Green light for the first BMW M automobile designed for purely electric mobility from the outset. The BMW Group presents the third, even more powerful model variant of its new technology flagship: the BMW iX M60. With an output of 455 kW/619 hp, a maximum torque of 1015 Nm in Sport Mode respectively 1100 Nm with activated Launch Control and an M specific suspension set-up, it adds an outstanding performance experience to the world of locally emission-free mobility.
The BMW iX M60 combines a vehicle concept consistently geared towards sustainability with the design of a modern Sports Activity Vehicle and thrilling dynamic driving characteristics. In this way it embodies the best of the three worlds of BMW i, the BMW X models and BMW M GmbH. With its technological highlights, which also include the areas of automated driving, operation and connectivity, the new BMW iX M60 represents a new understanding of advanced luxury, high performance and premium character.
The start signal for electric mobility in hallmark BMW M brand style. The BMW iX M60 accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in only 3.8 seconds. The vehement power delivery of its M specific electric drive continues steadily into high load ranges, so that the increase in speed also remains almost constant up to the electronically limited maximum speed of 250 km/h. The range of the BMW iX M60 determined in the WLTP test cycle is up to 566 kilometres.
The debut of the BMW iX M60 marks a milestone in the history of BMW M GmbH, which began 50 years ago. Together with the BMW i4 M50, it embodies the departure of the BMW M brand into the segment of electrified performance cars. The extreme power and precise control of the electric all-wheel drive, together with the highly responsive actuator-based wheel slip limitation and a suspension technology that includes, among other things, an M specifically tuned dual-axle air suspension with automatic level control, ensure hallmark BMW M driving experience, agility and precision.
The BMW iX M60 is manufactured together with the other model variants of the all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The global market launch will begin in June 2022.
Balanced vehicle concept, extremely sporty orientation
The vehicle concept of the BMW iX provides an ideal basis for an all-electric SAV with high-performance characteristics. Both the body structure and the design principle as well as suspension set-up are geared towards combining superior ride comfort with sporty handling characteristics. The aluminium spaceframe concept and the carbon cage with carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the roof, side and rear sections are an intelligent mix of materials that combines increased rigidity with optimised weight. The use of CFRP to reduce weight has a long tradition at BMW M GmbH. The particularly lightweight high-tech material already achieved great results in combining engine performance and weight in the BMW M3 CSL, which was introduced in 2003. BMW M GmbH thus pioneered the use of CFRP in large-scale automotive production. In numerous current BMW M GmbH high-performance sports cars, a standard carbon fibre roof and other components made of CFRP are part of the intelligent lightweight construction principle.
The BMW iX M60’s performance, efficiency and range also benefit from its optimised aerodynamic properties, which give it a drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.26 in Sport Mode. The high-voltage battery is located deep down in the underbody, lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity which ensures agile handling as well as balanced axle load distribution. That is why the performance characteristics of the BMW iX M60 are not only characterised by fascinatingly spontaneous acceleration, but also by outstanding cornering dynamics and handling that can be precisely controlled at all times, even in highly dynamic situations. The perfectly balanced driving characteristics give the BMW iX M60 a confident and light-footed feel at all speeds. It can also be driven at the physical limits giving the driver clear feedback in typical BMW M style.
First BMW M automobile based on the new future modular system. The BMW iX M60 combines its typical M performance characteristics with the exceptionally advanced technology of the BMW Group’s new future modular system in the areas of automated driving, operation, connectivity and digital services. This creates an experience of premium mobility that is unique in the competitive environment. The completely redeveloped interior architecture also contributes to this, creating an exceptionally generous feeling of space.
Like the other model variants, the BMW iX M60 features the most extensive range of standard equipment ever offered by BMW in the field of driver assistance systems as well as numerous innovations. A new generation of sensors, a new software stack and a powerful computing platform also provide considerable potential for consistently advancing automated driving and parking functions – with level 3 functionality in the medium term.
