610 horsepower means one insanely fast EV.
BMW isn’t wasting any time launching new variants of its all-electric iX. Last year was the iX xDrive50i and now the BMW iX M60 has arrived. Now on display at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show, the iX M60 is, simply put, the high-performance version of an already powerful SUV EV. Instead of the immensely popular xDrive50i’s 516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque, the iX M60 turns up the heat with a total of 610 hp and 811 lb-ft of street-melting torque. Note: the iX M60 has only seven ponies less than the V8-powered M5 Competition and, not to mention, instant torque. BMW says 0-60 mph happens in a mere 3.6 seconds and that power is nearly constant all the way to the electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The SUV has a pair of electric motors; 255 hp at the front and 483 hp at the rear. BMW brilliantly developed energized synchronous motors instead of magnet-based units in order to avoid using rare-earth minerals.
Because fully electric vehicles require heavy battery packs, shaving weight wherever possible is a must. Therefore, BMW went with an aluminum spaceframe, carbon cage, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic for the roof, sides, and rear body panels. The total weight comes to a reasonable 5,769 pounds.
Because it’s still part of the Ultimate Driving Machine family, engineers utilized a double-wishbone front axle, five-link rear axle, and an adaptive dual-axle air suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers. The suspension system is designed to regulate air supply to each wheel, therefore the SUV can compensate for uneven loading. Damper forces, meanwhile, are adaptively controlled with a continuously adjustable valve that takes into account things like longitudinal and lateral acceleration, road speed, and steering angle.
The interior is also an impressive place to be. BMW Live Cockpit Professional, speech and gesture control, and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System are all standard fare. Over-the-air software updates will enable BMW to keep systems fresh for years to come. Drivers and passengers alike will further appreciate ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging and, of course, a large panoramic sunroof.
We’re still waiting for the EPA’s official rating; the iX M60 already received an estimated 280-mile range versus the iX xDrive50’s confirmed 324 miles. Sales are due to get underway this June with a starting price tag of $106,095, including destination.
Keyword: 2023 BMW iX M60 Arrives In Chicago Like A Boss