The second-generation iX3 has proven that BMW can build an EV to rival the best coming out of Asia. Now, the German brand has launched the high-performance iX3 M60 xDrive, eager to show it can build not only an efficient EV, but one that packs a serious punch.

Like other iX3 models, the M60 xDrive has a sizeable 112.2 kWh battery pack that powers motors at the front and rear axles. It’s the rear motor that’s received most of BMW’s attention, featuring a new stator and a more powerful inverter, contributing to a combined 603 horsepower and 645 pound-feet (874 Nm) of torque. BMW says the iX3 M60 xDrive needs just 3.9 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h), making this electric SUV quicker than a rear-wheel drive BMW M3. Not too shabby.

Read: BMW’s New iX3 Can Physically Refuse To Let You Open Your Own Door

Not only does the M60 xDrive accelerate harder than any normal iX3, but the top speed has also been raised to 149 mph (240 km/h) thanks to a longer gear ratio. Just like other iX3 models, this version supports DC fast charging speeds of up to 400 kW, and AC charging at 15.4 kW. Curiously, BMW hasn’t released a driving range figure for the M60 xDrive, nor has it said how long it takes to charge the battery.

BMW’s ‘Heart of Joy’

It’s not just more power and torque that makes the iX3 M60 xDrive a little special. It includes BMW’s ‘Heart of Joy’ computer working alongside the new BMW M Dynamic Performance Control Driving Stack, ensuring this SUV delivers the type of handling you’d expect from a true M car. BMW also says it’s refined the EV’s regenerative braking system, ensuring it stops more smoothly than any of its other models.

While this isn’t a fully-fledged M model, the iX3 M60 xDrive comes fitted as standard with Adaptive M Suspension and electronically controlled dampers, which will also play a key part in the overall dynamics and handling. There’s also an updated and improved variable steering rack ratio that adjusts the effort depending on the drive mode.

Perhaps the single biggest handling upgrade is the fitment of an electronically controlled M Sport differential at the rear axle. Tweaks have also been made to the anti-roll bar links, and the underbody also includes more front-end bracing.

What About The Design?

While there’s plenty to differentiate the M60 xDrive from other iX3 versions under the skin, it doesn’t look dramatically different from the outside. The most obvious change is the distinctive light elements on either side of the kidney grilles, in addition to the availability of yellow driving lights. All iX3 M60 xDrive models also come standard with the M Sport package and the BMW Iconic Glow exterior package, the latter of which includes selectable lighting elements at the front and at the rear. Other changes include new standard 21-inch M wheels and several optional 21- and 22-inch wheels.

The cabin is also all very familiar. All the same core components as other iX3s remain, including the Panoramic iDrive system, the angled central infotainment display, and an optional 3D head-up display. Fitted as standard is an M Sport steering wheel with special Boost Mode and M Mode buttons. BMW has also equipped the M60 xDrive with M Sport seats with 10-way power adjustment and massage functions. Distinctive M graphics and colors are also used throughout.

Several apps specific to the M60 xDrive are also available. These include the M Cockpit app, which tracks and displays key vehicle signals and driving dynamics data, as well as the M Drag Meter app. A 13-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos is also fitted as standard equipment.

BMW has yet to announce US pricing for the iX3 M60 xDrive, but it has confirmed US orders will open at the end of January.

BMW has another electric crossover coming, and this one trades the upright roofline for something a little swoopier. Called the iX4, it becomes the third member of the Neue Klasse family alongside the iX3 and i3. Standard M Sport styling provides some visual attitude. The more interesting numbers, though, concern how far it can travel and how quickly it can charge.

According to BMW’s announcement, the iX4 50 xDrive launches in March 2027 with a starting price of $66,200. That doesn’t include destination and handling. BMW hasn’t specified that mandatory charge in the release. Production takes place at its Debrecen plant in Hungary. Not every trim coming will be available at first.

More: BMW’s Facelifted 5-Series Wagon Is Getting A Neue Klasse Transplant

The launch model pairs two electric motors with all-wheel drive, producing 463 hp (345 kW) and 475 lb-ft (644 Nm) of torque. BMW quotes a 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). Its 112.2-kWh usable battery supports an estimated maximum range of 428 miles (689 km). That figure comes from BMW’s testing using EPA procedures, so it remains a preliminary estimate rather than a final EPA rating. Importantly, those figures are, at best, somewhat middling in today’s EV market.

