Soon after the local release of the BMW iX3 which had the iX3 50 as the top of the range with 345kW, now BMW has added the M badge, slapped in number 60 and turned the power volume to 450kW. Dare I say, this BMW has "electric" performance.
Elements of the new BMW M design language shape the front end and maximise its visual presence to differentiate it from the standard 40 and 50 models whilst retaining the Neue Klasse design. Standard specification for the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive includes both M Sport exterior items and the BMW Iconic Glow exterior package.
A clear identifying feature here is the new M Yellow Lights, with their focused gaze on the road. These light icons have their origins in motor sport, with racing cars like the BMW M Hybrid V8 providing the aesthetic inspiration. These light elements are positioned to the left and right of the BMW kidneys forming another unique feature of the BMW iX3 M60 xDrive.
The BMW Iconic Glow exterior package also adds adaptive light functions that enhance safety and comfort – including the BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high-beam assistant, Adaptive Headlights and the motorway beam pattern – plus fan-shaped area lighting within the rear lights and various light effects in the form of Welcome & Goodbye Animations
The aerodynamically optimised M mirror caps fitted as standard highlight the car’s sporting appeal and have a striped design in M colours against their black background.
While the range-topping BMW iX3 variant is fitted as standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels, items up to 22 inches in size can be found on the options list. Athletic shoulders and a deeply inset glasshouse shape the rear view of the new iX3 M60. The pronounced wheel arches emphasise the car’s width and its dynamic character even when it is standing still. There is also an M-specific roof edge spoiler with two aeroblades, increasing downforce at the rear axle.
The black diffuser reinforces the extrovert looks of the M Performance model, as do the rear lights with their distinctive light signature.
The M60 retains the dash layout as seen on the "standard" models featuring the BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X. TheiX3 M60 is fitted as standard with M Sport seats, which stand out with their sporty, expressive design and pronounced side sections for particularly secure lateral support during sporty driving. The standard M seat belts are another example of the particularly sporty features.
BMW Panoramic iDrive creates a unique display and operating system that brings together the standard-fitted BMW Panoramic Vision, Central Display in free-cut design and M Sport steering wheel, plus the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display. It ensures the driver is always given the right information in the right place at the right time. The 17.9-inch Central Display in free-cut design is angled towards the driver.
The iX3 M60 xDrive has one electric motor at the front axle and one at the rear. Together, they generate maximum output of 450 kW and peak torque of 875 Nm. The SUV sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The Heart of Joy high-performance computer defines the all-new driving feeling in the new M60 and combines the BMW M Dynamic Performance Control Driving Stack to form the high-performance powertrain and driving dynamics control system in the M Performance model. As the most dynamically potent variant in the BMW iX3 line-up, the iX3 M60 comes as standard with adaptive M suspension.
The new iX3 M60 xDrive will be launched in Mzansi in 2027.