BMW Debuts 603-Horsepower iX3 M60 xDrive
BMW is giving its next-generation electric crossover a major performance shot in the arm with the reveal of the new iX3 M60 xDrive.
Positioned as the flagship performance variant of the revised iX3 family, the M60 xDrive backs up its aggressive badging with a twin-motor powertrain pushing 603 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. That represents a significant leap over standard models, courtesy of a redesigned rear motor fitted with a new stator and a higher-output inverter.
According to BMW, the dual-motor setup sprints from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds—making the high-riding electric SUV quicker to 62 mph than a rear-wheel-drive M3 sedan. Top speed has also been bumped up to 149 mph (240 km/h) thanks to revised final drive gearing.
Heavyweight Chassis Enhancements and Digital Dynamics
To ensure the M60 handles more like a true M-badged vehicle than a standard commuter EV, BMW gave the suspension and chassis a thorough mechanical overhaul.
An electronically controlled rear M Sport differential comes standard, working alongside reinforced anti-roll bar links and upgraded front-end underbody bracing. The crossover also features Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers as standard equipment, paired with an updated variable-ratio steering rack that adjusts resistance based on the active drive mode.
Underneath the metal, the M60 relies on BMW’s new central "Heart of Joy" computing architecture, which integrates directly with the M Dynamic Performance Control driving stack to adjust power distribution across all four wheels in real time. BMW also claims to have refined the vehicle's regenerative braking software for smoother transitions between friction and energy-recovery braking.
Energy is stored in a massive 112.2 kWh battery pack. Like the standard iX3, the M60 xDrive supports 800-volt DC fast charging speeds up to 400 kW, along with 15.4 kW AC home charging capability. BMW has not yet published official EPA or WLTP driving range estimates.
M Sport Design and Cabin Tech
Visually, the iX3 M60 xDrive sports a subtly aggressive look without straying too far from the standard model's lines. The package comes standard with the M Sport body kit and the BMW Iconic Glow package, adding illuminated kidney grille surrounds, unique lighting elements, and optional yellow daytime running lights. A set of 21-inch M light-alloy wheels comes standard, with alternative 21- and 22-inch designs on the options list.
Inside, the cabin gains M-specific sports seats with 10-way power adjustment and massage functions, alongside an M Sport steering wheel equipped with dedicated "Boost Mode" and "M Mode" paddle buttons.
The driver interface relies on BMW’s Panoramic iDrive setup with a central angled display and an optional 3D head-up display. Model-specific telemetry software is pre-loaded into the system, including an M Cockpit app to monitor real-time vehicle dynamics and an M Drag Meter for timing acceleration runs. A 13-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos comes standard.
While official U.S. pricing remains under wraps, BMW confirmed that order banks for the iX3 M60 xDrive will officially open at the end of January.
This article was written using AI and was then edited and optimized by our editorial team.
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