In an effort to bring more “ultimate driving machine” flavor to the EV market, and perhaps to challenge the Tesla Model X, BMW announced its first high-performance electric SAV (sports activity vehicle)—aka SUV. The German automaker’s new flagship SUV, the 2023 iX M60, is expected to be available in the U.S. later this year, with a U.S. MSRP of $105,100.

The M60 was introduced at CES 2022 in Las Vegas and is intended to stand out from most other EVs in terms of performance and driving excitement. That’s thanks to its total system output of up to 610 bhp (455 kW) and 811 lb·ft (1100 N·m), when Launch Control is activated, and a unique M-enhanced adaptive air suspension. The 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration of the M60 is only 3.8 s, getting closer the Model X’s best 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) time of 2.5 s.

The SUV’s two electric motors operate on the principle of a “current-energized synchronous machine” and contain no rare-earth metals. Due to the precisely controllable excitation of the rotor by means of current supply, BMW says that the drive units of the M60 develop a very high output density. The rear-axle motor generates maximum output of 360 kW (489 hp) and 2.59 kW/kg. The second motor on the front axle generates up to 190 kW (258 hp) for 1.96 kW/kg. The latest electric motors developed in-house achieve an efficiency of up to 93%.

Lightweighting efforts by BMW are seen throughout the M60, with an aluminum spaceframe and carbon cage with carbon fiber reinforced plastic in the roof, side, and rear sections. Yet the five-seat, four-door, all-wheel-drive SUV still weighs nearly 5800 lb (2630 kg).

The more performance-focused version of the iX will share its sibling’s 111.5-kW·h (105.2-kW·h net energy content) lithium-ion battery with a WLTP range of 357 mi (575 km) and an EPA estimated range of 280 mi (451 km). BMW says that the battery pack is placed low in the vehicle’s structure and within the wheelbase to lower the vehicle’s center of gravity and to enhance handling with balanced weight distribution.

The M60 combines typical M performance characteristics with the BMW Group’s new modular system in the areas of automated driving, connectivity, and digital services including a 31-in screen with integrated Amazon Fire TV. Like the other iX model variants, the M60 features a range of standard systems including a new generation of sensors, new software, and a powerful computing platform to provide automated driving and parking enhancements.

Included as standard on the iX M60 are BMW Live Cockpit Professional and BMW Natural Interaction, which allows functions to be operated using speech and gestures. The standard list includes a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, BMW Laser Light, Comfort Access, and Active Seat Ventilation for the driver and front passenger. The Radiant Heating Package warms the seats, steering wheel, and armrests and features innovative radiant heating of the door panels and dashboard to surround the occupants in warmth in cold weather.

Another version of the iX unveiled by BMW created just as much buzz at CES as the M60. The automaker introduced the iX Flow featuring E Ink, which allows the exterior color of the vehicle to change from black to gray to white at the driver’s prompting. The chameleon-like feature is thanks to electrophoretic technology, similar to that of an E-reader, in a specially developed body wrap.

“Digital experiences won’t just be limited to displays in the future,” said Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development. “There will be more and more melding of the real and virtual. With the BMW iX Flow, we are bringing the car body to life.”

(Kevin Jost contributed to this article.)