Reaching 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds: BMW pushes the iX3 even further
BMW introduces the most powerful powertrain variant to date for its electric premium SUV, the iX3. The new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive leads the series with 450 kW of power and is expected to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than four seconds. BMW plans to open orders for this model at the end of January 2027.
Image: BMW
The iX3 is BMW’s first model in the New Class — and it has been introduced so far in three versions: starting with the single-motor iX3 40, followed by the all-wheel-drive versions iX3 40 xDrive and iX3 50 xDrive, with list prices ranging from 63,400 to 70,900 euros. That’s well known already. Now the manufacturer is adding another model to the top end of the range: the BMW iX3 M60 xDrive is set to be “highly dynamic” and stand out with its distinctive appearance. It will be available for ordering from the end of January, though BMW has not yet revealed its price.
The new performance model will share its powertrain with the i3 and iX4. These new-class electric vehicles will also be launched next year as the M60 xDrive. What they have in common is a system output of 450 kW and the large 108.7-kWh battery we’ve seen in the 50 xDrive as well. The technically upgraded iX3 M60 xDrive can reach 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds according to the specifications and has a top speed of 240 km/h, far surpassing its nearest competitors.
With the large battery, the M60 version is theoretically capable of covering up to 754 km. There are no surprises when it comes to charging performance: Similar to the iX3 50 xDrive, it offers 400 kW DC charging, which should charge the battery from 10% to 80% in 21 minutes. In other words, BMW claims 340 kilometers of range can be achieved in 10 minutes. The following table provides an overview of the entire series:
| BMW iX3 | iX3 40 | iX3 40 xDrive | iX3 50 xDrive | iX3 M60 xDrive |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Drive type | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Power | 235 kW | 275 kW | 345 kW | 450 kW |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 520 Nm | 645 Nm | 875 Nm |
| Acceleration | 5.9 s | 5.6 s | 4.9 s | 3.9 s |
| Top speed | 200 km/h | 200 km/h | 210 km/h | 240 km/h |
| Net battery capacity | 82.6 kWh | 82.6 kWh | 108.7 kWh | 108.7 kWh |
| Range | 645 km | 621 km | 806 km | 754 km |
| DC charging capacity | 300 kW | 300 kW | 400 kW | 400 kW |
| DC charging time | 21 min | 21 min | 21 min | 21 min |
| Price | starting at 63,400 euros | starting at 65,900 euros | starting at 70,900 euros | not available |
The iX3 is designed as a mid-size premium SUV, measuring 4.78 meters in length, 1.90 meters in width, and 1.64 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.90 meters. All iX3 variants are manufactured solely at the plant in Debrecen, Hungary. However, parallel production in Mexico starting in 2027 is underway, and a locally produced long version of the iX3 is also set to launch in China.
The M60 xDrive will be produced in Debrecen starting in spring 2027. It is designed to appeal to customers with its particularly sporty character. As a result, it comes standard equipped with BMW’s adaptive “M Suspension” among other features, along with additional distinctive elements such as prominent fender flares, black mirror caps, and the new M Yellow Lights that offer a motorsport-inspired focus on the road. The “M Sport” exterior is also standard, enhancing the visual depth of BMW’s kidney grille design. 21-inch lightweight alloy wheels are standard, with the option to upgrade to 22 inches.
To ensure the new top version not only looks sporty but also drives that way, BMW has integrated its new drive control computer (“Heart of Joy”) into the M60 xDrive as well. According to the company, this control unit operates ten times faster than previous systems, setting “new standards for driving dynamics.” In the new M60 model, this system is combined with BMW’s M Dynamic Performance Control, a specialized control software for the high-performance models of the New Class.
BMW itself comments on the introduction of its new top-tier iX3 model as follows: “As an M Performance vehicle, this all-electric SUV impresses with its particularly powerful drive system, sporty handling, and BMW’s typical agile driving dynamics. The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive exemplifies the technological leap forward of this new class in an outstanding manner. The combination of these features with its unmistakably bold appearance defines the sporty and distinctive character of the most powerful BMW iX3.”