The latest generation iDrive display and control system expands the interaction between driver and vehicle allowing natural dialogue. It is based on the new BMW Operating System 8 and has been designed with a clear focus on the touch function of the new BMW Curved Display and voice communication with the extensively enhanced BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The Remote Software Upgrades offer the possibility to install new and improved vehicle functions over-the-air. Navigation with the cloud-based BMW Maps system and Augmented Reality Video on the Control Display ensures fast and precise route planning as well as perfect traffic guidance. The BMW iX is also a pioneer in data transmission using the 5G mobile phone standard and in integrating the personal mobile phone account into the vehicle with the help of the Personal eSlM.
Clear design language, innovative feeling of space, exceptionally comprehensive standard equipment
The powerful proportions of a modern SAV, reduced surface design and precise details characterise the clear exterior look and give the BMW iX M60 its distinctive presence. The brake callipers of the sports brake system painted in blue and featuring an M logo, the BMW Individual Titanium Bronze Exterior Line and M logos in the new High Gloss Black/Titanium Bronze finish on the front side panels and the rear of the vehicle provide clear indications of the high performance character of the BMW iX M60. 22-inch aerodynamic wheels featuring exclusive Titanium Bronze design are optional.
The spacious, high-quality and innovatively designed interior helps the driver concentrate on driving actively while also providing travel comfort and the pleasure of progressive luxury. Multifunction seats with integrated headrests, the large BMW Curved Display, the hexagonal steering wheel and the anthracite-coloured roof liner enhance driving pleasure. The elimination of the centre tunnel creates additional legroom as well as space for storage and a centre console designed in the style of a high-quality piece of furniture. The optional Suite interior includes natural leather seats, instrument panel, centre console and door trim surfaces, as well as Gold Bronze surfaces and controls. Regardless of the selected display layout and the activated My Mode, an M logo is shown in the left-hand area of the information display.
The exclusive character of the BMW iX M60 is further emphasised by its exceptionally comprehensive level of standard equipment. Among other things it includes BMW Live Cockpit Professional and BMW Natural Interaction, which allows functions to be operated using speech and gestures, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, BMW Laser Light, Comfort Access, Active Seat Ventilation for driver and front passenger and the Heat Comfort Package.
Holistic sustainability concept: Controlled raw material extraction, production using 100 percent green electricity, high proportion of natural and recycled materials
Responsibly using resources throughout the entire value chain and the maximum reduction of the C02 footprint all across the entire product life cycle express how BMW i understands and defines forward-looking premium mobility. This holistic approach is consistently implemented in vehicle development, throughout the supply chain and in the production of the BMW iX M60. The BMW i brand stands for both ecological and social sustainability.
The supply of cobalt and lithium required for the high-voltage batteries is procured by the BMW Group from controlled sources in Australia and Morocco and delivered to the battery cell manufacturers. The design principle of the electric motors makes it possible to dispense with the use of rare earth metals in the rotors of the drives. In addition, the company purchases aluminium, which is produced using electricity from solar energy plants.
100 per cent green electricity is used for manufacturing the vehicles as well as for manufacturing battery cells. A high proportion of secondary aluminium and recycled plastic also contributes to the resource-efficient production of the BMW iX M60. The interior features FSC-certified wood, leather tanned with olive tree leaf extract and other natural materials. Among other things, recycled fishing nets serve as raw material for floor coverings and floor mats.
Drive and driving experience. Sustainable performance at the highest level
The locally emission-free drive, power distribution between the front and rear wheels that is always in line with what the driver demands and the driving properties of a high-performance sports car are what characterise the new BMW iX M60. This means that the hallmark properties of a BMW M automobile in terms of dynamics, agility and precision can now also be experienced in conjunction with a purely electric drive. Thanks to its particularly high system output of up to 455 kW/619 hp and its M specific suspension set-up, the BMW iX M60 offers power delivery, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, traction and handling at the highest level. The well-balanced handling, which ensures an unmistakable combination of spontaneous agility and superior comfort in all model variants of the BMW iX, is enhanced by a particularly emotional experience when pushing the physical limits. The drivetrain of the BMW iX M60 always has power reserves to spare, even in high load ranges. The driver can transform these into precisely controllable driving dynamics thanks to the car’s model-specific suspension technology.
Fifth generation BMW eDrive technology also helps the BMW iX M60 to achieve a particularly favourable relationship between driving dynamics, efficiency and range. It includes the drive units as well as the high voltage battery, the power electronics and the charging technology. The electric all-wheel drive of the BMW iX M60 is generated using too electric motors. They are each connected with the power electronics and a single-stage transmission in a common housing and drive the front and rear wheels respectively. This highly integrated drive topology enables particularly compact design and optimises spontaneous power delivery as well as power consumption.
