The BMW iX3 has already made its regional debut earlier this year at the Bangkok International Motor Show, and we think it's only a matter of time before it makes its way into the country, as the DOE already recognizes the model in its EV list.

But before BMW introduces the iX3 to the Philippine market, the electric SUV is getting a more performance-focused variant for those who want more electric kick out of the SUV.

BMW has added a new range-topping variant to the iX3 lineup with the introduction of the M60 xDrive. The new variant brings a host of model-specific chassis, exterior and interior upgrades aimed at giving the electric SUV a sportier character.

At the heart of the iX3 M60 xDrive is the same sixth-generation Gen6 M eDrive technology underpinning the Neue Klasse family. It uses one electric motor on each axle to produce a combined 450 kW or 612 PS and 875 Nm of torque. BMW says the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 240 km/h.

The M60 also gets a 108.7-kWh usable battery, giving it a maximum WLTP range of 754 km. Its 800-volt architecture supports DC charging at up to 400 kW, allowing it to gain as much as 340 km of range in 10 minutes when connected to a suitably powerful charger. AC charging is also supported at up to 22 kW.

BMW has also given the iX3 M60 a substantially different chassis setup. Adaptive M suspension comes standard, using electronically controlled dampers that continuously adjust their settings according to the driving situation. It is paired with variable-ratio sport steering, allowing the SUV to become more responsive when driven hard while remaining easier to maneuver at lower speeds.

An electronically controlled M Sport differential on the rear axle is also standard. It can distribute torque between the rear wheels to improve traction and cornering performance, particularly when accelerating out of corners or driving on slippery surfaces.

BMW has further modified the chassis with bespoke spring and damper tuning, additional anti-roll bar links at the front axle and extra bracing to increase transverse and torsional stiffness. The changes are intended to reduce body roll and sharpen steering response, helping the relatively large electric SUV behave more like an M Performance model.

The iX3 M60 also gets two exclusive My Modes, called M Sport and M Sport Plus. These alter the responses of the drive system, chassis and steering, while shift paddles on the steering wheel allow the driver to influence the response of the M eDrive system and regenerative braking.

In terms of the look, the model's most obvious visual identifier is its new M Yellow Lights. Inspired by BMW's motorsport cars, including the M Hybrid V8 race car, the yellow lighting elements give the iX3 M60 a distinctive appearance. They are combined with M-specific exterior details and the standard BMW Iconic Glow package, which adds illuminated kidney grilles, adaptive headlights, Selective Beam and additional welcome and goodbye lighting effects.

The M60 rides on standard 21-inch M light-alloy wheels, with 22-inch M aerodynamic wheels available exclusively for the M Performance variant. Optional 21-inch sport tires can also be specified. At the rear, the M60 gets a specific roof-edge spoiler with two aero blades, a black diffuser and an M60 badge.

Inside, BMW has given the M60 its own interpretation of the Neue Klasse cabin. The standard M Sport seats feature 10-way electric adjustment, lumbar adjustment, backrest width and thigh support, along with massage functionality. Illuminated M logos are integrated into the headrests, while M seat belts further distinguish the cabin. 

Other interior features include the M Sport steering wheel with a red 12 o'clock marker and dedicated controls for Boost Mode and M Mode, allowing the driver to quickly access the M-specific driving settings. The cabin also features BMW Panoramic Vision, a 17.9-inch central display, and the option of a 3D Head-Up Display. 

A 13-speaker, 430-watt Harman Kardon sound system with Dolby Atmos comes standard, while buyers can choose from three interior design themes and seven upholstery combinations. The standard M interior uses black Veganza upholstery with M PerformTex.

Furthermore, another M-specific addition is the instrument display, which incorporates a Powermeter showing the power being deployed, available reserves, and energy recuperation. Through BMW Digital Premium, owners can also access M-specific applications such as the M Cockpit, which provides customizable real-time vehicle data, and the M Drag Meter for acceleration measurements.

For safety, the iX3 M60 comes with BMW's latest Symbiotic Drive suite of SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems. Among its capabilities is the Motorway Assistant, which allows hands-free driving at speeds of up to 130 km/h on approved motorways. The system is designed to provide assistance across highways, country roads and urban environments. 

Orders for the new variant are scheduled to open toward the end of January 2027, with production set to begin at BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary around March 2027.