2027 BMW i3 M60 xDrive Will Be the Most Powerful Electric 3 Series Yet
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BMW is adding a more serious performance version to its new electric 3 Series lineup. The BMW i3 M60 xDrive is scheduled to join the range in 2027, bringing a more aggressive design, M specific hardware and a performance focused interior.
BMW has not yet revealed the final power output or acceleration figures for the i3 M60 xDrive. What we do know is that it will sit above the i3 40 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive in the electric 3 Series lineup.
BMW says the i3 M60 xDrive will use its Gen6 M eDrive technology with two electric motors. The company describes it as an electric M Performance model, while a full M version is expected to arrive later.
BMW i3 M60 xDrive: What We Know So Far
The BMW i3 M60 xDrive is part of the new eighth generation BMW 3 Series family and follows the Neue Klasse design and technology direction.
BMW has confirmed that the M60 will join the electric i3 range in 2027. The current lineup starts with the i3 40 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive.
Here is what BMW has confirmed about the M60:
| Feature | BMW i3 M60 xDrive |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Fully electric |
| Drive System | Dual motor |
| Drive | xDrive all wheel drive |
| Technology | Gen6 M eDrive |
| Position in Lineup | M Performance flagship |
| Arrival | 2027 |
| Final Power | Not announced |
| Official Range | Not announced |
| Official Consumption | Not announced |
BMW’s official material currently identifies the i3 M60 xDrive as a prototype, so its final specifications can still change before production.
It Will Sit Above the BMW i3 50 xDrive
The current BMW i3 50 xDrive already has serious performance.
BMW lists the i3 50 xDrive with 463 horsepower, dual electric motors and all wheel drive. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds according to BMW’s US specifications. BMW also estimates a range of up to 446 to 468 miles under the EPA testing procedure.
That gives us a useful reference point for the M60.
BMW has not said how much power the i3 M60 will produce, but the M60 badge places it above the i3 50 xDrive in the current electric lineup. The company also says the M60 will use Gen6 M eDrive technology and two electric motors.
So yes, BMW is clearly preparing something quicker. We just do not have the final numbers yet.
BMW i3 M60 Gets a More Aggressive Exterior
The visual changes are easier to understand than the technical details at this stage.
The i3 M60 gets black performance wheels instead of the metallic wheels seen on the i3 50 xDrive. The headlights also have a sharper appearance, while the M badge and yellow vertical lighting elements give the front end a different look.
The side profile remains close to the regular i3 models, but BMW has changed the mirror caps.
The standard i3 40 and i3 50 use body colored mirror caps. The M60 gets carbon fiber mirror caps with a small aerodynamic flick at the outer edge and the familiar M three color design.
At the rear, BMW has added a slightly more pronounced diffuser.
None of these changes completely transform the i3. That is probably the point. BMW has kept the basic Neue Klasse shape while giving the M60 enough visual details to separate it from the regular versions.
Optional M Performance Parts Add More Carbon Fiber
BMW has already shown the i3 M60 with optional M Performance parts.
The available parts include:
- Carbon fiber front splitter
- More aggressive rear diffuser
- Small carbon fiber rear spoiler
- More elaborate multi spoke wheels
- Carbon fiber exterior details
These parts give the car a more motorsport inspired appearance without turning the electric 3 Series into something that looks completely different.
BMW has not yet provided full details about pricing or availability of these M Performance parts.
BMW i3 M60 Interior Gets M Specific Details
The interior of the i3 M60 also gets several changes.
The upholstery is predominantly black, but BMW uses red and blue stitching along with red accents and mood lighting. The dashboard material also appears more textured than the material used in the other i3 versions.
BMW has not shown a completely clear view of the seats yet, although the prototype appears to feature upgraded performance oriented seats.
The biggest visible change is the steering wheel.
The M60 steering wheel does away with the vertical spokes used on the i3 50. Instead, it gets silver L shaped spokes on both sides.
There is also a red marker at the 12 o’clock position, while similar red details appear around the paddle shifters.
More importantly, the steering wheel gets additional controls, including Boost and M Mode buttons.
