5 Minutes
BMW's first M-branded electric SUV hits the Nordschleife with serious rubber
Photographers have caught a heavily camouflaged 2028 BMW iX3 M lapping the Nürburgring — and one detail stands out: massive Pirelli P Zero R ELECT tires wrapped around 22-inch wheels. The Y-speed rating on the sidewall signals a minimum top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), while the ELECT designation confirms these P Zeros were developed specifically for electric and hybrid vehicles, with a focus on reduced cabin noise and optimized traction.
Tire and wheel details that matter
The prototype wears 285/35 R22 tires at all four corners, a big step up from the standard iX3 equipment. BMW lists the production iX3 with 255/45 R20 rubber as standard, while U.S. buyers of the iX3 50 xDrive (due summer 2027 as a 2027 model year) have 21- and 22-inch wheels as options.
Key tire highlights:
- Model: Pirelli P Zero R ELECT
- Size on prototype: 285/35 R22
- Markings: Y-speed rating (≥300 km/h) and ELECT
- Benefit: ELECT compound claims up to 20% lower perceived cabin noise
Mounted on five-spoke alloy wheels that expose drilled brake rotors, the Pirellis suggest this iX3 is setup for sustained high-speed work and track attacks — not just show runs.
Design tweaks point to a proper M car
Under the camo, the iX3 M appears to adopt several M-specific cues. The hood shows twin vents — likely functional for cooling or aerodynamics — that visually tie into aggressive lower fascia cutouts. The front bumper borrows the sporty language of the 50 xDrive M Sport but amplifies it, while the rear bumper and diffuser have unique shapes that differentiate this model from the regular iX3.
Styling changes are evolutionary rather than radical, but the sum of the parts reads like a thoroughbred M SUV: sharper lines, larger intakes, and wider stance.
"This looks like more than an appearance package — it’s engineered for performance," said one engineer familiar with BMW M testing practices.
Performance rumors and real-world context
Speculation about the iX3 M's output varies wildly. Conservatively, industry watchers peg starting power around 700 hp — a figure that would place it well above the iX3 50 xDrive (around 463 hp from a dual-motor setup) and comparable in spirit to the now-discontinued X3 M Competition (503 hp from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six).
More extreme rumors reference quad-motor prototype concepts from BMW that exceed 1,300 hp, and some even suggest pushes toward 1,700 hp — numbers that, while headline-grabbing, would be extreme for a vehicle this size. Whatever the final figure, engineers will need substantial peak torque, advanced active torque vectoring, and thermal management to make a heavy electric SUV handle the Nürburgring's demands.
What about the name and future M models?
There’s industry chatter that BMW might drop the leading "i" and market this car simply as the X3 M, a move that’s sparked debate among purists. Separately, rumors have suggested the M division could forego a next-generation internal-combustion X3 M — but that seems less likely given public comments from M leadership. Frank van Meel, head of BMW M, has already confirmed an inline-six with electric assistance for the next-generation M3, indicating M remains committed to both internal-combustion and electrified performance models.
What to expect from the driving range and market positioning
As a high-performance electric SUV, the iX3 M will likely offer a shorter real-world driving range than the iX3 50 xDrive due to larger motors, more aggressive tuning, and bigger wheels and tires. BMW will balance range with performance demands, and the company’s emphasis will be delivering an M-like driving experience rather than maximum electric range.
Highlights & takeaways:
- Prototype shows Pirelli P Zero R ELECT 285/35 R22 tires with Y-rating
- Aerodynamic and cooling upgrades hint at genuine M hardware
- Conservative power estimates start around 700 hp, with higher rumors not confirmed
- Possible renaming to X3 M could be controversial among enthusiasts
For enthusiasts, the Nürburgring footage is a promising sign: BMW M appears serious about translating traditional M dynamics into the electric era. Expect further sightings, more details on powertrain output, and official specs as BMW ramps up testing ahead of a full reveal.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
mechbyte
is this even true? 1700hp reads like clickbait. Y-rating ok but thermal mgmt on a heavy EV at the Ring is no joke. curious how they cool that pack
driveline
wow that camo hides a beast! 285/35 R22s + drilled rotors = serious intentions. if BMW nails 700hp and handling, sign me up. but hope range isnt tragic
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