Next-gen BMW X3 M to go electric

The high-performance BMW X3 M may go all-in on electric power when the fourth generation lands by around 2027.

BMW Blog reports the automaker’s M Division may ditch turbocharged petrol propulsion in favour of battery-electric power (possibly dubbed iX3 M), with the standard next-gen iX3 mid-sized SUV set to be one of its first electric cars to adopt the much-hyped Neue Klasse platform in 2025.

However, the report notes the Bavarian company will still offer a new-gen X3 with a petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid drivetrain as part of its “power of choice” promise. Though, it’ll be on a different chassis.

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Above: the current BMW ix3 all-electric SUV

It also notes its all-new BMW 3 Series and Neue Klasse-based i3 electric sedan siblings will debut alongside or “shortly after” the X3 and iX3 SUVs, with the more powerful i3 M model due one or two years after.

The current BMW X3 M Competition uses a six-cylinder 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 375kW of power and 650Nm of torque, with a claimed acceleration time from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds.

For context, the current BMW i4 M50 – which isn’t considered a full-bottle M model – features dual electric motors outputting 400kW and 795Nm combined, and is able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

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Which other M models will go electric?

If the current X3 M is the last combustion-engined generation, BMW Blog says this means the next-gen BMW M5 sedan will be the last petrol-powered model from the hi-po division, albeit as a plug-in hybrid amid tightening emissions regulations like Euro 7.

The dedicated Neue Klasse architecture has been touted as capable of up to 1000km driving range from a full charge, boasting more energy dense ‘Gen6’ batteries and adopting an 800-volt class system for up to 270kW DC ultra rapid charging speeds.

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