The second-generation iX3 has proven that BMW can build an EV to rival the best coming out of Asia. Now, the German brand has launched the high-performance iX3 M60 xDrive, eager to show it can build not only an efficient EV, but one that packs a serious punch.

Like other iX3 models, the M60 xDrive has a sizeable 112.2 kWh battery pack that powers motors at the front and rear axles. It’s the rear motor that’s received most of BMW’s attention, featuring a new stator and a more powerful inverter, contributing to a combined 603 horsepower and 645 pound-feet (874 Nm) of torque. BMW says the iX3 M60 xDrive needs just 3.9 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h), making this electric SUV quicker than a rear-wheel drive BMW M3. Not too shabby.

Read: BMW’s New iX3 Can Physically Refuse To Let You Open Your Own Door

Not only does the M60 xDrive accelerate harder than any normal iX3, but the top speed has also been raised to 149 mph (240 km/h) thanks to a longer gear ratio. Just like other iX3 models, this version supports DC fast charging speeds of up to 400 kW, and AC charging at 15.4 kW. Curiously, BMW hasn’t released a driving range figure for the M60 xDrive, nor has it said how long it takes to charge the battery.

BMW’s ‘Heart of Joy’

It’s not just more power and torque that makes the iX3 M60 xDrive a little special. It includes BMW’s ‘Heart of Joy’ computer working alongside the new BMW M Dynamic Performance Control Driving Stack, ensuring this SUV delivers the type of handling you’d expect from a true M car. BMW also says it’s refined the EV’s regenerative braking system, ensuring it stops more smoothly than any of its other models.

While this isn’t a fully-fledged M model, the iX3 M60 xDrive comes fitted as standard with Adaptive M Suspension and electronically controlled dampers, which will also play a key part in the overall dynamics and handling. There’s also an updated and improved variable steering rack ratio that adjusts the effort depending on the drive mode.

Perhaps the single biggest handling upgrade is the fitment of an electronically controlled M Sport differential at the rear axle. Tweaks have also been made to the anti-roll bar links, and the underbody also includes more front-end bracing.

What About The Design?

While there’s plenty to differentiate the M60 xDrive from other iX3 versions under the skin, it doesn’t look dramatically different from the outside. The most obvious change is the distinctive light elements on either side of the kidney grilles, in addition to the availability of yellow driving lights. All iX3 M60 xDrive models also come standard with the M Sport package and the BMW Iconic Glow exterior package, the latter of which includes selectable lighting elements at the front and at the rear. Other changes include new standard 21-inch M wheels and several optional 21- and 22-inch wheels.

The cabin is also all very familiar. All the same core components as other iX3s remain, including the Panoramic iDrive system, the angled central infotainment display, and an optional 3D head-up display. Fitted as standard is an M Sport steering wheel with special Boost Mode and M Mode buttons. BMW has also equipped the M60 xDrive with M Sport seats with 10-way power adjustment and massage functions. Distinctive M graphics and colors are also used throughout.

Several apps specific to the M60 xDrive are also available. These include the M Cockpit app, which tracks and displays key vehicle signals and driving dynamics data, as well as the M Drag Meter app. A 13-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos is also fitted as standard equipment.

BMW has yet to announce US pricing for the iX3 M60 xDrive, but it has confirmed US orders will open at the end of January.

BMW’s electric adventure has officially passed a big milestone. Almost 13 years after the original i3 arrived, the company has handed over its two millionth fully electric vehicle. And one of the factors making that possible is that EV sales are currently going gangbusters in one specific region.

The landmark two-millionth car was an i5 M60 xDrive built in Dingolfing and delivered to a customer in Spain. Add plug-in hybrids and BMW Group says it’s shifted around 3.5 million electrified vehicles since 2013, while more than one in four of its global sales during the first half of 2026 had some form of electric propulsion.

Related: BMW Thinks Drivers Under 45 Are Done Poking Buttons. Other Brands Disagree

Things are moving particularly quickly in Europe. BMW’s European BEV sales jumped 38 percent during the second quarter to 81,445 cars. Fully electric models represented roughly 28 percent of BMW’s European sales during 2026’s first half.

That’s not happening in isolation. Almost 1.5 million BEVs were registered across Europe through July, up 30 percent year over year. July alone saw electric cars grab 35 percent of the French market and 29 percent in Germany. Denmark, meanwhile, hit 80 percent, Reuters reports.

BMW’s new iX3 appears well placed to seize the opportunity. The automaker says it’s approaching 100,000 orders, and since its unveiling, one in three electric BMWs ordered in Europe has been an iX3. And half of European X3-family orders are already for the electric version, which admittedly looks miles better than its ICE brother inside and out.

Growing Family

The Neue Klasse family is expanding, too. Series production of the new electric i3 3-series began in Munich this month, with BMW reporting strong early demand ahead of its market launch. And the new X5 has an electric variant for the first time that will be in showrooms in spring 2027.

But cross the Atlantic and the EV party suddenly gets quieter. US electric sales across the industry fell more than 20 percent year over year in the second quarter following the removal of federal tax incentives, leaving EVs with around a 6 percent share of the market.

No Love For iX

BMW’s own figures show that while North American sales of PHEV vehicles grew 22.9 percent in Q2, sales of electrified (EV and hybrid) vehicles tanked to the tune of -18.1 percent, revealing just how bad demand for EVs is now that US tax credits have gone. Sales of the iX electric SUV, for example, are down almost 50 percent year-to-date, official automaker figures say, though a recent facelift and price cut might help going forward. And Cox Automotive suggests BMW’s overall EV sales in the US are down 56 percent year-to-date. Ouch.

The arrival at BMW showrooms in September of the confident Neue Klasse iX3, whose fresh design will also help improve BMW EVs sales, no doubt. As will the iX5 we mentioned previously (pictured below). But the electric story is still going to be very different from one side of the Atlantic to the other.

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