BMW Unveils iX M60 With 610 Horsepower, 280 Miles of Range

BMW only has two all-electric vehicles on sale, but they're great options that bring all of the same qualities that consumers are used to seeing in gas-powered BMWs. When BMW launched the all-electric iX SUV, the automaker only offered it in one trim: xDrive50. With a starting price tag of $84,195, up to 516 horsepower, and 324 miles of range, the xDrive50 offers plenty of performance for the majority of shoppers. At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), BMW took the opportunity to unveil the most expensive and powerful iX model in the form of the iX M60.

iX Gets A Performance Upgrade

The new iX M60 will become the flagship SUV in the lineup. Compared to the iX xDrive50, there's not a large difference in design or configuration. Both SUVs come with an 11.5-kWh battery pack and a dual motor setup with all-wheel drive. Where the two differ in is output. While the xDrive50 has 516 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque, the iX M60 produces 532 horsepower and 749 pound-feet of torque.

That might not sound like a big difference, and it's certainly not in the horsepower department. But with launch control engaged, the SUV actually makes 610 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque. With launch control activated, the iX M60 can get to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, which is a full second quicker than the regular xDrive50 model.

Beyond being sports car quick in a straight line, the iX M60 comes standard with adaptive air suspension that can self-level the SUV at each corner and "compensate for uneven loading." Other performance goodies include electronically controlled shocks, upgraded M-branded brakes, 22-inch wheels, and a variable-ratio steering system.

Performance Over Range

While some will choose the iX M60 because of its performance, the SUV does take a hit when it comes to range. Official figures from the EPA aren't available yet, but BMW claims the iX M60 should be able to travel up to 280 miles on a single charge. To get that kind of range from the SUV, consumers will have to go with the smaller 21-inch wheels. The xDrive50 has a range of up to 324 miles, so it's not a huge hit. DC fast charging is offered with the SUV, allowing the SUV's battery to go from 10% to 80% in roughly 35 minutes.

BMW confirmed that the iX M60 will start at $106,095 with destination. That makes it approximately $22,000 more than the xDrive50. That's a pricey upgrade, but for consumers needing something with blistering speed, the iX M60 certainly ups the ante.

"The debut of the BMW iX M60 marks a milestone in the history of BMW M GmbH, which began 50 years ago," said BMW. "Together with the BMW i4 M50, it signifies the entry of BMW M into the segment of electrified performance cars. The extreme power and precise control of the electric all-wheel drive, the highly responsive actuator-based traction control system, and suspension technology that includes a dual-axle air suspension with automatic level control provide the hallmark BMW M driving experience: power, agility, and precision."