Efficiency & Charging
9/10
Performance & Driving Dynamics
9/10
Interior & Technology
9.5/10
Practicality & Usability
8/10
Value & Running Costs
7.5/10
Overall
8.5/10
Overview
The iX4 M60 xDrive tops the range of BMW's new iX4, a sloping-roof coupe that shares its Neue Klasse underpinnings with the iX3 M60. It targets buyers wanting coupé-SUV styling, genuine performance and long-distance electric range, and will reach the UK in early 2027. Rivals include the Porsche Macan Electric, Audi SQ6 Sportback e-tron, and Tesla Model Y Performance. Its strengths are supercar-rivalling acceleration, a range of 483 miles and some of the fastest charging on sale; the drawbacks are a less accommodating body compared to the upright iX3 and a price yet to be confirmed.
Design
Where the iX3 stands tall, the iX4 tapers beyond the B-pillar, its long wheelbase, short overhangs and muscular wheel arches giving a planted, athletic stance. The upright Neue Klasse face merges the kidney grille and twin headlights into one unit, with BMW Iconic Glow standard on the M60, while active air flaps and clean surfaces achieve a drag coefficient of 0.23. A panoramic glass roof with hidden seals is standard for some extra natural light. The M60 adds M Yellow headlights inspired by BMW's GT racers and Endurance Hypercar, a dedicated rear spoiler that increases rear-axle downforce, M light graphics, and gloss-black mirror caps, diffuser and Shadowline trim. 21-inch M alloys are standard, with exclusive 22-inch aerodynamic wheels optional. Nine colours are offered at launch, including Eucalyptus Green, Fire Red and Polarized Grey, with Frozen Pure Red, Ocean Wave Blue and Space Silver arriving next March.
Interior
The cabin pairs Neue Klasse minimalism with a driver-focused layout built around BMW Panoramic iDrive: a Panoramic Vision display spanning the base of the windscreen, a free-cut 17.9-inch central touchscreen and an optional 3D Head-Up Display. The multifunction steering wheel uses shy-tech controls that appear only when needed, though its unconventional shape and fewer physical switches will take some acclimatisation. The M60 adds a red 12 o'clock marker, tricolour stitching, shift paddles and dedicated Boost and M Mode buttons. Electrically-adjustable M Sport seats with a massage function are standard, as is Harman Kardon surround sound. Operating System X brings lots of personalisation, and an Intelligent Personal Assistant that draws on Amazon's Alexa+. BMW Digital Premium is included for 4 years, adding extended navigation, entertainment and M-specific apps.
Performance & Powertrains
An electrically excited synchronous motor at the rear and a compact motor at the front combine for 604bhp and 875Nm of torque through intelligent AWD, delivering 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 149mph. A large 108kWh cell-to-pack battery pack supports a range of up to 483 miles, while the 800V architecture accepts charging speeds of up to 400kW, adding up to 224 miles in just 10 minutes. Adaptive M suspension with bespoke tuning, an electronically controlled M Sport differential, upgraded M Sport brakes and variable-ratio steering are fitted. The Heart of Joy controller coordinates drive, braking, regeneration and steering up to 10x faster than before, and the low centre of gravity and near-perfect weight distribution promises sharp handling. Paddles adjust the M eDrive response, though ride quality and real-world efficiency are yet to be judged.
Practicality
The sloping roof costs some luggage space, with 490 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,600 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding backrest lowered, plus 58 litres beneath the bonnet. The long wheelbase delivers generous legroom in both rows, and the cell-to-pack battery preserves rear headroom under the falling roofline, although taller passengers will want to test that claim. BMW's Parking Assistant is standard, with optional Parking Assistant Plus adding a 360-degree view, Manoeuvre Assistant replaying routes of up to 200 metres, and remote control via the My BMW app for up to 6 metres. The optional Motorway Assistant offers hands-free Level 2 driving on approved motorway sections.
Buying
Pricing for the M60 xDrive will be confirmed closer to its spring launch, but it will clearly sit above the iX4 50 xDrive M Sport at £66,075, at an estimated £90,000. The M60 is largely specified from the factory, with 21-inch alloys, Iconic Glow, Adaptive M suspension, massage seats and Harman Kardon audio standard, supporting its value case. Against the Macan Electric and SQ6 Sportback e-tron, its range and charging speeds look compelling, while the Model Y Performance does undercut it on price. The EV Hub recommended configuration includes the standard 21-inch wheels, to protect range, with the Technology Plus Package for three-zone climate control and 3D Head-Up Display.