Next-Gen BMW X3 M Will Be Electric-Only?

The electrification of performance cars has garnered many rumours and conjectures pertaining to the future of the current ICE-powered performance cars. With iconic performance badges like the Volkswagen’s R badge likely to be electrified in their next-gen iterations, perhaps its Bavarian rival , the M, might be facing the same fate in the future.

Rumour has it – the next-gen BMW X3 M will allegedly be all-electric only, as BMW is reportedly planning to retire the X3 M’s 3.0-litre inline-six TwinPower Turbo mill for its future iteration coming soon.

According to BMWBLOG, the replacement is likely to underpin the upcoming Neue Klasse architecture – BMW’s first-ever dedicated EV platform, which will premier in 2025. Aside from the next-gen X3 M, both the new i3 (EV version of the 3 Series Sedan) and the next-gen iX3 will also underpin said platform.

Said report also claims that the next-gen X3 M EV will boast higher power output than the current ones. For comparison, the range-topping BMW X3 M Competition model outputs about 503 HP and 600 NM, all produced by its powertrain setup made of the aforementioned 3.0-litre straight-six TwinPower Turbo mill and a 48-Volt mild hybrid setup.

As the BMW’s EV SUVs nomenclature goes, perhaps the Bavarian marque will re-brand the next-gen X3 M as “iX3 M” instead, though we can’t be sure for good, at this moment. Although the possibility of seeing both X3 M and iX3 M coexist in BMW’s future line-up can’t be snubbed for good, it is more likely that BMW will opt for either one.

BMWBLOG’s report further suggests that the next-gen X3 M is poised for a global launch later in 2026 or 2027, which makes sense as its standard twin, the X3 G45, will make its next-gen debut in 2025. Contrary to its M-badge twin, the G45-code X3 will retain its ICE powertrain setup, while its sportier coupe cousin, the X4, is believed to go EV-only as an iX4.

Set to launch in 2025, the BMW Group’s Neue Klasse architecture is the Munich-based firm’s bid in achieving its mid-decade target of increasing its EV delivery share to 50% of its total sale volume. Aside from BMW, this dedicated EV platform will also be shared with fellow BMW Group brands such as MINI and Rolls-Royce.