BMW iX3 M60 xDrive revealed as flagship performance variant with 450kW and 754km WLTP range

What BMW has announced

BMW has revealed the iX3 M60 xDrive, the flagship M Performance version of its first Neue Klasse electric SUV, positioned above the existing iX3 50 xDrive and below the full-fat iX3 M that remains in the pipeline. The announcement sets out a dual-motor all-wheel-drive performance flagship with claimed output of up to 450kW and 875Nm, a 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds and a 240km/h top speed, according to CarExpert's report on the reveal. ¹

The powertrain is BMW's sixth-generation M eDrive system with one motor per axle. The rear axle uses a newly developed Gen6 electrically excited synchronous motor with a more powerful 420-amp inverter, a new stator and a longer gear ratio, which BMW credits for the increase in both peak and sustained output. Automotive World, citing BMW Group material, notes the upgrade replaces a 300-amp inverter used previously and that BMW quoted an identical 603hp figure for the iX4 M60 announced the same day, suggesting one M drivetrain will serve several Neue Klasse derivatives. ¹³⁴⁶

Performance, battery and charging

Output rises sharply over the iX3 50 xDrive, which CarExpert reports makes 345kW and 645Nm and needs a full second more to reach 100km/h. Car and Driver converts the M60 figures to 603 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque for the US market and notes BMW claims 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, up from 130mph to 149mph (240km/h) in top speed thanks to the higher maximum rotor speed and longer gearing. The difference between the 612hp and 603hp figures reflects metric versus SAE horsepower conversions of the same 450kW output. ¹²

The M60 keeps the 108.7kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery of the 50 xDrive, in a usable-capacity figure cited by both CarExpert and the Taiwanese outlet pchome, which also lists a 112.2kWh usable figure alongside 875Nm — News9 similarly quotes a 112.2kWh usable battery. Regardless of the conversion applied, all reporting agrees the pack is shared with the lesser variant, that the electrical architecture is 800V, and that DC fast charging peaks at 400kW with 22kW AC charging standard. ¹⁵⁶²

Range figures differ by test standard and market. CarExpert reports WLTP range drops by 51km relative to the 50 xDrive to a claimed 754km, and adds that BMW claims about 340km of range can be recovered in 10 minutes on an 800V fast charger. The US market position is unresolved: Car and Driver notes no EPA estimate has been released, given the standard 21-inch wheels and optional 22s it expects the figure to fall below 400 miles, while News9 reports the M60's range is expected to be lower than the standard iX3. No pricing has been disclosed for the M60. ¹²⁶

Chassis, brakes and the Heart of Joy

The chassis gains M Performance hardware as standard. CarExpert reports an M Sport braking package with blue or red calipers, retuned adaptive M suspension and two new drive modes called M Sport and M Sport Plus, riding on 21-inch alloys with 22-inch rims optional. Automotive World's summary of BMW Group material adds model-specific spring and damper tuning, revised front anti-roll bar links and extra front-end bracing, alongside variable-ratio sport steering and an electronically controlled rear M Sport differential. ¹³⁴⁶

Software carries much of the dynamic load. The Heart of Joy, a consolidated control unit found on every Neue Klasse EV according to Car and Driver, coordinates drive, braking, steering and recuperation up to 10 times faster than earlier systems, according to BMW. Automotive World reports the SUV slows almost entirely through recuperation in daily use, keeping the friction brakes for sporty or emergency stops, and News9 describes a Soft Stop function that uses regenerative braking for smooth stops with minimal conventional braking sensation. ²³⁶

Design and cabin equipment

Visually, the M60 is set apart by its lighting signature: CarExpert describes progressively lit bars flanking the double-kidney grille, new tail-light graphics and, in some markets, yellow driving lights when the main beams are on — an option Automotive World attributes to inspiration from BMW's racing cars. Other adornments include black M-designed mirror caps with the M stripes, an M roof spoiler, M badges on the front doors and an M60 badge on the tailgate. ¹³⁵

Inside, the M60 uses BMW's Panoramic iDrive with Operating System X, including a 17.9-inch central touchscreen angled toward the driver and Panoramic Vision display across the lower windscreen area. CarExpert lists an M Sport steering wheel with a red 12 o'clock marker, M seat belts and grippier M Sport seats with 10-way electric adjustment, integrated illuminated headrests with an M logo and a massage function. Car and Driver adds an optional 3D head-up display and a standard 13-speaker Harman Kardon system supporting Dolby Atmos. ¹²⁵⁶

Driver assistance includes a Level 2 hands-free highway function. CarExpert reports the Motorway Assistant allows hands-free driving up to 130km/h, while Car and Driver says the system works up to 85mph on highways but still requires the driver to keep eyes on the road. Automotive World lists the Highway Assistant as an optional feature offering attentive hands-free driving. ¹²³

Availability, production and Australian outlook

BMW will open order books for the iX3 M60 xDrive at the end of January 2027, with production starting at its Debrecen plant in Hungary in spring 2027 — a schedule confirmed consistently by Car and Driver, Automotive World (citing BMW Group) and pchome. Pricing is yet to be announced; Car and Driver notes the iX3 50 currently starts at $62,850 in the US and speculates the M60 could surpass $70,000, which is that publication's own estimate rather than a BMW figure. ¹²³⁵

For Australia, CarExpert reports BMW has confirmed the M60 xDrive will join the closely related iX4 coupe range later in 2027 and suggests it is likely the variant will appear in the local iX3 lineup sometime next year, although no Australian specification, pricing or timing has been confirmed. The exact iX3 M pricing, final EPA range certification and details on the coming iX3 M remain open questions not yet addressed by BMW's announcements. ¹²