A trademark for the name was uncovered.
The iX is currently offered in M60 spec, with 610 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque.
This could be the first fully electric M model.
As BMW is adding more and more electric and hybrid vehicles to its lineup, it seems likely that it will do the same with its M sports cars.
This process has already begun with the arrival of the plug-in hybrid XM performance SUV and the first fully electric model in the M lineup could be on its way.
Indeed, a patent uncovered by CarBuzz seems to suggest that the first electric BMW to receive the M treatment will be the iX SUV.
Called simply the iX M, this model would have to be powered by an extensively modified powertrain in order to offer a level of additional performance that justifies its name and its cost versus the regular iX.
Indeed, the company currently sells the iX in regular xDrive50i or sportier M60 flavour. This second version already features 610 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque, making it capable of accelerating to 60 mph (96 km/h) in only 3,6 seconds.
In order to provide even more power and a distinct M driving experience, BMW engineers are reportedly testing new ways in which electric powertrains can be used to enhance performance.
This model might still take a while to arrive on the market however since the automaker’s M division CEO has previously said that a fully electric M car would only happen once the technology is ready to support it.
In their current state, electric powertrains are already capable of providing a number of advantages to performance vehicles due to the instantaneous response and the generous torque of electric motors, which often surpasses that of comparable gasoline-powered vehicles.
An M vehicle is also differentiated from regular BMW models by its sportier chassis and suspension settings that provide improved handling characteristics. Since the current iX already offers a high level of performance, handling and driving feel could be how an upcoming iX M differentiates itself.
Source: Carbuzz
