BMW Unveils iX3 M60 xDrive With 612 Hp and 468-Mile Range
The new electric SUV features 800V architecture, allowing a 211-mile range boost in just ten minutes of charging.
BMW has revealed the iX3 M60 xDrive, the most powerful variant yet of its Neue Klasse electric SUV. The new model combines a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system with 612 horsepower and a WLTP range of up to 468 miles, positioning it as a high-performance flagship within the brand’s emerging electric lineup.
What Happened
The iX3 M60 xDrive utilizes BMW’s sixth-generation electric drive technology (Gen6), featuring an electrically excited synchronous motor at the rear axle and an induction motor at the front. Together, these units produce 450 kW (612 hp) and 645 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-to-62 mph acceleration time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph. The vehicle is built on an 800V architecture with a 108.7 kWh battery pack using cylindrical cells. It supports DC fast charging at up to 400 kW, which BMW states can add 211 miles of range in ten minutes. Standard equipment includes adaptive M suspension, an M Sport differential, and 21-inch M light-alloy wheels, while the exterior design features distinctive M Yellow Lights inspired by motor sport.
Why It Matters
This launch marks a significant technical leap for BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, particularly regarding charging speed and range efficiency. The ability to add over 200 miles of range in ten minutes addresses a primary consumer concern regarding EV usability on long-distance trips. Furthermore, the inclusion of the "Heart of Joy" high-performance computer, which processes driving data ten times faster than previous systems, highlights BMW’s strategy to differentiate its EVs through software-defined dynamics and driver engagement rather than just raw power. With orders opening in January 2027 and production beginning in Hungary in spring 2027, BMW is preparing to compete directly with other premium electric performance SUVs in the coming years.
The Bottom Line
The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive enters the market as a high-performance electric SUV with 612 hp, a 468-mile WLTP range, and 400 kW charging capability. Orders will begin in late January 2027, with production starting in spring 2027.