The car’s charging infrastructure is more up to date. The 800-volt architecture enables DC charging at up to 400 kW. Under suitable conditions, BMW says the iX4 can add up to 184 miles (296 km) of range in ten minutes, while charging from 10 to 80 percent takes 21 minutes. Bidirectional charging also allows the battery to supply power beyond the vehicle itself.

Coming later in 2027, the iX4 M60 xDrive raises output to 603 hp (450 kW) and 645 lb-ft (875 Nm). Its estimated 0–60 mph time drops to 3.7 seconds, while top speed rises to 149 mph (240 km/h). That’s certainly better, but it’s still slower than a three-year-old Kia.

The upgrades extend beyond the motors. Adaptive M suspension, an electronically controlled rear M Sport differential, and revised chassis tuning accompany standard 21-inch wheels. Buyers can also specify yellow lighting inspired by BMW’s racing cars. Apparently, even the headlights need to look faster when the car itself isn’t all that quick.

That said, the tech here does appear to be truly cutting-edge. Every iX4 gets a full-length panoramic glass roof and M Sport equipment. The body achieves a claimed drag coefficient of 0.23, giving that sloping roofline something useful to do. Inside, BMW’s Panoramic iDrive combines a display projected across the base of the windshield with a 17.9-inch central touchscreen. A 3D head-up display is optional, while the voice assistant gains Amazon Alexa+ technology.

Available Highway Assistant supports attentive hands-free driving at up to 85 mph (137 km/h). BMW’s new “Heart of Joy” controller also manages powertrain and chassis functions, with the company claiming processing speeds ten times faster than its previous systems. Whether those electronics deliver a more satisfying drive is something we’ll have to establish from behind the wheel. For what it’s worth, we’re very much looking forward to it.

Photos: BMW

BMW M GmbH was founded in 1972, and it’s just reached an important milestone. The one-millionth vehicle recently rolled off the assembly line in Munich, Germany.

The model was an M3 with a BMW Individual Fire Orange III paint job. It was presented to Peter Weber, head of BMW Group Plant Munich, by BMW M CEO Franciscus van Meel.

More: BMW M3 EV Lays Down 11s Trying To Shake Xiaomi At The Ring

The executive said, “BMW M combines road and racetrack capabilities with everyday practicality. The one-millionth BMW M vehicle shows that these values are still very much appreciated by our customers, 40 years after the market launch of the first BMW M3.”

The automaker said surprisingly little about the car, but it appears to be an M3 Competition. The model has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that has outputs of 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS) and 523 hp (390 kW / 530 PS). When equipped with all-wheel drive, the sedan can rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.4 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Of course, the current model is living on borrowed time as BMW recently introduced the eighth-generation 3-Series. In fact, the company noted the Munich plant will build only fully electric vehicles starting in 2027.

The automaker is investing around €650 ($732) million into the facility, and i3 production started in August. The plant will eventually build the M3 EV as well.

BMW M3 EV Teased

BMW is staying tight-lipped about the M3 Electric, but it released new images of a camouflaged prototype. It closely echoes the concept that was introduced in June, but features a toned-down design.

As you can see, it has a less aggressive front bumper and a smaller splitter. The car also adopts conventional mirrors and flush-mounted door handles. Designers went on to give the road-going model a more traditional rear end, which eschews the boy racer aesthetic.

Despite a number of changes, the production model keeps the yellow headlight graphics and squared-off lower lighting units from the concept. We can also see a ventilated hood and a small rear spoiler.

BMW is keeping specifications a closely guarded secret, but the M3 EV is expected to have a quad-motor powertrain. The rumored output has been all over the map, with numbers ranging from 691 hp (515 kW / 700 PS) to 986 hp (735 kW / 1,000 PS). However, the Mercedes-AMG C-Class Electric is expected to have a tri-motor powertrain with around 789 hp (588 kW / 800 PS), so BMW could also land somewhere around there.

BMW has just launched the G50 generation of the 3-Series, serving as the ICE-powered equivalent of the NA0 i3. While the lineup is currently limited to sedans, the automaker has confirmed that Touring variants are under development, inspiring digital artist Theophilus Chin to create realistic illustrations.

The fresh renderings depict the upcoming wagon in the sporty M350 xDrive trim. This is the flagship version of the G50 3-Series until a new M3 arrives closer to the end of the decade. Naturally, the front end is shared with the sedan, as with the sheet metal up to the B-pillars. The Touring gets a longer roof, redesigned greenhouse and quarter panels, and a proper tailgate providing access to a larger boot.

