BMW M’s electric future might have just hit the road. A heavily camouflaged BMW X3 M Electric (ZA5) prototype has been spotted in Germany — the first real proof that M Division’s next performance SUV is deep in development. Sources say this all-electric X3 M could deliver over 800 horsepower, setting a new benchmark for BMW’s high-performance lineup.
While many enthusiasts refer to it as the “iX3 M,” multiple internal sources indicate that the official name will simply be BMW X3 M. The reasoning behind this is philosophical rather than technical: for M engineers, what defines an M car is not the fuel it uses, but the way it drives. Whether powered by gasoline or electrons, it must deliver the same intensity, precision, and emotional connection.
What We See So Far
Despite the camouflage, there are clear visual hints that this prototype is no ordinary Neue Klasse SUV. The hood now features a pronounced power dome, while the rear apron and diffuser are sculpted with more aggression than anything seen on the standard iX3. Large perforated brake discs sit behind black multi-spoke wheels, signaling serious stopping power.
From the proportions and ride height, it’s still uncertain if the fenders are wider than those of the base model, but the stance and aerodynamic details already align with BMW’s signature M look. This is clearly the high-performance version — not a styling package or M Performance trim. You can also see a different diffuser in the rear with a scoop in the middle of it.
Shared Technology with the Electric M3
The upcoming X3 M Electric will share core technology with the BMW M3 Electric (ZA0), which launches in 2027. Both will use BMW’s new Heart of Joy computing architecture, designed to coordinate everything from torque distribution to suspension dynamics in real time.
Under the skin, the electric X3 M will likely use an individual electric motor at each wheel, giving engineers precise control over power delivery and traction. This setup enables true torque vectoring — the ability to adjust torque at each wheel independently — for sharper handling and improved stability in all conditions.
Power Figures and Performance Potential
We’re hearing the BMW X3 M Electric (ZA5) could pack at least 800 horsepower, which would position it well above the upcoming BMW iX3 M60, expected to deliver between 600 and 650 horsepower when it arrives in 2026.
That 200-hp gap makes sense for BMW M’s top-tier SUV, and would allow it to comfortably outpace the outgoing X3 M Competition (F97 LCI), while rivaling the performance of vehicles like the Tesla Model X Plaid and Lotus Eletre R.
BMW M boss Frank van Meel has already hinted that future M EVs will outperform their gasoline counterparts not just in straight-line speed, but in measurable handling precision and consistency. T
What Makes It a True M Car
The numbers are impressive, but the real story lies in how those numbers are used. The electric X3 M’s torque-vectoring setup will allow it to maximize grip at each wheel individually, unlocking levels of traction control previously impossible in combustion-powered cars.
Just like the M3 Electric, the SUV could feature different drive modes — including a rear-wheel-drive setting for those who prefer a more playful experience. If that happens, it’ll mark the first time a BMW M electric SUV offers something akin to “2WD mode” — keeping the spirit of drift-happy M cars alive, even without a driveshaft or differential.
The New Era Of M Cars
Dropping the “i” from the name may seem like a small move, but it carries big significance. It shows BMW M’s confidence that its EVs belong on equal footing with its combustion models — not in a separate category. It’s likely also one of the many M SUVs to arrive in the future, featuring different powertrains.