BMW X3 Plug-In Hybrid Will Have Hot Hatch Levels Of Power

It will also have a pretty usable electric range.

Earlier this year, BMW revealed its iX3 concept, an electric SUV to battle the Jaguar I-Pace and upcoming Mercedes EQC. We've since seen the iX3 conducting cold weather testing, and expect it to come with around 275 horsepower and a range of around 250 miles. Not to be confused with the all-electric iX3, BMW is also working on a plug-in hybrid version of the X3 which could arrive before the electric version. Early rumors indicated that the plug-in model would be available with either 252 or 326 hp, but BMW Blog insists that the car will have even more power.

Inside sources in Munich say that the base plug-in model will be known as the X3 xDrive30e. It will share a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine mated to an electric motor with the upcoming 330e sedan. The X3 plug-in will likely be launched as a 2020 model with 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and an electric driving range of 30 miles. This means that if your commute is less than 15 miles, you'll be able to make it to and from work without having to use a drop of fuel. An xDrive40e version with around 326 hp is also in the cards.

We love the idea of a plug-in hybrid. Being able to drive on electric power alone, then call in the might of a gas engine on demand is a very exciting concept. The Kia Niro plug-in is one of our current favorite plug-in hybrid SUVs, but this X3 plug-in could easily take the shine away from the humble Kia (of course, at a much higher price). We are excited to see the full reveal of the plug-in X3, which will likely be next year in 2019. BMW will follow it up with the all-electric X3 later in 2020 or 2021.

Modified BMW X5 M Offers Supercar Levels Of Performance

It’s even more powerful than the mighty Lamborghini Urus.

Now that the all-new 2019 BMW X5 has broken cover, it’s only a matter of time before the full-fat M version arrives. Unfortunately, we’re going to be waiting a while, because the new 600-hp BMW X5 M isn’t expected to be unveiled until next year. To ease the wait, Polish aftermarket specialist Auto-Dynamics has given the old F85 X5 M a new lease of life with an ambitious tuning job that gives the SUV supercar levels of performance. Under the hood, the X5 M’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 has been upgraded to deliver a substantial 670 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque, up from 567 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque in the stock X5 M. It’s even more powerful than the mighty Lamborghini Urus, which produces 650 hp.

To achieve this huge power bump, Auto-Dynamics has remapped the ECU, fitted an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, and upgraded the air filters along with other minor tweaks. With these modifications, the X5 M will hit 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds – not bad for an SUV that weighs 5,260 pounds. This makes it seven-tenths of a second quicker than the stock model off the line. No top speed has been specified, but it’s probably safe to assume it surpasses the standard X5 M’s electronically limited 155 mph top speed.

As well as upgrading the V8, Auto-Dynamics has replaced the X5 M’s standard wheels with a larger 22-inch set and finished the exterior in satin black. Practically every part of the body has been painted in black apart from the blue calipers, giving the SUV a more sinister look. Carbon fiber accents and lowered the suspension round off the transformation.