With the introduction of the 2027 BMW iX3 M60 xDrive, BMW is putting more muscle into its Neue Klasse electric SUV. This new M Performance variant is a 603-horsepower machine that adds a raft of chassis refinements to the iX3.
At the head of the iX3 range, the M60 xDrive is powered by BMW’s newest Gen6 electric powertrain. An electric motor on each axle works in concert for a total of 603 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. According to BMW, the figure is sufficient to put the SUV from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds, with an electronic limiter capping the top end at 149 mph.
A New High for the iX3
While the regular iX3 is already a big improvement for BMW’s EV stable, the M60 is for those seeking something with considerably more bite.
The dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup has been given some attention at the rear axle with a fresh take on the electrically excited synchronous motor. By way of a more capable inverter and an upgraded stator, as well as a higher usable motor speed and reworked gear ratio, the M60 gets its extra oomph.
All of which is underpinned by no small amount of M-specific hardware. Standard issue is the Adaptive M Suspension with its electronic dampers, variable-ratio sport steering and an M Sport differential in the rear. BMW has also put in new front anti-roll bar links to curb body roll and give the steering a sharper edge, along with additional bracing up front for rigidity and springs and dampers of their own making for the M60. It is intended to be more than just a fast version of the standard electric SUV.
400-kW of Standard Fast Charging
On the electrical side, the iX3 M60 runs on the 800-volt Gen6 architecture and will accept DC fast charging to 400 kW. In the U.S., the car comes with a 112.2-kWh battery (usable capacity) and can do AC charging at 15.4 kW. An EPA number is not yet available from BMW, but the European model is tentatively good for 468 miles on the WLTP cycle. The system is also set up for bidirectional charging so the battery can act as an external energy source.
Then there is the matter of what BMW refers to as the “Heart of Joy”.
This high-performance computer sits under the iX3 and takes in control of everything from the motors to regenerative braking and steering. BMW claims it is 10 times quicker at processing data than before, so the systems are working in unison instead of being siloed off in separate units. For the M60, that is key to how the M Dynamic Performance Control software puts the chassis and power in harmony.
To fine-tune things, there are paddles on the wheel to change the powertrain’s character, or one can select from the two M modes, M Sport and M Sport Plus, to see how the vehicle handles.
Orders for the 2027 model can be placed from the end of January, ahead of production getting underway in Hungary this spring. According to BMW, regenerative braking is what you will rely on for almost any normal deceleration. The old-fashioned friction brakes are left to deal with emergency stops or when the driving gets aggressive.
A More Aggressive Stance for the iX3 M60 in M Yellow
You won’t find a radical departure from the iX3’s fundamental form in the M60, but BMW has put in the details that set it apart from the rest of the line. The M Sport and BMW Iconic Glow exterior packages come as standard, though one can opt for M Yellow Lights which have been cued from the company’s motorsports efforts, the M Hybrid V8 race car among them.
Other visual cues include three-element lighting graphics that echo the stripes of BMW M, a black rear diffuser and unique taillights, not to mention a new M60 badge in black lettering with a silver surround. At the rear, an M-specific spoiler fitted with two aeroblades adds downforce over the axle. And while the 21-inch M wheels are de rigueur, the optional lights give the whole package a more pronounced look.
M Touches in the Cabin
Inside, the Neue Klasse’s spartan interior is given some M-specific character.
The Panoramic iDrive is part of the standard equipment, its 17.9-inch central touchscreen running BMW Operating System X and making use of Panoramic Vision. For those who want it, a 3D head-up display puts key data right in front of the driver.
The digital readouts have been reworked with M graphics and a power meter to show output and energy recuperation at a glance. Then there is the M Sport steering wheel with its red 12-o’clock marker and buttons for Boost and M Mode.
Should one choose the optional M Sport seats, they offer 10-way power adjustment, lumbar support, wider backrests and even a massage function, with illuminated M logos on the head restraints.
Up to 85 MPH Without Hands
Performance is the name of the game with the iX3 M60, yet it is also equipped with the latest in driver aid.
BMW Symbiotic Drive is meant to be a more natural way to interact with the systems; they don’t simply disengage at the first sign of driver input. With the Highway Assistant, hands-free driving is possible on the open road up to 85 mph. It is an SAE Level 2 system so the driver is expected to stay alert and be ready to assume control.
Orders for the 2027 BMW iX3 M60 xDrive will be taken from the end of January 2027 onward, ahead of production starting in the spring at the Debrecen plant in Hungary. No word yet on U.S. prices.
Don’t count on the M60 being the last we see of high-performance Neue Klasse SUVs, either. BMW draws a fine line between its M Performance and proper M cars, so an even more extreme electric iX3 may well top the M60 down the line. But for the time being, with 603 hp, 400-kW charging and a much-improved chassis, the M60 serves as a formidable flagship. It is a machine built to show that the Neue Klasse is about more than just range and efficiency, evidenced by its sub-four-second run to 62 mph.
