Next-Gen X3 to Have Plug-In Hybrid and an M Version

2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d (Credit: &cop; BMW)

The BMW X3 is well overdue for a full overhaul both in looks and under the skin. According to Motoring.,com.au, both will happen as early as 2017, but while the looks will simply evolve, the powertrain offerings will be significantly overhauled. This overhaul will reportedly include a plug-in hybrid, an M Performance model, and a full-on M-Series model.

The plug-in hybrid version will reportedly feature a 64 kW (86-horsepower) electric motor that will pair with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. The grand total in the power department will be around 245 kW (329 horsepower). The report claims that this X3 plug-in hybrid will boast a 50 km (31-mile) electric-only range.

Moving on to the M Performance model, which BMW will reportedly name the X3 M40i. This model will supposedly have a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder that will be good for more than 255 kW (342 horsepower).

The full-tilt M model, which will be known as the X3 M, will carry the same 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo engine as the M3 and M4 siblings, according to the rumor mill. There is no estimation of power, but I would expect it to have around the same 425 horsepower as the M3 and M4 models. However, there is an outside chance that BMW will tweak the engine to compensate for the extra heft of the SUV.

Powering the standard model will be a retuned version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the current X3. This engine produces a respectable 240 horsepower in the current 28i version of the X3, but BMW may push that closer to 250 ponies and possibly refine its fuel system and tuning to deliver better mpg.

We’ll keep an eye on this developing story and bring you updates as they become available.