Hotter BMW iX3 M coming

A more potent version of BMW’s electric iX3 SUV has been all but confirmed for Australia, with local executives hinting at the possibility of an M or M Performance variant being in development.

Speaking to media at the launch of its new iX3 Neue Klasse, BMW Australia’s product boss Brendan Michel described the (current) range-topping 50 xDrive as a mid-spec variant.

“345kW combined power output is really amazing for what we’d say is our mid-tier model in the whole portfolio,” he said.

Arriving as the flagship model from $109,900 in its initial rollout, the 50 xDrive is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, good for 345kW/645Nm and a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of 4.9 seconds.

It’ll be joined later this year by an entry-level 235kW single-motor 40 variant, which will slot in at $89,900 plus on-road costs.

Details of the top-tier variant are few and far between right now, but when quizzed further, Michel said: “yeah I gave you a little hint [during the presentation]. Very good [pickup], that.

“This is the tip of the iceberg and the iceberg is very big.”

The iX3 M or M Performance would obviously need to topple the 50 xDrive’s outputs – and in turn, shave that 0-100km/h sprint time down into the three-second range.

There’s no word on when Aussies can expect the hotter – likely M-branded – iX3 to arrive, however, it’ll likely follow the new i3 sedan, which BMW Australia execs confirmed will land in early 2027.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au