Motors

THREE FAMOUS LETTERS

The three letters BMW have earned their place in motoring history. Today, the brand can arguably claim a certain proprietorial association with three more letters: M, X and i.

The first, M, needs little explanation. The letter, which stands for Motorsport, has been the name of BMW’s performance department since the 1970s and you can expect any car with that famous M badge to go like the clappers.

Then, about 20 years ago, came X. This letter conjures images of ‘cross-country’, ‘crossover’ or ‘eXtreme’ conditions and was apt for the new range of off-roaders that began with the X5 and grew into probably the most comprehensive range of SUVs on the market today.

Finally, and most recently, came the i badge. A letter synonymous with futuristic electronics, thanks largely to Apple, it was applied beautifully to cars with BMW’s i8 and now graces a similarly fastgrowing range of electric vehicles out of the Bavarian stable.

So, why the history lesson? Because I just got a press release from BMW claiming that it’s launched a new car that embodies the best of all three worlds. So, that means a very fast, very practical, all-electric SUV. Knowing all this background, you can understand why BMW fans are getting excited about this model named iX M60. As well as the letters, there’s a powerful weight of history behind those digits too – in the old days, the last two numbers denoted the engine size, therefore, 60 would have meant a monstrous six litres! As big cylinders fell out of favour, the numerical rankings stuck around, hence 60 today still means this thing is seriously powerful.

In fact, considering it’s a big and unstintingly luxurious family vehicle – whose price tag of comfortably over a hundred grand puts it well and truly in limo territory – its peak output of 619hp and insane 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds are all the more impressive.

As well as doing all this while 100% emissions-free, it also keeps up with the latest luxury trends, featuring toys and gadgets such as soft-close doors, all-new interior camera, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, ventilated and massage seats, and sun protection glass.

Finally, it looks like BMW is making real steps to appeal to the next generation of electric vehicle customers. A high proportion of secondary aluminium and reused plastic play a part in the resourceefficient production of the iX. Its interior uses FSC-certified wood, leather tanned with olive leaf extracts, and other natural materials. Recycled fishing nets are among the raw materials used for the floor coverings and mats.

Fact file / BMW iX M60 / 0-62: 3.8 seconds / Top speed: 155mph (electronically limited) Peak power output: 619hp / Range: up to 357 miles / Price: from £111,905 OTR Launch date: summer 2022