The design principle helps realise thrilling and sporty driving characteristics in hallmark BMW M fashion unique in the competitive environment. The outstandingly high efficiency of the drive, especially in relation to its peak power, makes it possible to achieve a range suitable for long distances even without the use of disproportionately large batteries that affect vehicle weight, driving dynamics and power consumption negatively. In conjunction with intelligent lightweight construction and optimised aerodynamic properties, this enables a range of up to 499 to 566 kilometres as determined in the WLTP test cycle.
Independently developed motors with extremely high output
The two motors of the BMW iX M60 operate on the principle of a current energised synchronous machine. Instead of permanently installed permanent magnets, the excitation of the rotor is triggered by the precisely metered supply of electrical energy. This design method makes it possible to completely dispense with the critical raw materials from the rare earth metal sector required for magnetic components when manufacturing rotor.
The M specific design of the current-energised synchronous machine principle enables the electric motor of the BMW iX M60 – especially in the case of the rear motor – to achieve an extremely high power density. The drive unit is six-phase operated and has a double inverter. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly significant increase in peak power, which is available up to high speeds and enables M typical power delivery.
In addition, power delivery, noise and vibrations as well as efficiency also benefit from this specific motor design. The motors make their maximum torque fully available immediately from a standstill and maintain this over a particularly wide rev band. With a maximum system torque of 1015 Nm in Sport Mode and as much as 1100 Nm when the Launch Control function is activated, the drivetrain of the BMW iX M60 offers outstanding pulling power. 3.8 seconds is all it takes to sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h. The drivetrain’s power characteristics provide continuous power delivery which ensures a rapid increase in speed even in higher speed ranges. The maximum speed of the BMW iX M60 is electronically limited to 250 km/h, which is 50 km/h higher than the BMW iX. This makes the BMW iX M60 the fastest all-electric model in the BMW Group.
Outstanding power density, adaptive recuperation
Due to the precisely controllable excitation of the rotor by means of current supply, the drive units of the BMW iX M60 also develop a very high output density. The motor positioned on the rear axle generates a maximum output of 360 kW/489 hp and achieves a value of 2.59 kW/kg.
The power density of the second motor, acting on the front wheels with up to 190 kW/258 hp, is 1.96 kW/kg. Similarly, the latest version of the electric motors developed in-house at the BMW Group achieves an efficiency of up to 93 per cent. This contributes significantly to the BMW iX M60’s low combined power consumption of 24.7-21.6 kWh per 100 kilometres according to WLTP.
Adaptive recuperation also contributes to increasing the efficiency and range of the BMW iX M60. Thanks to intelligent networking, the drive control system can use navigation data and the sensors of the driver assistance systems to adjust the intensity of energy recovery in deceleration and braking phases to the respective traffic situation.
Latest battery cell technology, innovative charging system
The BMW iX M60 has a high-voltage battery whose net energy content is 105.2 kWh (gross energy content: 111.5 kWh). The latest battery cell technology is characterised by a high energy density as well as outstanding qualities when it comes to performance, charging and discharging behaviour, durability and safety.
The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW iX M60 was designed for particularly flexible charging. It can charge alternating current with a power of up to 11 kW into the high-voltage battery. Direct current can be charged with a power of up to 200 kW. For example, the battery charge level in the BMW iX M60 can be raised from 10 to 80 percent in around 35 minutes. In addition the range can be increased by up to 150 kilometres within 10 minutes at a DC fast-charging station starting with a battery charge level of 10 percent.
Perfectly harmonised drive and suspension
The BMW iX’s overall harmonious character is expressed in extremely sports-oriented fashion in the BMW M version. Its hallmark M specific suspension technology is precisely set up to harmonise with the drivetrain. The suspension enables confident and safe handling at all times, even in highly dynamic driving situations.
