Electric car before world premiere
BMW’s new electric powerhouse: the iX M60
The BMW iX M60
© BMW Group
BMW has announced the iX M60, its sporty SUV with two engines. The new M series electric car comes with extensive equipment and is the first BMW to achieve four-digit torque. A real powerhouse on four wheels.
With the iX M60, the German automaker is now showing what BMW understands by a powerful electric car. The SUV from the sporty M series announced on Wednesday is the first all-electric M model.
According to the WLTP test procedure, it should have a range of up to 566 kilometers – in contrast, the SUV model BMW iX50 has a range of up to 631 kilometers according to the WLTP. The average power consumption of the iX M60 is given as 21.7 to 24.7 kWh / per 100 kilometers. The vehicle charges with a maximum of 11 kW from an AC connection. At public 22 kW charging points, which are often offered in urban areas, only half the power is possible; with a direct current high-speed charger, the charging power is up to 200 kW. Ideally, the electric SUV should be able to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 35 minutes and fill up with electricity for a range of 150 kilometers in ten minutes.
First BMW model with four-digit torque
The iX M60 “represents a new understanding of progressive luxury, high performance and premium characteristics” and is a “milestone” in the history of BMW M GmbH, says BMW. With 619 hp, the Stromer is actually a real powerhouse. With the help of its two motors – distributed between the front and rear axles – it accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.8 seconds and is the most powerful and fastest EV at BMW to date.
Its torque is the first vehicle in the Munich-based fleet to reach a four-digit value: 1015 Newton meters (Nm). He should even bring it to a maximum of 1100 Nm. However, this is only available for up to ten seconds. Otherwise, the iX M60 still has 540 hp. The car locks automatically at 250 km / h and is 50 km / h faster than the BMW iX50.
According to BMW, the M model has the most extensive standard equipment ever used at BMW in terms of driver assistance systems. Among other things, an eight-megapixel camera is built into the front, with which the iX M60 can see up to 300 meters. The car is equipped with a total of five cameras, five radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors. This should also enable automated driving with level 3 functionality in the medium term.
Optimized aerodynamic properties with an aluminum spaceframe concept and the carbon frame with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) ensure an optimized weight, according to BMW. The adaptive recuperation should also have a positive effect on the range.
In the interior, BMW relies on operation using speech and gestures. In addition, the Munich-based company uses active seat ventilation for the driver and front passenger and advertises an “exceptionally generous feeling of space”. Visually, the iX M60 is particularly noticeable through the M inscriptions, for example on the blue brake calipers, as well as the anthracite-colored headliner.
Electric car from sustainable production
The electric car should also score in terms of sustainability. The raw materials cobalt and lithium used in the 600 kilogram vehicle battery come from controlled sources in Australia and Morocco. According to its own information, BMW uses 100 percent green electricity in vehicle production and the manufacture of battery cells. The aluminum used is also to be made 100 percent from solar power. In addition, recycled plastic is used. For the interior, the Munich-based company says it uses FSC-certified wood and recycled fishing nets for the floor cladding and floor mats.
iX M60 available from June
The iX M60 is produced at the BMW plant in Dingolfing, Bavaria, and will have its world premiere at the Consumer Electronics Show in early January in Las Vegas. The global market launch begins in June 2022 at a price of at least 130,200 euros, 32,200 euros more than a BMW iX50 xDrive. For comparison: a Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo is almost 2,600 euros more expensive. A Tesla Model X is available from around 111,000 euros.
Sources:BMW, Auto Motor Sport