BMW is taking its electric SUV lineup into a more performance-focused direction with the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive, the most powerful version of the next-generation iX3 and an important addition to the brand’s Neue Klasse family.
As an M Performance model, the fully electric SUV combines dual-motor all-wheel drive with up to 612 horsepower (450 kW), 875 Nm of torque and a claimed 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of just 3.9 seconds. At the same time, the iX3 M60 xDrive is designed to remain a practical long-distance EV, offering up to 468 miles (754 km) of WLTP range.
Production is scheduled to begin at BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary in spring 2027.
BMW iX3 M60 xDrive brings Neue Klasse technology to an M Performance SUV
The iX3 M60 xDrive is positioned at the top of the new BMW iX3 range, with a more aggressive design and substantially enhanced performance compared with the standard models.
BMW’s new Heart of Joy high-performance computer works together with BMW M Dynamic Performance Control to coordinate the vehicle’s drive, braking, steering and energy recuperation systems in milliseconds. According to BMW, the system operates ten times faster than previous systems.
Drivers can also use steering-wheel paddles to influence the responses of the M eDrive system, while M-specific driving modes and sound design are intended to give the electric SUV a more engaging character.
The technology is a key part of BMW’s Neue Klasse strategy, which introduces a new generation of electric powertrains, electronics and vehicle software.
Aggressive M design sets the iX3 M60 apart
The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive gets a significantly sportier exterior than the regular iX3. One of its most distinctive features is the new M Yellow Lights, inspired by BMW’s motorsport designs.
The front end also features illuminated elements positioned around the BMW kidney grille, with three elements on each side inspired by the familiar M stripes. The M logo is integrated into the lighting signature.
Standard equipment includes M Sport exterior elements and the BMW Iconic Glow exterior package, which adds illuminated kidney grille contours along with adaptive lighting functions, Selective Beam high-beam assistance and additional welcome and goodbye lighting effects.
From the side, the iX3 M60 xDrive has a long wheelbase, short overhangs, sculpted wheel arches and black high-gloss roof rails. M-specific mirror caps and M badges further distinguish the performance version.
The SUV comes standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels, while 22-inch M aerodynamic wheels are available exclusively for the M Performance model.
At the rear, a black diffuser, distinctive rear-light signature, M60 badge and M-specific roof-edge spoiler with two aeroblades reinforce the SUV’s performance-focused appearance. BMW will also offer an extensive range of exterior colors, including 25 special-request finishes at launch.
A high-tech interior with M-specific features
The Neue Klasse philosophy continues inside the cabin. The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive combines BMW Panoramic Vision, a 17.9-inch central display and BMW Operating System X into a redesigned digital interface.
An optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display can add another layer of driving information directly in the driver’s line of sight.
The M Sport steering wheel includes a red 12-o’clock marker and dedicated buttons for Boost Mode and M Mode, while M Sport and M Sport Plus driving modes can be activated directly from the steering wheel.
M Sport seats are standard. They feature pronounced side bolsters, 10-way electric adjustment, lumbar support, backrest-width adjustment, thigh support and massage functionality. Illuminated M logos are integrated into the head restraints.
The cabin also receives M-specific seat belts and a dedicated instrument display with a Powermeter showing available power and energy recuperation.
BMW offers three interior design themes and seven upholstery variants. The standard BMW M interior uses black Veganza upholstery with M PerformTex, while higher-end options include BMW Individual finishes combining Veganza and Merino leather.
BMW iX3 M60 xDrive power and performance
The biggest change comes from the electric powertrain.
The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive uses two electric motors, one on each axle, producing a combined maximum output of 450 kW (612 hp) and 875 Nm (645 lb-ft) of torque.
That is enough to propel the electric SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, while top speed is limited to 240 km/h (149 mph).
BMW has fitted a new-generation electrically excited synchronous motor at the rear axle. The motor uses a newly developed stator and a more powerful inverter capable of 420 amps, compared with 300 amps previously.
The result is higher peak and continuous power and torque, helping make the iX3 M60 xDrive the most powerful version of the new electric SUV.
108.7-kWh battery delivers up to 468 miles of range
Performance has not come at the expense of range.
The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive features a 108.7-kWh usable battery and offers up to 754 km (468 miles) of WLTP range.
The SUV also benefits from an 800-volt electrical architecture and a maximum DC charging rate of 400 kW. BMW says a compatible 800V fast charger can add up to 340 km (211 miles) of range in just 10 minutes.
AC charging is also supported at up to 22 kW with BMW’s standard AC Charging Professional system.
The combination of a large battery, high charging power and long WLTP range makes the iX3 M60 xDrive unusual among performance-focused electric SUVs, where higher output often comes with a significant range penalty.
Heart of Joy technology focuses on sharper handling
BMW is putting considerable emphasis on the way the iX3 M60 xDrive drives, rather than simply focusing on acceleration figures.
The Heart of Joy computer controls functions related to the drive system, braking, steering, charging and energy recuperation. BMW says it processes these functions ten times faster than the systems used previously.
The technology is designed to reduce the number of control inputs needed to manage the vehicle, producing more consistent cornering behavior and a more predictable response.
The iX3 M60 xDrive also features BMW’s Soft Stop function, which uses regenerative braking to bring the vehicle to a smooth stop. Under normal driving conditions, the conventional brakes are used mainly for emergency braking or more aggressive driving.
Adaptive M suspension and M Sport differential
The performance upgrades extend to the chassis.
Standard equipment includes adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, allowing the vehicle to adjust damping forces within milliseconds depending on driving conditions.
The system is designed to balance sharper handling with everyday ride comfort. The iX3 M60 xDrive also receives variable sport steering, which can reduce steering effort during low-speed maneuvers while providing a more direct response during dynamic driving.
An electronically controlled M Sport differential is fitted to the rear axle to improve traction during cornering and on slippery surfaces. BMW has also modified the springs, dampers, anti-roll-bar links and front-end bracing to increase steering precision and reduce body roll.
Level 2 driver assistance technology
The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive also incorporates a new generation of driver assistance systems under BMW Symbiotic Drive.
The system is designed to create smoother interaction between the driver and the vehicle’s assistance technologies, covering motorway, country-road and urban driving scenarios.
One of the headline features is the Motorway Assistant, which enables hands-free driving on motorways at speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph), according to BMW.
The most powerful BMW iX3 yet
The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive combines several of the most important elements of BMW’s Neue Klasse strategy: a new electric powertrain, 800V charging technology, advanced software, a redesigned digital cabin and significantly enhanced driving dynamics.
With 612 hp, 875 Nm, a 108.7-kWh battery, up to 468 miles of WLTP range and 400-kW DC charging, it is positioned as a high-performance electric SUV that does not sacrifice long-distance usability.
Production is expected to begin in Hungary in spring 2027, making the iX3 M60 xDrive one of the most important performance variants of BMW’s next-generation electric lineup.
