BMW has quietly upgraded two of its most important SUVs, handing the combustion-engined X3 M50 a significant power increase and expanding the electric iX3 range with a new dual-motor variant. The changes, confirmed alongside the reveal of the gas-powered Neue Klasse 3-Series, also bring a set of technically advanced wheels for the M5.
The X3 M50’s 3.0-litre inline six now produces 437hp, up from 393hp, matching the specification of the new M350 xDrive saloon. BMW has not yet quoted performance figures for the upgraded SUV, but the pre-upgrade X3 M50 claimed a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds, while the lighter M350 xDrive saloon is said to complete the same sprint in 4.1 seconds. With almost as much power as an E92 M3, the M Performance model will fill the gap until BMW introduces a full X3 M for this generation.
On the electric side, the iX3 40 is now available with a dual-motor xDrive setup, adding 56hp over the rear-wheel-drive version for a total of 369hp. The same configuration was recently revealed in the new i3 40 xDrive saloon. Despite the extra weight of all-wheel drive, the added power should improve on the single-motor iX3’s 5.9-second 0-62mph time. However, the xDrive variant sacrifices range: BMW quotes 320-386 miles on the European WLTP cycle, down from a maximum of 395 miles for the rear-drive model, both using the same 82.6kWh battery. The range-topping iX3 50, with its larger 108.7kWh pack, can cover up to 500 miles and charges at 400kW, compared with 300kW for the 40-badged models.
BMW has also announced a new set of 20- and 21-inch wheels for the M5 saloon and Touring, available through its M Performance range. The wheels are produced using a high-pressure casting process that BMW claims is an automotive first. Aluminium is cast under vacuum from the outside in, a process that takes just 0.05 seconds. The result is wheels that are stronger and up to 20 per cent lighter, while also allowing more intricate designs — theoretically up to 70 bladed spokes, though cleaning such a rim would be a challenge.
Finally, BMW is introducing a Black Package for M Performance versions of the 2-Series, 4-Series and 4-Series convertible. Buyers must specify the M Sport package Pro to unlock the Black Package, which adds M Carbon Fibre interior trim, black door sill strips and black badges.
The updates come as BMW prepares to split production of the eighth-generation 3-Series between Munich and Dingolfing, with the electric i3 already rolling off the line in Munich and the combustion model moving to Dingolfing from November. The company is investing €2 billion in the project, roughly half for vehicle production and half for a new battery plant in Irlbach-Straßkirchen.