BMW has upgraded the combustion-powered X3 M50 with a substantial increase in output, bringing its 3.0-liter inline-six in line with the engine specification used by the new M350 xDrive. The SUV now produces 437 horsepower (443 PS), up from 393 hp (398 PS).

BMW has not disclosed how the additional power affects the X3 M50’s acceleration. Before the upgrade, the model was listed with a 4.6-second zero-to-62-mph (100-km/h) time. For comparison, the lighter M350 xDrive sedan is expected to complete the same sprint in 4.1 seconds.

Dual-motor iX3 adds power

The electric iX3 range is also expanding with a new all-wheel-drive version of the iX3 40. Its dual-motor setup produces 369 hp (275 kW/374 PS), a 56-hp increase over the rear-wheel-drive iX3 40, which makes 316 hp (235 kW/320 PS).

The iX3 50 remains the most powerful version, with 463 hp (345 kW/469 PS). The additional motor in the iX3 40 xDrive should improve on the rear-drive model’s listed 5.9-second zero-to-62-mph time, although BMW has not provided a revised figure.

Adding all-wheel drive reduces the iX3 40’s range. BMW lists 320 to 386 miles (515 to 621 kilometers) on the European WLTP cycle for the xDrive model, compared with a maximum of 395 miles (636 km) for the rear-wheel-drive version. Both use an 82.6-kWh battery.

The iX3 50 uses a larger 108.7-kWh battery and is listed with up to 500 miles (805 km) of WLTP range. It can accept charging at up to 400 kW, while the iX3 40 models support up to 300 kW.

New M Performance wheels for the M5

BMW is also adding an optional wheel design to the M5 sedan and M5 Touring through its M Performance range. The new wheels are offered in 20- and 21-inch sizes and use a high-pressure casting process that BMW describes as an automotive first.

The aluminum is cast under vacuum from the outside inward, with the process taking 0.05 seconds. BMW says the resulting wheels are stronger and can be up to 20 percent lighter. The manufacturing method also allows designs with as many as 70 blade-style spokes.

Black Package for selected M Performance models

BMW has also introduced a Black Package for M Performance versions of the 2 Series, 4 Series and 4 Series Convertible. The package requires the M Sport Package Pro and includes M Carbon Fibre interior trim, black door-sill plates and black badges.