This paper proposes a simplified deadbeat based predictive torque control (DB-PTC) for interior permanent magnet synchronous machine (IPMSM) drives using space vector modulation (SVM). The proposed DB-PTC is implemented in stationary reference frame, which simplifies the design. It contributes to greatly diminish the torque and flux ripples by using SVM and predictions. Low computational complexity is achieved since iterative optimization is not needed in the proposed method. Moreover, one cycle delay is compensated through predictions. In addition, to further reduce the torque and flux ripples, three-level simplified neutral point clamped inverter (3L-SNPCI) is employed. It features fewer switching devices and less DC-link capacitor voltage imbalance problem compared to the other types of three-level inverters. A novel SVM scheme is proposed to fully exploit the advantages of this inverter while ensuring smooth voltage vector transition. Experimental results are provided to verify the validity of the proposed method.