BMW has been caught testing the next-gen X3 even though the new midsize luxury crossover won’t be hitting the market until anywhere near the middle of this decade. The prototype we saw hides an evolutionary design as the model codenamed “G45” will share the same CLAR platform. It could be a completely different story with the M version as BMWBLOG accuse the high performance derivative to be purely electric.
Citing people familiar with the matter, the report claims BMW plans to discontinue the six-row-powered X3 M after the current generation runs its course. Its successor is believed to be using BEV’s first Neue Klasse architecture, which will premiere in 2025. The first electric vehicles based on the NE will be the new i3 (3 Series Sedan) and the next generation iX3.
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It’s unclear whether the top of the range will be called the “iX3 M” or the Munich-based company will just stick with the “X3 M.” BMWBLOG it’s further speculated that the sporty electric flavor will be released in 2026 or 2027, which makes sense considering the standard SUV will launch sometime in 2025. While the X3 will continue to have the internal combustion engine in a lower configuration, the swoopy X4 sibling is believed to be EV-only as iX4 models.
The exciting report comes just hours after BMW was spotted transporting a quad-motor electric prototype. The modified i4 M50 with colorful livery is an upcoming flavor of the full-fat M model without ICE. Previous statements made by top officials from Bavaria have indicated work is under way for hardware capable of producing over 1,300 horsepower. That would suit a niche supercar, but in the meantime, expect the familiar M model to switch from petrol to electric.
For what it’s worth, reports claim the iX3 M will pack more punch than the current X3 M, which outperforms the Competition model at 503 hp (375 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft). An electric successor would need a power advantage to partially offset the significant increase in weight. The petrol X3 M on sale today is no light SUV (oxymoron?)tipped the scales at over 2,000 kilograms (over 4,400 pounds).
