Strong from the Start
Right out of the box, the BMW iX3 already has a pretty punchy powertrain. First introduced with the 50 xDrive model, its dual-motor arrangement is good for 469 hp and 476 lb-ft, which is more than enough to propel this heavy EV crossover to 60 mph under 5 seconds. Even the rear-drive 40 model makes a respectable 315 hp and 369 lb-ft from its single motor.
But BMW is no stranger to making high-performance versions of its crossovers. If anything, it was one of the pioneers of the genre. So it might come as no surprise that the company is mulling plans for an M or M Performance version of its battery-powered compact SUV.
BMW
Hot iX3, Anyone?
In a report by Australian publication CarSales, BMW is floating the idea of an even faster iX3, not that performance was ever its problem in the first place. Brendan Michel is the chief of product at BMW Australia, and he recently called the iX3 50 xDrive the ‘mid-tier model’ in the current range.
While he didn’t outright confirm that there will be an even sportier model of the iX3, his calling the 50 xDrive the mid-tier model means there’s more to come. For the last couple of years, the most powerful version of the standard BMW range was the M Performance, right before going for the all-out M model. Given that hint, this suggests that there will be an iX3 M Performance model. An iX3 M60, perhaps?
An M Performance i3 is Possible, Too
Given that, the likely addition of an M Performance iX3 means there’s a very strong chance of the i3 sedan and Touring models getting the same treatment. Like its crossover counterpart, there’s the entry-level 40 with rear-wheel drive and a single motor, as well as a 50 xDrive with all-wheel drive and two motors. The power outputs are also the same.
We already know that the electric M3 will simply be called M3. Since BMW offers an M Performance version on most of its cars, the possibility of an i3 M60 is also looking very real. For now, though, the company isn’t giving hints about when the top versions of the iX3 and i3 are coming, but their arrival before the end of the decade is a safe bet.
BMW
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