The BMW M electric age is upon us, and one of the first models to receive such treatment is apparently the X3 M. A heavily camouflaged prototype of the BMW It also breathes new life into the X3 M nameplate that left us too soon.
X3 M Electric spotted: What we know
For a long time, one of the simplest features of a true M vehicle was the brakes, wheels and tires. M vehicles receive significantly optimized brakes and wheels to enable a more dynamic driving experience. This electric X3 M is no exception. The spotted car wears similar or identical shoes to the ones we saw in a separate round of spy photos: black-painted five-spoke wheels in front of massive drilled rotors and blue-painted M brake calipers. As you might expect, despite the camouflage, some stylistic differences are noticeable. There may be a “power dome” in the hood, and out back the rear diffuser looks a little different.
Early reports suggest that this upcoming performance SUV could produce more than 800 horsepower. As a reminder, this is more than any other vehicle in the brand’s current portfolio. It’s likely that with an electric M3 on the way, there will be a lot of shared technology and features between the two. Maybe even configurable driving modes that make it possible to make the vehicle only rear-wheel drive, as the current M xDrive tinkering allows. The fact that we saw these X3 M electric mules testing with a fleet of full-fat M cars certainly lends credence to the horsepower figures. And further assures us that this thing is fast.
What’s in a name: Don’t call me “i”
While fans might be tempted to call it the “iX3 M,” insiders insist the name remains simpler: BMW X3 M. That’s right: The X3 M electric won’t have an “i” in its name or emblem. According to BMW M, it’s not the fuel source that defines the emblem, but the feeling. Whether petrol or electric, every M car must offer the same precision, ferocity and goosebump-inducing commitment that created the legend. While the electric X3 M may be powered by electrons rather than dinosaur juice, it seems we should set the performance bar just as high.
Some important insights can be derived from the naming scheme. At least in theory, this should apply to performance on the road and on the track. It’s a big challenge to give what is certainly a heavy electric SUV an agile driving experience on the race track. More philosophically, the abandonment of the i branding shows BMW’s willingness to integrate all drive types into a single model. This will inevitably blur the boundaries. But if anyone seems to know how to bring a varied yet exciting offering to market, it’s BMW. We’re excited to see how the electric X3 M feels from the driver’s seat.