The suspension technology of the BMW iX M60 includes a doublewishbone front axle, a five-link rear axle and electric steering with Servotronic function and variable ratio. In addition, the BMW M vehicle comes as standard with M specifically set-up adaptive dual-axle air suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers. This ensures particularly comfortable handling combined with increased agility and dynamic performance. The dual-axle air suspension ensures the optimum vehicle at any speed, regardless of the load. The air supply to the suspension is regulated individually for each wheel and can thus also compensate for uneven loading. In addition, the of the vehicle body can be manually adjusted using a button on the centre console. The damper forces are adaptively controlled with an M specific characteristic via continuously adjustable valves, which take into account longitudinal and lateral acceleration, road speed and steering angle as well as body and wheel acceleration on the front axle in order to activate the required damper force within a few milliseconds. The respective damper mapping is part of the overall vehicle setting, which can be activated by the driver using the My Modes button on the centre console.
The BMW iX M60 is equipped as standard with Integral Active Steering, which ensures particularly stable straight-line stability and comfortable lane changes, and also optimises both agility and manoeuvrability when parking and manoeuvring. In addition the standard equipment includes a sports brake system and 21 -inch aerodynamic wheels, which can be fitted with optional high-performance tyres available exclusively for the BMW iX M60. Particularly powerfully dimensioned anti-rollbars are used on the rear axle. The way in which all drive and suspension features are integrated significantly contributes to making driving the BMW iX M60 into an emotionally powerful experience that the driver can control right up to the physical limits.
Launch Control function, electric all-wheel drive and actuator-based wheel slip limitation for maximum driving dynamics
The drivetrain of the BMW iX M60 generates its maximum output in Sport Mode. A Launch Control function is available in this setting to achieve maximum thrust when accelerating from a standstill. Once activated, the driver can accelerate with the optimum amount of traction with the accelerator pedal fully depressed. The full power of the system and the maximum available torque of 1100 Nm are called up instantly, while the suspension is precisely controlled in accordance with the extreme generation of power. In the interior of the BMW iX M60, the drive’s readiness to take off is already staged when the vehicle is at a standstill by a pulsating motion in the seat surfaces and a corresponding display on the BMW Curved Display. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds with the help of the Launch Control function is a particularly exciting and emotional experience.
The Launch Control function is a prime example of how the drive control and suspension control systems of the BMW iX M60 interact with the highest precision. Optimum traction and perfect straight-line stability are ensured at all times in this way, even on slippery road surfaces. The BMW iX M60 delivers this catapult-like start from a standstill with unwavering aplomb and accelerates as if on rails and without drive slip up to the highest speeds.
The combination of the electric all-wheel drive with actuator-based wheel slip limitation plays a decisive role here. In normal driving situations, the BMW iX M60 is powered solely by the rear wheels to increase efficiency and range. In the event of higher lateral acceleration or wheel slip, the motor acting on the front wheels takes over an optimum share of the drive with regard to driving dynamics and driving stability. Drive torque control of the two motors reacts noticeably faster and with significantly higher control quality than would be possible with a transfer case mounted between the axles.
The suspension control systems therefore rarely need to intervene to stabilise the car. Should an intervention be required, the actuator-based wheel slip limitation ensures optimum traction with particularly fast and precise response times. The system, which is specially designed for spontaneous electric motor power generation, is integrated into the motor control unit. This eliminates the long signal paths to the control unit of the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), so that the control interventions take place at up to 10 times the speed of conventional systems and in particularly precise fashion.
BMW IconicSounds Electric with hallmark M characteristics
The thrilling driving experience in the BMW iX M60 is accompanied by an equally emotional soundtrack. It was created in a collaboration between film music composer and Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer and BMW Group Creative Director Sound Renzo Vitale. Even pressing the start/stop button is acknowledged with an inspiring acoustic signal that awakens anticipation of the purely electric driving experience to come.
While driving, the BMW IconicSounds Electric, standard in the BMW iX M60, provide authentic feedback to every movement of the accelerator pedal. The sound of the drive is characterised by a particularly energycharged sound development.
The sound characteristics are based on the setting selected with the Driving Experience Control Switch. The acoustic difference between Modes Personal and Sport is intensely perceptible. In Sport Mode, the sound spectrum is particularly dominant and powerful. For example, the drive sound specially developed for all-electric BMW M automobiles turns the dynamic performance of the BMW iX M60 into an even more intense experience.
