The 2026 BMW iX M60 qualifies for consideration in the inaugural 2026 Vicarious Awards, where vehicles are evaluated over extended real-world testing across performance, design, technology, and everyday usability.
There’s a certain cadence to driving along Port Colborne’s lakeshore roads; the gentle rush of Lake Erie on one side, the quiet dignity of historic homes on the other, and it’s exactly the kind of context where the 2026 BMW iX M60 feels right at home. This is not an EV that wants to shout about its technology; it wants to show it. And over the course of a crisp winter morning behind the wheel, the iX M60 proves itself as one of the most compelling electric SUVs in BMW’s lineup.
From the outside, the iX M60 carries a presence that is bold without being brash. The sculpted surfaces, upright stance, and illuminated kidney grille lend it an unmistakable identity — one that signals both modernity and purpose. Aero-optimized wheels and M Sport design cues complete a visual package that feels as distinctive on Lakeshore Road as it does in the bustling urban core.
A Powertrain That Energizes Without Ego
Under the skin, BMW’s M-tuned electric drivetrain is the heart of this machine. Using twin electric motors and BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, the iX M60 delivers an impressive 536 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque — figures that translate into brisk, effortless acceleration. Officially BMW says the sprint from 0–100 km/h clocks in around 3.8 seconds, giving it performance credentials that rival many gasoline-powered performance SUVs.
What’s remarkable isn’t just the raw acceleration, but how composed it feels. There’s no jerkiness, no torque surge, just a confident shove that feels smooth and controlled. Whether you’re merging onto Highway 3 or threading through the roundabouts near the canal, the iX M60’s power delivery is intuitive and linear. That’s a testament not just to battery output but to BMW’s mastery of electric drive calibration.
The one-speed automatic transmission characteristic of EVs means there are no gear shifts to mask power delivery. Instead, every millisecond of throttle input results in immediate thrust. It’s the sort of quickness that doesn’t feel overwhelming, but always ready. In everyday driving around Port Colborne’s neighborhoods, it’s a delight — potent when you want it, unobtrusive when you don’t.
Battery, Range, and Charging Realities
On paper the iX M60’s range is one of the more debated topics. BMW Canada’s technical data suggests the broader iX lineup can achieve up to roughly 586 kilometres on a single charge under standardized conditions, though real-world figures will vary based on wheel size, driving style, and climate. With the larger aero wheels and M performance setup, expect the practical range to settle lower, particularly on colder days or spirited runs through the countryside.
Charging infrastructure around Port Colborne is steadily improving, and DC fast charging (at up to about 195 kW in the iX family) gets you from ~10–80% in roughly 35 minutes — a figure that makes long trips less of a strategic exercise and more of a natural part of the journey. The iX M60 also accepts up to 11 kW AC charging from home or destination chargers, which means overnight top-ups are realistic for most daily use cases.
Ride & Handling: Composed Yet Engaging
Despite its size and weight, the iX M60’s chassis and suspension systems give it a refined sense of balance. Standard adaptive two-axle air suspension and integral active four-wheel steering work in concert to absorb bumps, control body motion, and make directional changes feel responsive. The result: what could be a lumbering SUV instead feels poised and articulate, instilling driver confidence without sacrificing comfort.
The steering, linear and communicative, provides a welcome connection in a vehicle that, while electric, still feels like a BMW. Road imperfections along Highway 58B are met with composure, while tighter transitional corners by the waterfront are handled with surprising agility for something of this mass.
Cabin refinement plays a large role in the iX M60’s overall appeal. Wind and road noise are impressively low, especially at highway speeds, which makes longer stints behind the wheel inherently more comfortable. Optional upgrades like the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System elevate the interior ambience to something approaching a high-end lounge.
2026 BMW iX M60
2026 BMW iX M60
2026 BMW iX M60
Technology That Feels Ready for Today
BMW’s curved display and iDrive interface, familiar yet updated, provide crisp graphics and responsive inputs. What sets the iX apart are the wealth of smart systems: from advanced navigation that integrates charging stops into route planning, to robust driver-assistance features that help smooth out long runs on the QEW or 406. Camera and sensor packages blend blind-spot monitoring, highway assist, and automated parking aids into a cohesive suite that feels genuinely useful.
The M60 also incorporates BMW’s IconicSounds Electric. While some may roll their eyes at synthesized audio cues, the feature adds a layer of personality that bridges the silence of electric propulsion without trying too hard.
Where It Fits in Your Life
In the context of Port Colborne and the broader Niagara region, the iX M60 feels less like a destination and more like a companion. Its blend of performance, luxury, and quiet sophistication matches the relaxed but intentional pace of life here. For families, tech-savvy professionals, or enthusiasts seeking an EV with tangible substance behind the branding, it presents a compelling alternative to both traditional combustion-powered SUVs and many EV rivals that skew either too clinical or too compromised.
At just over $120,000 as tested, it’s clearly a premium offering, but one that delivers a driving experience rather than a list of checkboxes. Its performance envelope is generous without being gratuitous, and its electrical character enhances rather than dominates the narrative of daily use.
Looking Ahead — Long-Term Review Incoming
We’ll be putting the 2026 BMW iX M60 through its paces over the coming weeks in our long-term test, including real-world range logging, winter performance evaluation, and charging network integration across Southern Ontario. Stay tuned later this month on vicariousmag.com for a deeper dive into how this EV lives outside of a one-day road test.
BMW iX M60 — Competitor Snapshot
Key Rivals to Watch
As the 2026 BMW iX M60 enters consideration for the 2026 Vicarious Awards, it faces strong competition from several premium electric SUVs in the segment:
- Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV AMG
A refined, tech-forward electric SUV with a strong emphasis on ride comfort, cabin innovation, and brand luxury. - Audi SQ8 e-tron
Audi’s performance-leaning electric SUV balances quattro all-wheel drive confidence with understated design and everyday usability. - Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid / Macan Electric (incoming)
For buyers prioritizing driving dynamics, Porsche offers compelling electrified alternatives with sharper handling and brand cachet.