Those buttons are a pretty good clue about what BMW has planned for the M60. The company has not revealed the exact performance figures yet, but it clearly wants this version to feel different from the regular i3 models.
BMW i3 M60 Uses Gen6 M eDrive Technology
The M60 will use BMW’s sixth generation electric drive technology with two electric motors.
BMW says the system is designed to deliver strong performance and precise response while maintaining efficiency for everyday driving.
The standard i3 models also benefit from BMW’s new Gen6 electric technology.
The new high voltage battery uses cylindrical cells measuring 46 millimetres in diameter and 95 millimetres in height. BMW says the cells provide 20 percent greater volumetric energy density than the prismatic cells used in its previous generation batteries.
The battery also uses a cell to pack design, with the cylindrical cells integrated directly into the high voltage battery.
The M60 will therefore combine this new electric architecture with BMW’s M specific drive technology.
What About BMW i3 M60 Power and Range?
This is where BMW is still keeping things quiet.
There is currently no official power figure for the BMW i3 M60 xDrive.
There is also no official final range figure or consumption figure for the M60. BMW specifically notes that the M60 is currently a prototype and that official WLTP consumption and emissions figures are not yet available.
The i3 50 xDrive produces 463 horsepower, so the M60 will need to deliver more performance if BMW wants to maintain the hierarchy suggested by the M60 name.
For now, anything more specific would simply be speculation.
When Will the BMW i3 M60 xDrive Arrive?
BMW says the i3 M60 xDrive will join the lineup in 2027.
The company has not yet provided a complete launch schedule or final pricing for the M60.
The i3 40 xDrive and i3 50 xDrive are already part of BMW’s new electric 3 Series rollout. BMW’s UK information says customer deliveries of the i3 begin in autumn 2026, while the petrol powered 3 Series versions arrive later.
BMW is also producing the new i3 as part of its Neue Klasse production strategy, with series production beginning at its Munich plant in 2026.
BMW i3 M60 xDrive: What Still Needs to Be Revealed
There are still several important details missing.
BMW has not confirmed:
- Final horsepower
- Final torque
- 0 to 60 mph time
- 0 to 100 km/h time
- Battery capacity
- Official driving range
- Charging figures specific to the M60
- US pricing
- UK pricing
- India launch details
- Final production specifications
That is normal at this stage because BMW is still showing the M60 as a prototype.
The New Electric Performance 3 Series
The BMW i3 M60 xDrive is shaping up to be the performance focused version of the new electric 3 Series.
The regular i3 already brings BMW’s Neue Klasse design, dual motor all wheel drive and new Gen6 electric technology to the 3 Series family. The M60 adds M specific drive technology, a more aggressive exterior and a more focused cabin.
The interesting part will be the numbers.
BMW has already confirmed the i3 50 xDrive with 463 horsepower and a 4.5 second 0 to 60 mph time. The i3 M60 will sit above it, but BMW is not ready to tell us exactly how far above it yet.
For now, the M60 gives us the design and technology clues. The power figures will have to wait for the full 2027 reveal.
Sources & References
Official sources
BMW USA – 2027 BMW 3 Series / i3
BMW USA: The New BMW 3 Series
Official BMW USA press information covering the new i3, i3 50 xDrive, 463 hp output, range, charging and the upcoming i3 M60 xDrive.BMW USA – 3 Series M Models
BMW USA: 3 Series M Models
Official US model information for the BMW i3 M60 xDrive, including its early 2027 production timing and M eDrive technology.BMW PressClub USA – i3 M60 Photos
BMW PressClub USA: BMW i3 M60 xDrive Photos
Official BMW photo library containing images of the new i3 M60 xDrive. Useful for verifying exterior and design details.BMW Group Global – New BMW 3 Series
BMW Group PressClub: The New BMW 3 Series
BMW’s global press release covering the Neue Klasse i3 and confirming the i3 M60 xDrive’s planned 2027 arrival.BMW Group – i3 Production in Munich
BMW Group PressClub: BMW i3 Production
Official information about production of the new electric i3 at BMW Plant Munich.
