First all-electric iX M60, latest iteration of M2 launched by BMW Malaysia

BMW Malaysia on Saturday unveiled the first all-electric BMW iX M60 – the first, highly-anticipated all-electric SAV addition to their high-performance sporting segment, alongside two new variants of the BMW M2 – the latest iteration of the compact high-performance coupé from the BMW M.

As the inaugural all-electric SAV model of the BMW M portfolio, the iX M60 features advanced technology and exceptional driving characteristics to deliver hallmark M performance. On the other hand, the new M2 is the boldest two-door compact coupé ever built in its class. “It shares all that makes the BMW M3 and BMW M4 brilliant, complemented by a chassis that offers racetrack technology to the road,” says the company, during the launch at the M4NTAP Festival 2023 at the Sepang F1 Circuit.

iX M60

The iX M60 features an exceptional maximum output of 619hp and an outstanding electric range of up to 561km (WLTP) – making it one of the fastest electric models in BMW's portfolio of premium performance vehicles, thanks to optimised aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.26.

Accompanied by an emotive sound design from BMW M IconicSounds Electric designed by Hans Zimmer, the new Launch Control feature offers the vehicle a powerful start with up to 1,100Nm of torque, providing a slip-free sprint to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.

The iX M60 also delivers a revolutionised driving experience for an SAV with its high-voltage battery positioned in the vehicle floor between the two axles providing it a low centre of gravity, ideal for smooth, uninterrupted electric escapades. The aluminium spaceframe concept and carbon cage with carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the roof, side and rear sections combines increased rigidity with optimised weight 50/50 weight distribution. The SAV is equipped with M Sport brake with blue calipers, adaptive two-axle air suspension with M specific tuning and components, along with the Integral Active Steering.

Additionally, two independent electric motors power each axle as current-energised synchronous units, a design method that completely eliminates the use of rare earth metals. The SAV’s electric all-wheel-drive system transmits exactly the right amount of drive torque to the front and rear wheels in all driving situations. Its intelligent control enables fully variable power transmission ranging from highly efficient pure rear-wheel drive through to an all-wheel-drive set-up that maximises traction.

The near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology fitted in tandem with all-wheel drive for the first time brings about a further improvement in traction and handling stability. Integrated into the motor management, this system produces very precise and lightning fast corrective inputs, thereby enabling the vehicle to make effortless progress at all times, even in adverse weather and road conditions.

The iX M60 comes equipped with high-power charging at rates of up to 195kW, accelerating utilisation by bringing the vehicle from 0% to 80% charge in just 35 minutes. The SAV also holds the distinction of being the first BMW vehicle in Malaysia that is able to receive up to a 22kW from an AC Wallbox Charger, which significantly reduces the charging time to under 5.5 hours for a complete 0 to 100% charge while the vehicle can be charged from 0 to 100% via an 11kW AC Wallbox Charger in 11 hours.

Owners will also be able to enjoy charging access at over 1,000 charging facilities nationwide, powered by major local EV charging providers who are in partnership with BMW Group Malaysia.

Among the standard equipment on the iX M60 are:

- Model-exclusive 22-inch BMW Individual M aerodynamic wheels 1023 bicolour titanium bronze 3D polished buff.
- The model badge will also be available exclusively in High Gloss Black or Titanium Bronze for the iX M60 only.
- Top-end Bower and Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, the most advanced sound quality found in a vehicle, giving drivers an experience akin to being physically present with the artist in the studio, a concept referred to as “True Sound.” The ultra-luxurious sound system features embellishers in brushed stainless steel with etched branding and light staging, 30 speakers (1,615W) with two diamond tweeters, and fully active speaker control for optimum 3D surround sound, as well as dedicated surround sound speakers in the head restraints of each seat for True Surround. Other features include the Bass Performance Plus which offers two subwoofers under the second row seats, along with a seven-band equaliser, ShyTech and audio cloth implementation for mid-range speakers.
- Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, ConnectedDrive Services, Connected Package Professional, BMW Natural Interaction and Active Protection via the high-resolution BMW Live Cockpit Professional, Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Professional and new cruise control with braking function.
- Standard exterior colour options include Mineral White, Alpine White Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Sophisto Grey Metallic with Brilliant Effect, Phytonic Blue Metallic, and Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic. Two special colours are also available, namely the Individual Storm Bay Metallic and Aventurine Red Metallic. Inside, owners may choose between Interior Design Atelier in Mocha or Black, or the Interior Design Suite in Amido or Castanea.

