2023 BMW iX M60 electric SUV gets more power, less range, and a substantial price increase.

2023 BMW iX M60, The EV’s fewer moving components, absence of exhaust noise, and firewall of computerized insulation restrict its choices for excitement as compared to a regular internal-combustion automobile. For established automakers, standing out needs a dedicated effort. BMW hasn’t been bashful about embracing this strategy, exhibiting its eccentric side with the i3 hatchback and, more recently, the iX mid-size luxury SUV. The brand’s M performance division has recently acquired the iX to produce the new 2023 M60 model, which mostly serves to polish the model’s exterior with a $106,095 brilliance. Top 10 best luxury SUVs in the world.

The iX M60 isn’t the first electric BWM with a M model. (That honor went to the more typical i4 M50 sedan.) The iX M60 isn’t a thoroughly verified M model in the same way as the M3 or the X5 M are. It’s a half-step up from the xDrive50 model, with better power, a sturdier chassis, and a larger price tag. The only cosmetic differences are darkened M60 logos on the tail, blue M-branded brake calipers, and new wheel designs. However, the iX’s angular surface treatment and unique grille already designate it as a peacock, so that’s probably for the best. The M60 brims with technology and status on the street, appearing and feeling as costly as it does futuristic. 10 Best luxury electric cars in the world.

The M60’s biggest selling feature will be its higher electron score, which translates to 532 horsepower and 749 pound-feet of torque, up 16 horses and 185 pound-feet over the xDrive50 edition. When you switch to Sport mode, the pony count jumps to 610, with a launch-control function temporarily upping torque to 811 pound-feet. The M60 is predicted to knock 0.7 seconds off the xDrive50’s 4.0-second 60-mph speed. In locations lacking unrestricted autobahns, the larger stated max speed of 155 mph with optional summer tires (or 130 mph with ordinary all-seasons) is less of an issue.

The all-wheel-drive M60, like the xDrive50, employs BMW’s current-excited AC motors without rare-earth permanent magnets. While both variants feature the same front-axle motor, the M60 has a stronger rear drive unit as well as a more powerful inverter. The lithium-ion battery (105.2 kWh useful capacity) and 11.0-kW onboard charger from the xDrive50 are also preserved. As a result, EPA range estimates for the M60 on ordinary 21-inch wheels decline from 324 miles for the xDrive50 to 288 miles for the M60. It decreases to 274 miles if you go for the 22s like the ones we drove. On our 75-mph highway test, the xDrive50 achieved the second-best range we’ve observed for an EV, going 290 miles, demonstrating BMW’s EV technological efficiency. When connected to a DC fast charger, the M60 can draw up to 195 kW and charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 35 minutes, according to the company.

It’s tough to judge if spectators observe the M60 with approval, scorn, or just plain curiosity (we’d imagine a combination of all three). It is, nonetheless, quite quick and pulls hard into into the triple digits. Nonetheless, the xDrive50 model’s near-instantaneous reaction to accelerator prods makes it pretty speedy. Gauging the punch of the more powerful M60 is similar to comparing two buttock kicks. BMW partnered with acclaimed film score composer Hans Zimmer on a model-specific soundtrack that is tied to the car’s Sport mode or available via its configurable settings to help further distinguish the M60. Such sound profiles may be either welcomingly energetic or excruciatingly kitschy, depending on your point of view. The M60’s synthetic buzzing, on the other hand, was beneficial in creating ideas of speeder motorbikes zipping about the Star Wars environment. Over-the-air upgrades will provide more dramatic arrangements—Expressive and Relax modes.

The iX’s adaptive regenerative braking mode, which employs the car’s sensors, cameras, and GPS data to decide the ideal method to conserve and recover energy based on the circumstance, is even more impressive. When you lift your foot off the right pedal on the highway, the M60 will smoothly coast with little deceleration, but it smartly adjusts to one-pedal operation when traffic jams in metropolitan areas. The M60 is a comfortable—and comforting—way to travel miles when paired with the iX’s highly quiet cabin, augmented reality navigation, and the enhanced usefulness of BMW’s large curved-dash infotainment display.

If the road gets rough, the M60 features considerably stiffer front and rear anti-roll bars than the xDrive50 variant, providing it somewhat more body control at the price of ride comfort, at least on the 22-inch wheels. The xDrive50 can acquire the M60’s standard air springs and rear-wheel-steering system with the $1600 Dynamic Handling option, but that’s the end of the handling changes (both versions include standard adaptive dampers) (both models feature standard adaptive dampers). Though the iX’s variable-ratio steering is agreeably straight, if a touch muted in conversation, the M60’s cornering ability is enhanced by its optional summer tires and its low center of gravity thanks to the low-mounted battery.

The similarities between the M60 and the xDrive50, as well as the $21,900 difference in base prices, make us apprehensive of the new iX model. True, the top-of-the-line version has a stronger punch, more tricks, and more standard gear. The xDrive50, on the other hand, delivers greater range and can be optioned to near parity (the equipped iX xDrive50 we tested cost $104,020). We wish the iX’s M badge provided more to the M60’s experience, as much as we embrace improved speed.