More: The BMW M3 Is Going Electric, But Not Every M3

Despite the big changes at the back, the wagon could retain the slim LED taillights and rear bumper of the sedan. The M350 features quad tailpipes and sportier black trim, looking like an M3 minus the wide fenders. Theottle has also added a black spoiler and matching roof rails, to complete the wagon transformation.

BMW 3-Series Touring Renderings by Theottle

Despite adopting the latest Neue Klasse design and technology, the G50 generation of the 3-Series rides on an upgraded version of the CLAR underpinnings, also used by its G20 predecessor.

More: 2027 BMW X5 Drops Door Handles For Wings, Adds A 435-Mile Electric iX5

The pictured M350 is fitted with a mild-hybrid turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 437 hp (326 kW / 443 PS). This allows the AWD-capable M350 xDrive sedan to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.1 seconds, meaning that the slightly heavier wagon would probably need 4.2 seconds.

Interestingly, the long-roof variant won’t be getting a diesel powertrain option, as BMW discontinued those from the 3-Series lineup.

The big question is whether BMW will bring the 3-Series Touring in North America, or if we’ll be stuck with the sedan. Hopefully, the growing interest for wagons among BMW fans might convince them to import both – at least in select trims.

What About The i3 Touring?

BMW i3 Touring Renderings by Theottle

The 3-Series Touring won’t be the only compact wagon in the Bavarian lineup. The automaker is also working on a fully electric i3 Touring that will be sold in parallel with the combustion model. Camouflaged prototypes have been spotted at the Nurburging, while Theottle has created speculative renderings based on the sedan.

Despite adopting the same design language, the i3 has different proportions from the 3-Series, due to the packaging of the EV-dedicated Neue Klasse architecture.

More: BMW’s New Wagon Is The Cure For Everyone Bored By Electric SUVs

In terms of performance, the i3 50 xDrive has dual electric motors producing 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) which is 25 hp (19 kW / 26 PS) more than the ICE-powered M350i xDrive. Furthermore, the larger108.7 kWh battery pack allows up to 912 km (567 miles) of WLTP range for the sedan which should be similar for the upcoming wagon.

Another difference between the two models is the production location. The i3 is manufactured in Munich, while the 3-Series is built in Dingolfing. This currently stands for the sedans, but the wagons will also come out of the same facilities.

BMW

BMW sold a record 388,897 vehicles in the United States last year, a solid 4.7 percent increase from the previous year and the third consecutive record year. Not willing to rest on its laurels and bathe in the glory of its sales success, BMW has confirmed it’s considering launching a new flagship model.

As part of a company-wide update issued this week, BMW announced it is “considering” a new model to sit above the X7 in its line-up of SUVs, or as BMW calls them, Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV).

Read: Two Months Was All BMW’s iX3 Needed To Crack 10,000 Sales In Europe

BMW provided precious few details about this model, other than stating it will “be closely tailored to the needs of the US market.” Presumably that means an X8, a vehicle which has been talked about for almost a decade, but has so far yet to see the light of day.

Earlier this year, Audi finally launched the Q9, its long-awaited rival to the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. While it now seems possible BMW may release a model even larger than its X7 and punching beyond the Q9, the press release doesn’t specifically state this will be the case, simply noting the new model could sit “above the current top-end model, the BMW X7,” without expressly stating it will be larger. That leaves a lot open to interpretation, including the possibility of perhaps a BMW X7 Coupe, or simply a more luxurious and exclusive variant, perhaps akin to the Mercedes-Maybach GLS.

BMW says it’s considering the new model because of strong demand for its existing SUVs. It says Plant Spartanburg in North Carolina is already operating at full capacity, and the brand is looking for ways to grow global production.

A New Alpina And A New EV For Europe

A new flagship SUV isn’t the only thing that BMW is working on. In the same announcement, it revealed a new streamlined portfolio plan for China with features that local customers are calling for. By 2030, BMW says it wants 95 percent of the vehicles it sells in China to be built locally.

The first all-new model from the Alpina brand since the BMW takeover is set to launch in the coming year. Few details have been confirmed, other than the fact that it will be based on the 7-Series and designed to slot between regular BMW models and those from Rolls-Royce.

