Why the BMW iX M60 Is the Manifestation of the Theory of Relativity

It was when the genius of Albert Einstein came up with the E = mc2 equation that people realized mass and energy are the same physical entity and can be changed into each other.

In the equation, the mass of a body times the speed of light squared is equal to the kinetic energy of that body, which can explain many things, including why the porky BMW iX M60 feels almost like a supercar on stilts when driven in a sportier manner.

The way this electric... thing can seriously outgun thoroughbred sports cars, not to mention its equivalent ICE brethren, the BMW X5 M60, is something that should be taught in physics classes.

To put things into perspective, the twin-turbo V8-powered BMW X5 M60 hits 62 mph (100 kph) from a standing start in a reasonably quick 4.3 seconds. The similarly sized but 550-pound (240 kg) heavier iX M60 can do the same feat almost half a second quicker. How's that for mass and energy?

In other words, the top-of-the-range version of the BMW iX lineup, the M60, shouldn't be reduced to just a really quick electric SUV with questionable looks, and poor relase value because it's so much more than that.

For those not yet familiar with the model, the iX is part of the BMW "i" sub-brand and is the first purpose-built electric vehicle from Bavaria since the similarly quirky-looking BMW i3 in 2013. It is also a sort of preview to BMW M's first ever EV.

Oddly enough, BMW's current and upcoming EV strategy diverges because of the iX, not thanks to it. You see, the 'i' sub-brand will be dedicated to electric versions of otherwise conventional ICE-powered models, just like the i4 is based on the 4 Series GranCoupe, the i5 is an electric version of the 5 Series, or the i7 is a 7 Series with a huge battery.

Electric Lounge

The iX uses a dedicated EV platform that isn't shared with the similarly sized X5, albeit a substantial number of parts are shared between virtually all RWD-based modern BMWs. For example, the curved display and the OS8 infotainment system that appeared on the iX are now used on many other Bimmers, whether they are powered by electricity, gasoline, or diesel fuel.

Speaking of the curved display, that's not even the most eye-catching part of the model's interior, as that honor could be shared by the odd-looking hexagonal steering wheel or the sofa-like shape of the rear seating area.

Notice I said seating area, not bench, because despite not being a full-size SUV as far as exterior dimensions go, there is plenty of passenger space inside the iX, way more than in the comparatively sized X5.

The 17.7 cu-ft (500 liters) trunk could probably use a bit more volume, and there is no frunk like in Teslas or electric Porsches, but the luggage compartment is decently sized for a car of this stature.

As a matter of fact, you can't even pop the hood, so if you want to top the windshield washer fluid, you do it by opening the front BMW badge, which doubles as a lid.

Looks Only a Mother Could Love

Touching on other features of the model's front end, the beaver teeth-like 'kidney grille' isn't used for cooling like on most ICE-powered BMWs but hides a camera, radar, and other sensors needed for the driver assistance systems. The grille also features a self-healing coating that can smooth out scratches and small chips using heat, but don't expect it to be completely impervious to sharp objects or harder impacts.

The elephant in the room is obviously the exterior design, which in M60 guise makes the iX even more brutal in appearance, both literally and figuratively. The bulbous front end, slab-sided profile, and Tron-like rear end result in a car that looks like nothing else on the road, so you can call it anything but vanilla.

Inside, on the other hand, is where the magic happens, at least design-wise. The overall atmosphere is that of a lounge in Night City from Cyberpunk 2077. Apart from the curved screen and the hexagonal steering wheel, the driver also has a floating center console at his disposal, filled with touch-sensitive wooden buttons and a crystal iDrive controller.

The rear passengers are sitting on an actual sofa that stretches toward the doors, giving a similar vibe to the way you're sitting in a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and they are also treated to an electrochromic glass roof that turns from clear to opaque and back again even using voice commands. Because we are talking about the BMW iX M60 here, the main culprit for the model's existence is its performance, and I can certainly vouch that it does not disappoint.

Numbers Don't Do it Justice

Compared to the iX xDrive 50, the M60 version has a reworked rear-drive motor with double the amperage, a longer stator, and a rotor, thus upgrading the total output up to 532 HP (539 PS) in every driving mode except Sport, where it has no less than 611 HP (619 PS) for up to 10 seconds.

The torque output is normally 749 Lb-ft (1,015 Nm), but when using the Launch Control function, which is only available in Sport Mode, the figures jump to a mind-bending 811 lb-ft (1,100 nm) of torque.

Despite the hefty 5,862 pounds (1,659 Kg) of weight that the two motors need to carry forward, the iX M60 can hit 62 mph (100 kph) in just 3.8 seconds, onward to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 kph).

It's not just the numbers that feel crazy, but the actual movement you experience during launches, as BMW has implemented a vibration in the M60's motors that simply shakes the entire car while you're pressing both the brake and the accelerator at the same time.

Along with every driving mode featuring a plethora of artificial sounds developed by none other than famous composer Hans Zimmer, the iX M60 drives like something from another planet. Handling and maneuverability are also helped, especially at lower speeds, by the standard rear-steering system, which can turn the rear wheels by up to 3 degrees.

The pneumatic suspension doesn't hide the car's mass, but the model feels planted and controlled no matter what you throw at it on the road while remaining one of the most comfortable BMWs I have experienced in recent years. Sure, it's no M4 CS, but the handling is way above average, especially for a high-bodied crossover that weighs almost a metric ton more than the M4.

Much of that mass is hunkered down inside the car's floor, thanks to BMW using a 111,5 kWh Lithium-Ion battery, of which 105,2 kWh are usable.

Speaking of battery, the M60 is definitely not the most efficient version of the iX, with the official WLTP range offered being 352 miles (566 km), while the EPA rates it at 288 miles (463 km) when equipped with the 21-inch wheels. Fitting 22-inch wheels drops the range to 274 miles (441 km), which is close to what I achieved with the model I drove, which had winter tires on.

Part of the outstanding energy efficiency comes from the drag coefficient, which is also remarkably good for something that looks like the back of a doorstopper. The Cd is only 0.26 for the M60 and as low as 0.25 for the regular iX versions.

In conclusion, you could say that the BMW iX M60 is the embodiment of the theory of relativity. Yes, a vehicle this heavy shouldn't be this quick, and something this ugly shouldn't be so desirable. And yet, it is on both accounts.