BMW unveils 1100Nm electric iX M60 at CES
BMW has pulled the covers of its most powerful electric vehicle yet at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and says the model will arrive in Australian showrooms before the middle of the year.
The dual-motor iX M60 SUV is the flagship of the German brand’s electric range and with up to 455kW and 1100Nm available (in 10-second bursts), is the torquiest production vehicle BMW has ever built with figures allowing a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds.
BMW says that the power delivery of the iX M60 means it can provide linear acceleration into high load ranges, ensuring “acceleration remains almost constant up to the electronically-limited maximum speed of 250km/h”.
In regular driving, the iX M60 provides 397kW and 1015Nm, and with a 112kW/h battery pack can travel up to 566km (WLTP) on a single charge. The model features 200kW/h DC fast-charging capabilities and can be charged up to 80 per cent of capacity within 35 minutes, BMW says. An 11kW AC charger is also supplied.
The rigid structure of the iX M60 boasts a drag coefficient of 0.26Cd and shares the same aluminium-rich space frame design and carbon cage found in regular BMW iX SUV variants with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) used in sections of the roof, side, and rear sections.
The sporty model is differentiated by Titanium Bronze Exterior Line garnishes, bespoke 22-inch alloy wheels (on Australian-delivered models), M-badged brake calipers finished in blue paint, and obligatory M badging. It rides on adaptive air suspension with electronically-controlled dampers and includes passive rear-wheel steering and Launch Control.
Inside, the iX M60 shares much of the technology found in the donor variant, but adds sports seats, an anthracite-coloured headlining, hexagonal steering wheel, and Gold Bronze interior accents. Australian-delivered versions are also expected to receive BMW Live Cockpit Professional and BMW Natural Interaction which allows functions to be operated via voice and gesture control.
In addition, it will be available with a high-end Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound package, BMW Laserlight LED headlights, Comfort Access, Active Seat Ventilation (front seats only), and the Heat Comfort Package.
BMW says it has used responsibly-sourced materials in construction of its i-model range, including throughout the supply chain and manufacturer of the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery packs.
“The supply of cobalt and lithium required for the high-voltage batteries is procured by the BMW Group from controlled sources in Australia and Morocco and delivered to the battery cell manufacturers,” BMW said in a statement.
“The design principle of the electric motors makes it possible to dispense with the use of rare earth metals in the rotors of the drives. In addition, the company acquires aluminium produced using electricity from solar energy plants.
“One hundred per cent green electricity is used for manufacturing the vehicles as well as for manufacturing battery cells. A high proportion of secondary aluminium and recycled plastic also contributes to the resource-efficient production of the BMW iX M60.
“Interior aspects include FSC-certified wood and other natural materials, while recycled fishing nets serve as raw material for the floor coverings and floor mats,” the statement concluded.
BMW Australia has yet to price the iX M60 for the local market but says its third iX variant will go on sale following the i4 M40 towards the middle of this year.
2022 BMW iX pricing*:
| xDrive40 (a) | $135,900 |
| xDrive40 Sport (a) | $141,900 |
| xDrive50 Sport (a) | $169,900 |
| M60 | TBA |
*Pricing excludes on-road costs.
