces, while BMW’s engineers have reworked spring and damper tuning, added front anti-roll bar links for sharper steering response and reduced body roll, and fitted additional front-end bracing for improved torsional stiffness.

M Sport brakes, available with red or blue callipers, are also standard. BMW’s Soft Stop feature uses regenerative braking to bring the car to a smooth, jerk-free halt in everyday driving, with the conventional brakes engaging only under emergency or spirited driving conditions.

As with other Neue Klasse models, the M60 relies heavily on BMW’s new Heart of Joy high-performance computer, which BMW says processes driving-related data up to ten times faster than previous systems, working alongside BMW M Dynamic Performance Control to manage drivetrain, braking, steering, charging, and recuperation functions in real time. 

BMW says the result is more consistent, repeatable cornering behaviour, and sharper, more intuitive handling.

Standard safety and driver-assist technology includes SAE Level 2 systems under BMW’s Symbiotic Drive banner, along with a Motorway Assistant enabling hands-free driving at up to 130km/h on approved roads.

The iX3 M60 xDrive arrives alongside a closely related sibling, the iX4 M60 xDrive which is a coupe-styled SUV sharing the same drivetrain, outputs and 3.9-second 0-100km/h claim.

BMW Australia has confirmed the iX4 M60 will join that range “later in 2027,” suggesting the iX3 M60 is likely to follow a similar timeline locally, though Australian pricing and specification haven’t yet been detailed.