Europe is also going to receive an all-new EV. This model, set to arrive in 2028 and competing in the high-volume entry segment, will serve as the latest model in BMW’s Neue Klasse family, using many of the same technologies as the others. BMW also says that the 2-Series Active Tourer will be phased out and will not be replaced.

No matter how good the 2028 M3 EV is, it’s going to be missing some of the current (and next) gas car’s calling cards, including the signature quad tailpipe setup. But one thing that won’t change is the M3’s ability to lay down a couple of big curling lines of rubber on a corner exit.

We know this because our spy photo guys were positioned at just the right spot to see an electric M3 prototype push a little harder than normal while hot-lapping at the Nurburgring. Why was the driver pushing harder? The yellow sedan closing in from behind might have something to do with it.

Related: The BMW M3 Is Going Electric, But Not Every M3

It’s a Chinese Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, which you might recall was for a while the fastest production EV at the Ring. The 1,526 hp (1,547 PS / 1,138 kW) sedan recorded 7:04.96 in 2025, but has since been relegated down the league table by the Yangwang U9 Extreme (6:59.157) and Manthey-kitted Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (6:55.53).

We don’t yet know how much power the electric M3 will make, though the base version probably isn’t going to match the SU7’s output, or the 1,341 hp (1,360 PS / 1,000 kW) of the 2025 Vision Driving Experience concept. BMW M boss Frank van Meel has even been quoted by Evo as saying it “makes no sense to drive with 1000 horsepower…because it’s not controllable.”

Trades Brute Force For Agility

Instead, the regular M3 EV is expected to generate far less power. The Hyundai Ioniq N makes 641 hp (650 PS), and no one who has driven one ever got out suggesting it could do with a bit more oomph. BMW will probably feel the need to move the needle, perhaps closer to 790 hp (800 PS). But still keep way below the four-figure outputs of EVs like the SU7 Ultra.

In a way, and I know this sounds perverse when we’re talking about a heavy EV, it’s like BMW is remembering what made the original M3 so much fun, and acknowledging that most EVs have got it wrong. The E30 wasn’t outrageously quick, even when new, but it was agile and felt real-world fast. And BMW’s M team wants the gas-free M3 to be, too.

So it’ll have four electric motors, allowing it to run in either rear- or all-wheel drive mode, and it’ll feature agility-boosting torque vectoring capabilities. Which should mean that even if you have to pull your M3 over to let one of those power-powered Chinese EVs past, you’ll probably be the one wearing the bigger grin.

SH Proshots

BMW’s all-electric M3 is just around the corner, debuting a couple of months ago as a concept and set to be sold alongside the combustion model we all know and love. While it’d be easy to assume the EV, perhaps badged the iM3, is only being built for regulatory compliance, the German brand insists that’s not the case.

The boss of BMW’s M division, Frank van Meel, says the electric M3 isn’t being built because BMW has to do it, but instead because it wants to give customers the choice of either an EV or a car using combustion power, hence why it’s still committed to its six- and eight-cylinder engines.

Read: BMW’s New Electric M3 Proves The Concept Wasn’t Kidding

“We are not doing this because it has to be done, but because we are convinced you can build a fast and even better car this way,” van Meel told Motor1 while speaking about the electric M3. “The timing has to be right, though. It only works if we can do it 100 percent the way we want to do it.”

A New Platform

The key enabler for the quad-motor M3 is BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, which allows the car to be developed from the ground up rather than relying on a pre-existing architecture that might have required modifications to support a large battery pack and powerful electric motors. “We said we could only make a high-performance M with four electric motors, torque vectoring, individual control, a central control unit, and our own software,” he added, noting the car has to feel “M-like.”

It’s possible some BMW M enthusiasts may feel like they’re being force-fed a high-powered EV they don’t necessarily want. However, van Meel says the company does “not decide for our customers what they have to drive,” but rather wants to “build cars that we ourselves love” and that buyers can choose whether they want an EV or a combustion-powered car.

The new model, previewed with the M Concept Neue Klasse, draws on the design of the standard i3 but includes all the upgrades you’d expect of an M car, including flared arches, new bumpers, distinctive wheels, and a custom hood. Chances are, the production model will look very similar.

In terms of power, BMW M has revealed that the concept includes four motors, and while horsepower hasn’t been confirmed, the production car is tipped to have between 700 hp and 1,000 hp. Expect to see the first-ever electric M3 presented in its final form next year.

BMW’s electric adventure has officially passed a big milestone. Almost 13 years after the original i3 arrived, the company has handed over its two millionth fully electric vehicle. And one of the factors making that possible is that EV sales are currently going gangbusters in one specific region.