The retail pricing (on the road, without insurance) for the iX M60 with extended warranty and BMW Service & Repair Inclusive is RM630,800.

M2, M2 with Pro Package -- driving pleasure in its purest form

The source of all powertrain joy in the new M2 is its high-revving three-litre M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine. With engineering roots in motor racing, it is capable of delivering an astounding 460hp and 550Nm of torque, courtesy of key optimisations, such as a new lightweight crankshaft, a racetrack-designed oil supply/cooling system and high-pressure injection at 350 bars.

Mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the engine is capable of propelling the car to 100km/h from a complete standstill in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 250km/h. Additionally, owners can opt to add-on the M Driver's Package which increases the top speed of the vehicle to 285km/h, and can be retrofitted at any authorised BMW dealership nationwide.

Alongside that, the M2 also benefits from new axle kinematics, attributed to its newly designed chassis which has been largely redeveloped from scratch. In addition to an increased track width, the car’s double-joint spring strut front axle and wishbone are now made of aluminium to decrease the vehicle weight. The five-link rear suspension has also been improved significantly from its predecessor.

Characteristic of a BMW M model, the M2 features superior steering precision, complementing the responsive rear-wheel drive. Excellent agility and exceptional handling even at higher speeds are ensured – partially attributed to its increased wheelbase. Completing the truly outstanding high-performance driving experience is the Active M Differential on the driven rear axle, which delivers tremendous traction to ensure greater, yet secure propulsion in any driving condition.

Standard features in the two new M2 variants include:

- Six-piston fixed-calliper brakes at the front, Adaptive M Suspension and the M Drive Professional system.
- New, distinctive and unframed kidney grille design with horizontal slats.
- Adaptive LED headlights with High-beam Assistant, as well as front wings constructed with aluminium to functionally reduce the weight of the high-performance coupé.
- The M2 gets blue brake calipers and staggered double-spoke style M light alloy wheels in 930 M Bicolour – 19-inch for the front and 20-inch for the rear, while the M2 with Pro Package comes exclusively with the M Compound Brake in Red High-gloss and staggered Double-spoke style M light alloy wheels in 930 M Black – also 19-inch for the front and 20-inch for the rear.
- The M2 has M High-gloss Shadowline, with extended contents available exclusively for the M2 with Pro Package. Also exclusive for the latter are the M Carbon Roof and M Lights Shadowline.
- The cockpit impresses with its sporting-orientation, which is now enhanced by the intuitive BMW Curved Display with M specific displays, housing the latest-generation BMW M iDrive. With the BMW Curved Display, the Information Display and the Control Display have been merged into a single display unit, oriented towards the driver to optimise information delivery and touchscreen operation.
- Illuminated M logo on the front seat headrests. Other standard sporting complements are the M leather steering wheel with shift paddles and red M Mode buttons, M Anthracite headliner, Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite M Interior Trim, eight-speed M steptronic gearbox, Setup and M Mode buttons for the centre console, as well as the Head-Up Display – available for the first time in the M2 – with M specific design and M font colours. Exclusive for the M2 with Pro Package are the M Seat Belts and Carbon Fibre M Interior Trim.
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Curved Display. This new display combination consists of the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display and the 14.9-inch Control Display. Coupled with the latest BMW Operating System 8 with user-configurable widgets, the driver will always have information displayed in real time.
- Other connectivity features in the New BMW M2 include Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, ConnectedDrive Services, Connected Package Professional, Smartphone Integration and Wireless Charging Tray. As for in-car entertainment, the M2 comes standard with a hi-fi speaker system, while the M2 Pro is equipped with the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. For added convenience, the M2 also features the Comfort Access System.
- Driving Assistant, comprising features such as Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention (collision and pedestrian warning with city braking function), Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Prevention as well as Speed Limit Info with manual Speed Limit Assistant. Alongside that is the Parking Assistant, which includes features such as Park Assist function, Active Park Distance Control (PDC), Reversing Assistant, Lateral Parking Aid and Reversing Assist Camera. Also available as standard is the Cruise Control with Braking Function.
- Exterior colour offerings are Zandvoort Blue, Alpine White, Brooklyn Grey, Black Sapphire and Toronto Red, while interior upholstery is available in Leather Vernasca in Black with exclusive highlight, Leather Vernasca in Black with Blue contrast stitching and Leather Vernasca in Cognac with décor stitching.

The retail pricing (on the road, without insurance) for the new M2 and M2 Pro with extended warranty and BMW Service & Repair Inclusive are RM598,800 (M2) and RM642,800 (M2 with Pro Package).  - Azlan Ramli