2027 BMW iX3 M60 xDrive performance SUV unveiled

The just-revealed M60 xDrive will be the most powerful and fastest member of the 'NA5' BMW iX3 family until the full-fat M version is released in the not-too-distant future.

Like many other variants in the Neue Klasse-based iX3 range, the M60 xDrive has a dual-motor all-wheel drive layout. For the M60 the system's rear axle employs a new Gen6 electrically excited synchronous motor with a more powerful 420A inverter.

This means outputs have jumped up to 450kW of power and 875Nm of torque, and means the souped-up mid-size premium electric SUV can complete the 0-100km/h run in a claimed 3.9 seconds. Its top speed is said to be 240km/h.

By comparison, the 50 xDrive on sale today makes do with 345kW/645Nm, and requires a full second more to bring up the century.

Despite the extra performance, the M60 xDrive features the same 108.7kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery as the 50 xDrive. Thanks to the extra spuds available, range drops by 51km to 754km under the WLTP standard.

The car has an 800V electrical architecture, and supports AC charging up to 22kW and DC fast-charging up to 400kW.

To go with the upgraded grunt, the M60 comes standard with an M Sport braking package with blue or red calipers, retuned adaptive M suspension, and two new drive modes (M Sport and M Sport Plus). The M60 rides on 21-inch alloy wheels, with 22-inch rims an optional extra.

Visually the M60 is distinguished from lesser iX3 variants by its lighting signature, which includes progressively lit bars flanking the double-kidney grille, as well as, in some markets, yellow driving lights when the main beams are switched on.

Other adornments include black M-designed wing mirror caps with the sub-brand's stripes, M badges on the front doors, an M roof spoiler, new tail-light graphics, and an M60 badge on the tailgate.

Inside, the upgrades are similarly subtle with the standard M Sport steering wheel featuring a red marker at the 12 o'clock position, M seat belts, and grippier M Sport seats featuring integrated head restraints with an illuminated M logo, 10-way electric adjustment and a massage function.

Standard features include a 13-speaker 430W sound system from Harman Kardon, and a suite of Level 2 drive assistance tech, including Motorway Assistant which allows for hands-free driving up to 130km/h.

Production of the M60 xDrive will begin in Debrecen, Hungary during the second quarter of 2027. Given BMW Australia has confirmed the M60 xDrive will join the closely-related iX4 electric ‘coupe’ range "later in 2027", it's likely this variant will also appear in the local iX3 lineup some time next year.

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