The new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive takes the Neue Klasse electric SUV into a very different territory. With 612 HP, 875 Nm and a 0–100 km/h time of just 3.9 seconds, it is now the performance flagship of the iX3 range. But the numbers only tell part of the story.
What makes the M60 interesting is the technology underneath them: a dedicated Neue Klasse architecture, BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive system, the Heart of Joy control platform and a chassis developed specifically to give the electric SUV a more focused driving character.
At the same time, BMW has managed to keep one of the biggest advantages of the new iX3 intact. The M60 can travel up to 754 km on a single charge according to the WLTP cycle and recover up to 340 km of WLTP range in around 10 minutes when connected to a suitable high-power DC charger.
The iX3 M60 is more than a power upgrade
BMW already offers the iX3 50 xDrive with 469 HP and a 0–100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds. The M60 takes those figures considerably further, but BMW has not simply increased the output of the electric motors.
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The M60 is built around the same Neue Klasse philosophy as the rest of the new iX3, but its suspension, steering, braking and software have been developed with a stronger emphasis on performance. That distinction matters.
This is still an M Performance model rather than a full BMW M car, but the recipe is familiar: more power, sharper chassis responses and hardware designed to make the additional performance usable rather than simply impressive on paper.
612 HP, 875 Nm and 3.9 seconds
The headline figure is 450 kW, equivalent to 612 HP. Maximum torque reaches 875 Nm, giving the iX3 M60 the kind of instant response that has become one of the defining characteristics of high-performance electric cars.
BMW quotes a 0–100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h. The figures are preliminary and remain subject to final homologation.
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The M60 uses an electric motor on each axle and BMW’s latest-generation electric drive technology. The rear motor uses an electrically excited synchronous machine, while the system’s control electronics are designed to react extremely quickly to changes in traction and driver input.
That is where the M60 starts to become more interesting than a simple specification sheet suggests.
Heart of Joy is at the centre of the experience
One of the key technologies behind the new iX3 is BMW’s Heart of Joy control platform. It handles several functions that directly influence the way the car responds to the driver, including power delivery, braking, energy recuperation and stability control.
BMW says the system processes these control functions significantly faster than the electronics used in its previous generation of vehicles. The goal is not simply to make the car faster, but to make its reactions more predictable and precise.
The system also works with BMW’s Soft Stop function, which is designed to make the transition into a complete stop smoother. Regenerative braking remains an important part of the driving experience, while the conventional braking system takes over when additional stopping power is required, including during emergency braking and more demanding driving.
A chassis developed for the M60
The extra performance would mean little without the right chassis. BMW has therefore given the iX3 M60 a more focused setup than the standard models.
The equipment includes adaptive M suspension, variable sport steering and an electronically controlled M Sport differential on the rear axle. BMW has also increased the stiffness of key areas of the body and modified suspension components to improve the car’s response under load.
The result should be an iX3 that feels more precise when the road becomes interesting, while retaining the refinement expected from a long-distance electric SUV.
That balance will ultimately be one of the most important tests for the M60. Electric power makes acceleration easy. Making a large SUV genuinely engaging through corners is considerably harder.
754 km of range and 400 kW charging
Performance has not come at the expense of range. The iX3 M60 uses a 108.7 kWh usable battery and can cover up to 754 km according to WLTP.
DC charging is available at up to 400 kW, with the 800-volt electrical architecture allowing the battery to recover up to 340 km of WLTP range in approximately 10 minutes under suitable conditions.
AC charging is supported at up to 22 kW. The new electrical architecture also opens the door to bidirectional energy functions in compatible applications and markets, allowing the vehicle to become part of a wider energy ecosystem rather than simply a device for storing electricity.
For an M Performance model, this is an important part of the story. The iX3 M60 is not designed only for short bursts of acceleration. Its range and charging capability make it a car intended to cover serious distances as well.
M Yellow Lights and a more purposeful look
Visually, the M60 remains recognisable as an iX3, but BMW has added a number of details intended to separate the performance version from the rest of the range.
The most distinctive element is the M Yellow Lights signature, inspired by BMW Motorsport endurance racers. The treatment is particularly striking at night and gives the front of the M60 a more technical, motorsport-inspired appearance.
The iX3 M60 rides on 21-inch M light-alloy wheels as standard, while 22-inch aerodynamic wheels are available as an option. Customers can also choose from a wide selection of exterior finishes, including around 25 BMW Individual and special-request paint options.
The familiar illuminated BMW kidney grille and the Neue Klasse design language complete the package. It is not an aggressively styled SUV, but the M60 has enough visual detail to make its position in the range clear.
Inside: Panoramic iDrive meets M Performance
The cabin follows the technology-focused philosophy of the Neue Klasse. At its centre is the new Panoramic iDrive system, combining the central 17.9-inch display with BMW Panoramic Vision and the latest-generation interface.
The M60 adds a more performance-oriented atmosphere with an M Sport steering wheel, M-specific displays and features such as the M Drag Meter, which allows the driver to measure acceleration performance.
For those who want a more immersive audio experience, the available Harman Kardon system features 13 speakers, 430 watts and Dolby Atmos.
The result is a cabin that feels considerably more digital than the outgoing iX3, while still retaining the driver-focused layout expected from a BMW.
BMW iX3 M60 vs. iX3 50 xDrive
The difference between the two versions becomes clear when the key numbers are placed next to each other.
| Specification | iX3 50 xDrive | iX3 M60 xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 469 HP | 612 HP |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 875 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.7 s | 3.9 s |
| WLTP range | Up to 805 km | Up to 754 km |
| Usable battery | 108.7 kWh | 108.7 kWh |
| Maximum DC charging | 400 kW | 400 kW |
| Adaptive M suspension | No | Yes |
| M Sport differential | No | Yes |
The comparison also highlights an interesting trade-off. The M60 gives away some maximum range compared with the iX3 50 xDrive, but gains significantly more performance and a substantially more sophisticated chassis setup.
Level 2 assistance for long-distance driving
The iX3 M60 is not only about performance. The Neue Klasse also introduces a new generation of driver assistance technology designed to make long journeys easier.
Among the most notable features is the Motorway Assistant, which can allow hands-free driving on suitable motorways at speeds of up to 130 km/h where the system is available.
It is important to make one distinction: this is SAE Level 2 assistance, not autonomous driving. The driver remains responsible for monitoring the road and must be ready to take control at any time.
When can you order the BMW iX3 M60?
BMW plans to open orders for the new iX3 M60 toward the end of January 2027. Production is scheduled to begin in spring 2027 at BMW’s new plant in Debrecen, Hungary.
The M60 will therefore arrive as one of the first performance-oriented interpretations of BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture, giving the company an opportunity to show how far its new electric platform can be pushed.
BMW iX3 M60: Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does the BMW iX3 M60 have?
The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive produces up to 612 HP and 875 Nm of torque.
How fast is the BMW iX3 M60 from 0 to 100 km/h?
The iX3 M60 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 240 km/h.
What is the range of the BMW iX3 M60?
The iX3 M60 can travel up to 754 km on the WLTP cycle, subject to final homologation.
How quickly can the BMW iX3 M60 charge?
With DC charging at up to 400 kW, the iX3 M60 can add up to 340 km of WLTP range in approximately 10 minutes under suitable conditions.
Is the BMW iX3 M60 a full BMW M car?
No. The iX3 M60 is an M Performance model rather than a full BMW M model. It combines significantly higher performance with M-specific chassis and design elements.