The landmark two-millionth car was an i5 M60 xDrive built in Dingolfing and delivered to a customer in Spain. Add plug-in hybrids and BMW Group says it’s shifted around 3.5 million electrified vehicles since 2013, while more than one in four of its global sales during the first half of 2026 had some form of electric propulsion.

Related: BMW Thinks Drivers Under 45 Are Done Poking Buttons. Other Brands Disagree

Things are moving particularly quickly in Europe. BMW’s European BEV sales jumped 38 percent during the second quarter to 81,445 cars. Fully electric models represented roughly 28 percent of BMW’s European sales during 2026’s first half.

That’s not happening in isolation. Almost 1.5 million BEVs were registered across Europe through July, up 30 percent year over year. July alone saw electric cars grab 35 percent of the French market and 29 percent in Germany. Denmark, meanwhile, hit 80 percent, Reuters reports.

BMW’s new iX3 appears well placed to seize the opportunity. The automaker says it’s approaching 100,000 orders, and since its unveiling, one in three electric BMWs ordered in Europe has been an iX3. And half of European X3-family orders are already for the electric version, which admittedly looks miles better than its ICE brother inside and out.

Growing Family

The Neue Klasse family is expanding, too. Series production of the new electric i3 3-series began in Munich this month, with BMW reporting strong early demand ahead of its market launch. And the new X5 has an electric variant for the first time that will be in showrooms in spring 2027.

But cross the Atlantic and the EV party suddenly gets quieter. US electric sales across the industry fell more than 20 percent year over year in the second quarter following the removal of federal tax incentives, leaving EVs with around a 6 percent share of the market.

No Love For iX

BMW’s own figures show that while North American sales of PHEV vehicles grew 22.9 percent in Q2, sales of electrified (EV and hybrid) vehicles tanked to the tune of -18.1 percent, revealing just how bad demand for EVs is now that US tax credits have gone. Sales of the iX electric SUV, for example, are down almost 50 percent year-to-date, official automaker figures say, though a recent facelift and price cut might help going forward. And Cox Automotive suggests BMW’s overall EV sales in the US are down 56 percent year-to-date. Ouch.

The arrival at BMW showrooms in September of the confident Neue Klasse iX3, whose fresh design will also help improve BMW EVs sales, no doubt. As will the iX5 we mentioned previously (pictured below). But the electric story is still going to be very different from one side of the Atlantic to the other.

BMW

It seems as though a new, all-electric crossover or SUV is unveiled every week, and although there are plenty of appealing ones on the market, they’re all a little too similar. BMW’s upcoming i3 Touring is shaping up to be the perfect antidote to them and may sway some buyers out of an iX3.

Moments after BMW unveiled the all-new i3 sedan earlier this year, it confirmed an estate version was just around the corner. While vehicles like this aren’t as popular as they once were, primarily because most shoppers would rather have a high-riding SUV, BMW has clearly decided there will be enough demand for an i3 Touring to justify its development.

Baldauf

Recently, a lightly camouflaged prototype was snapped testing at the Nürburgring, and it looks like quite a tantalizing prospect. Painted in a lovely shade of silver and sporting camouflage only on the front, rear, and side mirrors, the car retains most of the same sleek styling as the sedan, albeit in a slightly lengthened form.

Dual-Motor Power

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It’s unclear which specific variant and trim level we’re looking at, but it’s likely a tester for the i3 Touring 50 xDrive, the only version BMW has confirmed at this stage. As such, it should sport a pair of electric motors with 463 hp, which is only 17 hp less than a standard BMW M3.

Read: BMW Just Started Building Its Model 3 Rival, And Munich Will Never Be The Same

Underpinning the i3 Touring is BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, shared with other new models like the second-gen iX3 and the new i3 sedan. It includes the brand’s sixth-generation motors and batteries, and in the 50 xDrive configuration, should sport a 108.7 kWh battery with cylindrical cells. For a vehicle of this size, this is a sizeable pack, and should help it achieve a WLTP driving range of around 550 miles (885 km), more than enough for long European road trips where this model should prove popular.

Further adding to the practicality of the new i3 Touring will be its support for DC charging speeds of up to 400 kW, meaning the battery can be charged from 10-80 percent in roughly 21 minutes. AC charging will also be rated at 22 kW, allowing for relatively quick charging at home, too.

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