Well, that didn’t last long. Just a few weeks after BMW rolled out the proverbial red carpet for the new iX3, a performance version is already being tested. A prototype of the electric crossover was spotted near the Nürburgring this week and, despite its camouflage, looked significantly more aggressive.
The simple fact that BMW has chosen to hide the test vehicle even though the new iX3 has already been unveiled suggests that it is hiding something. The body may be covered in the usual swirling camouflage pattern and a strange bump at the rear, but the lowered sports suspension is impossible to miss. The black rims also suggest a sportier setup, although this may be a temporary set not intended for production.
You can probably expect beefier brakes and larger diameter tires for the hotter iX3. It’s unclear whether this is an M Performance model or a full-fledged M. BMW will initially sell the vehicle exclusively as a 50 xDrive, with 40 xDrive and 40 sDrive variants already confirmed for 2027. Munich hasn’t said a word about an M-flavored version, but this spy video is almost as good as official confirmation.
The logic assumes that an M Performance iX3 will come onto the market before a real M model. The “M60” (name not confirmed) is said to produce around 620 to 630 hp. That would be a huge jump over the 463 hp of the first 50 xDrive. According to rumors, series production will begin in Debrecen in July 2026.
A full-fat M derivative with even more punch is reportedly being referred to internally as the ‘ZA5’. BMW may simply market it as the X3 M. Since there is no longer a petrol counterpart, there will be no confusion. According to sources, the top model could go into production at the Hungarian factory around November 2027.
Since it’s an SUV, both M versions of the iX3 will likely feature a standard dual-motor xDrive setup. Given their focus on performance over efficiency, they’re unlikely to match the regular iX3’s impressive 500-mile (805-kilometer) WLTP range. In the US, the 50 xDrive is expected to travel around 400 miles between charges, according to the EPA cycle.
Of course, the M variants will command a premium over the standard iX3, which starts at around $60,000 in the US. In Germany prices start at 68,900 euros without options.
Source: Stephanbarral / Instagram
