What's all this about?

BMW has taken its talented but divisive iX SUV and given it a bit more power. Already available with up to 523hp in xDrive50 guise, the new M60 model gets 619hp and a massive 1,050Nm of torque. And when launch control is engaged, that increases to 1,100Nm. The result is a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds – around a second faster than the xDrive50 and about the same as a Porsche 911 Carrera S.

As in the xDrive50, the twin-motor, all-wheel-drive system gets its power from a 111.5kWh battery, although only 105.2kWh is usable. Because it’s more powerful, thanks to its bespoke rear motor, the M60 is less efficient than its lowlier siblings. Where the xDrive50 will manage up to 391 miles on a single charge, the M60 cuts that to 352.

That said, the M60 can be charged faster than the xDrive50, thanks to its on-board charging system that’s capable of accepting 200kW from a suitable DC charging point. At maximum charge speed, the car can add more than 90 miles of range in 10 minutes.

So it's got a new motor. Anything else?

Well yes, as it happens. Powertrain aside, BMW has also worked on the iX’s air suspension, giving it a bespoke set-up that’s capable of dealing with the M60’s mountain of torque, and its immense weight. The car also comes with electronically controlled shock absorbers that can be tuned to make the car more agile or more comfortable, depending on the driver’s wishes. Similarly, the system can compensate for uneven weight distribution, levelling the car when there’s a heavy weight in the boot. The system can also raise or lower the body at the touch of a button inside the cabin.

More performance-orientated changes include the addition of stiffer anti-roll bars at the rear and some bespoke suspension software logic that increases stability at speed. High-performance brakes have been fitted, too.

It looks a bit different, too...

Of course. BMW couldn’t do all that clever engineering and let the iX M60 go under the radar. So the newcomer looks more aggressive with its blue-painted brake callipers, 21-inch alloy wheels and bronze trim on the bodywork and badging. There are M logos dotted around the place, with one even featuring on the massive touchscreen on the dashboard. Black roof lining and sculpted multifunction seats also feature as standard.

In fact, standard equipment is pretty generous, with all the top-end features you expect, plus BMW’s laser headlight tech and a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system. The front seats are ventilated as standard, and the standard Heat Comfort Package offers seat and steering wheel heating.

So it's expensive, then?

In all likelihood, yes. The iX range starts at £69,905, and the M60 is at the top of a growing range. We’re expecting an asking price well in excess of the £96,905 BMW is asking for an xDrive50 M Sport. Expect to pay more than £100,000 before so much as looking at the options list.