BMW iX M60 EV flagship here mid-year

BMW Group Australia will introduce its second all-electric model to be fettled by the marque’s M Division when the 455kW/1100Nm iX M60 arrives Down Under mid-year priced from $222,000 before on-road costs and options.

The headlining iX M60, costing $52,100 more than the next most-expensive iX, is the third variant in the battery-electric large SUV line-up and follows the arrival of the i4 M50 fastback sedan, which was launched to the local market recently.   

As with the two other iX variants, the iX M60 “features the most extensive range of standard equipment ever offered by BMW in the field of driving technology systems,” according to BMW.

The dual-motor iX M60 SUV is the flagship of BMW’s electric range and with up to 455kW and 1100Nm available (in 10-second bursts), it is said to bolt from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

In fact, BMW says because the iX M60 can provide linear acceleration into high load ranges, “acceleration remains almost constant up to the (electronically limited) 250km/h top speed”.

For regular driving, the iX M60 provides 397kW and 1015Nm while Its 112kWh battery pack provides a range of up to 566km (WLTP) on a single charge. 

The variant can be charged with alternating current at up to 11kW, but when its 200kW DC fast-charging capabilities are utilised, 150km of range can be added in 10 minutes (starting with a battery charge level of 10 per cent), with the ability to reach 80 per cent capacity in 35 minutes.  

A rigid structure and drag coefficient of 0.26Cd for the iX M60 comes from sharing the same aluminium-rich space frame design and carbon cage found in regular BMW iX SUV variants plus carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) used in sections of the roof, side, and rear sections. 

In addition to electric all-wheel-drive, the iX flagship features actuator-based wheel-slip limitation and suspension technology integrating BMW M-tuned dual-axle air suspension with automatic level control, Integral Active Steering (including passive rear-wheel steering) as well as launch control.

The new flagship is differentiated by BMW Individual Titanium Bronze Exterior Line garnishes, bespoke 22-inch alloy wheels (three designs to choose from, including a 3D-polished Bicolour Titanium Bronze), M-badged brake callipers finished in blue paint, and obligatory M badging. 

BMW Laserlight LED headlamps are standard, while eight paint finishes are available, including five metallic- and Storm Bay and Aventurine Red BMW Individual metallic options ($2600 each).

For Australia, BMW will offer iX M60 buyers a no-cost choice of three interior design suites – Stone Grey, Amido and Castanea, the first of which incorporates a combination of cloth/microfibre trim and the rest olive leaf-tanned natural leather surfaces, in conjunction with Clear&Bold interior applications, as well as Gold Bronze component and control highlights (including on the head restraints).

Befitting the flagship variant in the range, the iX M60 comes comprehensively equipped with luxury features, such as Comfort Access (including soft-close doors), heated multifunctional front seats, a Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround audio system and Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, as well as Driving- and Parking Assistant Professional packages.

The variant’s expansive digital interface comprises BMW Live Cockpit Professional (powered by the brand’s Operating System 8) and Natural Interaction, which allows functions to be operated using touch inputs to BMW’s Curved Display, speech (BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant) and gestures.

Finally, BMW Australia offers the Comfort Package as a $3500 option. It includes Active Seat Ventilation for the front seats, as well as heating for the steering wheel, centre console, armrests, the lower section of the instrument panel, as well as the upper trim sections of the door panels. 

BMW says it has used responsibly-sourced materials in construction of its i-model range, including throughout the supply chain and manufacture 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.

Remote Software Upgrades will offer the possibility to install new and improved vehicle functions over-the-air via the BMW Australia ConnectedDrive store. 

The iX M60 comes with a complimentary five-year use of the Chargefox network (including Ultra Rapid chargers).

2022 BMW iX pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.