Move over Tesla Model X! 2022 BMW iX M60 price and features show electric performance SUV battle is heating up

BMW’s iX M60 performance flagship is set to blast into Australian showrooms this year and take the title of the most powerful electric SUV - until the updated Tesla Model X gets here at least.

The M60 will top the recently launched iX range when it hits our shores mid-year, priced from $222,900 before on-road costs, a healthy $52,000 more than the iX xDrive50 Sport

Fast, electric, premium SUV rivals include the Tesla Model X, which has been delayed in Australia as the American EV specialist continues to prepare for production of the heavily revised Model X and Model S siblings. It’s unclear if they will arrive here before year’s end.

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Audi’s e-tron S starts at $168,400 for the SUV and $175,400 for the swoopy Sportback.

Porsche’s Taycan Cross Turismo isn’t really an SUV but it does have a slightly higher ride than the standard Taycan. It ranges from $176,600 to $279,000 for the Turbo.

The iX M60 is the second all-electric M model following the i4 M50 four-door liftback that launched earlier this year.

Outputs for the iX M60 are 455kW of power and 1100Nm of torque, well up on the iX xDrive50’s 385kW/765Nm, but not quite up to the Model X dual motor’s 499kW. The Model X Plaid blows it out of the water with 760kW.

The iX M60 can cover the 0-100km/h dash in just 3.8 seconds and it has an electric driving range of 566km on the WLTP cycle. An energy consumption figure is yet to be confirmed.

The use of two motors ensures the M60 is all-wheel drive and it also packs a 112kWh battery with high energy density.

It can be charged at a rate of 11kW for AC and 200kW for AC, ensuring a charge from 10 to 80 per cent battery capacity in about 35 minutes. Charging at a public DC fast charger can add 150km of range in just 10 minutes, according to BMW.

The German car maker says the iX M60’s dynamism is aided by the AWD system, as well as an actuator-based wheel slip limitation and BMW M dual-axle air suspension with automatic level control.

Standard gear in the M60 includes 22-inch alloy wheels and sports tyres, soft-close doors, BMW’s ‘IconicSounds’ electric sound, olive tanned leather, panoramic glass roof ‘Sky Lounge’, M Sport brakes with blue callipers, an interior camera, power and heated front seats, keyless entry and start, and a Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system.

It comes with a five-year subscription to the Chargefox network with unlimited charging, a choice of one non-metallic paint colour and seven metallic hues.

Three no-cost interior trim options are offered, including a non-animal-based Stone Grey option, while a $3500 Comfort Package adds heated steering wheel, cooled front seats and a heat comfort package that adds heating to the rear seats, armrests as well as the instrument and door panels.