2023 BMW iX M60: First Look

M Power
Last summer BMW took the wraps off a next-generation electric crossover: the iX Sports Activity Vehicle. Today the German automaker unveils another addition to its electric lineup with the introduction of a high-performance variant of the iX — the 2023 BMW iX M60. With more than 600 horsepower on tap, the iX M60 fittingly showcases the future of BMW M performance.

New Architecture
The BMW iX is built on a new modular, scalable architecture offering versatility and efficiency. Power is generated by the automaker’s fifth-generation eDrive system which encompasses the electric motors, power electronics, charging system and high-voltage battery. BMW says the new iX will “redefine the driving experience, the feeling of space inside and the relationship between vehicles and those on board.” Technologically speaking, the iX is a considerable advancement yet the exterior design skews more mainstream than the eclectic i3 — BMW’s most recent EV offering.

Potent
Powering the 2023 BMW iX M60 are two electric motors — 255 horsepower up front, 483 at the rear — delivering a total of 532 horsepower and 749 lb-ft of torque. However, with available Sport Boost these numbers bump up to 610 horsepower and an eye-watering 811 lb-ft of torque. With maximum horsepower unleashed, the small crossover will sprint to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds on its way to a top speed limited to 155 mph.

Electric Motors
Instead of using permanent magnets in the electric motors, BMW employs a radical design in which the excitation of the rotor is triggered by a precisely metered supply of electrical energy. Not only does this give the motor an extremely high power density with a significant increase in peak power, it eliminates the need for rare earth metals for magnetic components.

Battery and Charging
On a full charge of its 111.6 kWh battery, the 2023 BMW iX M60 can travel up to 280 miles between recharges. On a DC fast charger producing 250 kW, the iX can reach 80 percent charge in a mere 35 minutes. Conversely, plugging the vehicle into a typical Level 2 charger will bring the iX to a full charge in about 10.5 hours — optimal for overnight reenergizing.

M Suspension
The2023 BMW iX M60 features an M-calibrated adaptive dual-axle air suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers. Dampers are adaptively controlled with continuously adjustable valves that take into account longitudinal and lateral acceleration, road speed and steering angle to provide the required damper force within a few milliseconds. This improves overall ride quality while increasing agility and dynamic performance.

Lightweight Design
BMW engineers and designers created the iX as an electric vehicle from the ground up. The body structure features an aluminum subframe and carbon cage along with carbon fiber-reinforced plastic in the roof, sides and rear sections of the vehicle. This construction increases stiffness while preserving light vehicle weight. The battery sits low in the vehicle structure to keep the center of gravity optimized as well as provide balanced weight distribution for outstanding handling and performance.

Next-Generation Design
A futuristic take on BMW’s traditional kidney grille and twin headlights means the iX won’t be mistaken for anything other than a BMW. The full LED headlights are the slimmest ever used on a Bimmer, integrating around the large grille that flows smoothly into the sculpted hood. The hood mimics the grille design for a 3D effect. The iX is approximately the same length and width as a BMW X5, and almost the same height as an X6.

Unique Grille
The kidney grille of the 2023 BMW iX M60 has no openings into the engine bay since the vehicle has no internal-combustion engine to cool. Instead the grille integrates the vehicle’s camera technology, radar functions and other sensors behind a transparent surface. The heating elements and cleaning system for the sensors are embedded in the grille as well. The BMW roundel logo opens as a filler cap for the windshield washer fluid — apparently the only maintenance expected of a consumer.

Aerodynamic
In keeping with the slippery nature of the iX design, door handles of the 2023 BMW iX M60 fit flush with door surfaces. The vehicle also has frameless windows and exterior mirrors optimized for airflow and visibility. The iX charging port is located where a fuel-filler cap would be on a typical BMW — the right-rear wheel arch.

Taillights
Like the LED headlights, the taillights of the iX are the slimmest LEDs ever applied to a BMW. A rearview camera resides within the large BMW logo and gets cleaned automatically as needed.

Distinctive Look
Standing out from the standard iX, the new M60 features larger brakes with blue-painted calipers adorned with the M logo. An optional Titanium Bronze Exterior with M logos in a high gloss black / titanium bronze finish further differentiate this high-performance variant. Available 22-inch aerodynamic wheels complete the look.

Panoramic Roof
The new 2023 BMW iX M60 comes with a single-piece transparent roof — the largest ever on a BMW — providing a more spacious feeling inside. The roof employs electrochromic shading — rather than employing a shade, the roof turns opaque at the touch of a button.

Curved Display
The 2023 BMW iX M60 displays all driver and infotainment information on one large, curved display that seems to float away from the dashboard. The single piece of glass has a magnesium housing and an anti-reflective coating. Combining the 12.3-inch driver information display and 14.9-inh control display gives this iX interior a futuristic look.

Center Console
The only physical buttons in the cabin of the 2023 BMW iX M60 are on the steering wheel and center console. BMW’s familiar iDrive controller looks jewel-like, while controls surrounding it are haptic buttons integrated into a wood surface. The new gear selector is a rocker switch rather than the customary selector.

Hex Steering Wheel
Another first for a BMW, the iX has a hexagonal steering wheel featuring new multifunction buttons with control pads. The steering wheel also gets three-stage heating — another first.

Coming This Summer
The 2023 BMW iX M60 will begin arriving in showrooms in June 2022. The base MSRP is set at $105,100.

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