BMW has revealed the iX3 M60 xDrive, a new electric performance flagship that will top its Australian iX3 line-up when local orders open in 2027.
Announced on the same day as the related iX4 M60 xDrive coupe-style SUV, the most powerful iX3 yet combines dual-motor all-wheel drive with claimed outputs of 450kW and 875Nm.
BMW claims a 0-100km/h sprint of 3.9 seconds and a driving range of up to 754km on the WLTP test cycle, although the figures remain provisional.
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BMW Australia lists both M60 models as available to order in 2027, but has not announced local pricing or delivery dates.
The iX3 M60 will sit above the rear-wheel drive iX3 40, priced at $89,900 before on-road costs, and the $109,900 dual-motor iX3 50 xDrive in the Australian range.
The iX3 M60 will compete with performance-focused premium electric SUVs including the Audi SQ6 e-tron and Porsche Macan GTS, while the Polestar 4 Dual motor provides another alternative, particularly to the coupe-style iX4 M60.
The Audi produces up to 380kW with launch control and claims 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds, while the Porsche delivers up to 420kW with launch control and completes the sprint in 3.8 seconds. The 400kW Polestar also claims 3.8 seconds, putting both just ahead of the BMW’s provisional 3.9-second time.
Compared with the iX3 50 xDrive’s 345kW and 645Nm, the M60 adds 105kW and 230Nm, cutting the claimed 0-100km/h time by one second. Its maximum claimed range is 51km shorter than the 50 xDrive’s 805km.
Global orders for the iX3 M60 are scheduled to open at the end of January 2027, with production at BMW’s Debrecen plant in Hungary beginning in the northern hemisphere spring.
The M60 builds on the new iX3’s dedicated Neue Klasse electric architecture, using an upgraded rear electric motor and more powerful inverter to deliver its higher outputs. Top speed rises to an electronically limited 240km/h.
Its battery has a usable capacity of 108.7kWh, while the 800V electrical system supports DC charging at up to 400kW.
BMW claims a suitable fast charger can add up to 340km of driving range in 10 minutes under favourable conditions. The global specification also includes 22kW AC charging.
The chassis changes extend beyond the extra power, with adaptive M suspension, variable-ratio sport steering, an electronically controlled rear M Sport differential and M Sport brakes fitted as standard.
The M60 is an M Performance model, extending the regular iX3 range with additional power and chassis upgrades. The global specification includes standard 21-inch M alloy wheels, with 22-inch wheels and specially developed 21-inch sport tyres available as options.
BMW has also revised the spring and damper tuning and added front-end bracing. Dedicated M Sport and M Sport Plus driving modes adjust the drivetrain, chassis and steering responses.
The company’s ‘Heart of Joy’ computer coordinates the powertrain, braking and related driving functions, working with M-specific control software.
Exterior changes include motorsport-inspired yellow lighting elements, an illuminated kidney grille, M-specific mirrors and a rear spoiler. Availability of the yellow lights depends on the market.
Inside, the global specification includes electrically adjustable M Sport seats with massage functions and illuminated M logos, an M steering wheel with dedicated Boost and M Mode buttons, and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The cabin retains the Neue Klasse layout, including a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and BMW’s Panoramic Vision information display across the base of the windscreen. Australian equipment details remain to be confirmed.
The simultaneously announced iX4 M60 xDrive shares the iX3 M60’s claimed 450kW and 875Nm outputs and 3.9-second acceleration time.
However, BMW quotes a longer maximum WLTP range of 777km for the coupe-style model, using the same 108.7kWh usable battery capacity. Its claimed maximum DC charging rate is also 400kW.
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