Independent automotive sources
Car and Driver – BMW i3 M60 xDrive
Car and Driver: The Electric BMW i3 Will Add an Aggressive M60 Variant Next Year
Detailed independent report covering the M60’s aggressive styling, carbon fiber M Performance parts and expected position above the i3 50 xDrive.MotorTrend – 2027 BMW 3 Series
MotorTrend: 2027 BMW 3 Series First Look
Useful US focused coverage of the new i3 50 xDrive, including its 463 hp output, performance, range and the upcoming M60.MotorTrend – 2027 BMW 3 Series Review
MotorTrend: 2027 BMW 3 Series Review and Specs
Provides independent specifications and context for the electric i3 and gasoline 3 Series lineup.The Verge – BMW i3
The Verge: BMW’s revamped i3 boasts up to 468 miles of range
Independent technology and EV coverage with additional details on the i3’s electric motors, output and launch timing.BMWBLOG – 2027 BMW 3 Series
BMWBLOG: 2027 BMW 3 Series Revealed
BMW focused independent coverage of the new 3 Series and its Neue Klasse design and technology.Autoevolution – BMW i3 M60 xDrive
Autoevolution: BMW i3 M60 xDrive and 2026 Updates
Independent coverage of the M60 announcement, M Performance parts and the wider 3 Series launch.
2027 BMW i3 M60 xDrive FAQ
Here are the key questions about the upcoming BMW i3 M60 xDrive, including its performance, electric drivetrain, design and expected 2027 arrival.
When will the BMW i3 M60 xDrive arrive?
BMW says the i3 M60 xDrive will join the electric 3 Series lineup in 2027. BMW has not yet announced a complete launch schedule or final pricing for the M60.
How much power will the BMW i3 M60 xDrive have?
BMW has not announced the final power output of the i3 M60 xDrive. The M60 will sit above the i3 50 xDrive in the lineup, but its final horsepower and torque figures remain unconfirmed.
Will the BMW i3 M60 xDrive have all wheel drive?
Yes. The BMW i3 M60 xDrive is planned with a dual motor electric drivetrain and xDrive all wheel drive. BMW will use its Gen6 M eDrive technology for the performance model.
How does the BMW i3 M60 compare with the i3 50 xDrive?
The i3 M60 xDrive will sit above the i3 50 xDrive in BMW's electric 3 Series lineup. The i3 50 xDrive produces 463 horsepower and can reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds according to BMW's US specifications. BMW has not yet confirmed how much more powerful the M60 will be.
What makes the BMW i3 M60 look different?
The M60 gets several visual changes, including black performance wheels, sharper headlights, an M badge, yellow vertical lighting elements, carbon fiber mirror caps and a more pronounced rear diffuser. BMW has also shown the car with optional M Performance parts.
What M Performance parts are available for the BMW i3 M60?
BMW has shown the i3 M60 with a carbon fiber front splitter, more aggressive rear diffuser, small carbon fiber rear spoiler and more elaborate multi spoke wheels. BMW has not yet provided complete pricing or availability details for these parts.
What is special about the BMW i3 M60 interior?
The M60 interior uses predominantly black upholstery with red and blue stitching, red accents and mood lighting. The steering wheel also gets a different design, a red 12 o'clock marker and additional controls including Boost and M Mode buttons.
What electric technology will the BMW i3 M60 use?
BMW says the i3 M60 xDrive will use Gen6 M eDrive technology with two electric motors. The new electric 3 Series also uses BMW's latest high voltage battery technology with cylindrical cells and a cell to pack design.
What will the BMW i3 M60's driving range be?
BMW has not announced the official driving range for the i3 M60 xDrive. The M60 is still being presented as a prototype, so its final range and consumption figures have not been released.
How fast will the BMW i3 M60 xDrive be?
BMW has not yet released the official acceleration figures for the i3 M60 xDrive. The current i3 50 xDrive reaches 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, but the M60's final 0 to 60 mph and 0 to 100 km/h figures are still to be announced.
Will there be a full BMW M version of the electric i3?
BMW describes the i3 M60 xDrive as an M Performance model. The company has indicated that a full electric M model is expected later, but BMW has not provided complete production details for that future model.
How much will the 2027 BMW i3 M60 cost?
BMW has not announced US pricing for the i3 M60 xDrive. Final pricing is expected closer to the model's 2027 launch.
