{
  "id": 11143345,
  "title": "BMW ‘teases’ promised power crazed M60 as part of revised i3 range",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/bmw-teases-promised-power-crazed-m60-as-part-of-revised-i3-range",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-01T08:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/motoring/bmw-revises-i3-range/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "BMW has updated its i3 electric vehicle range, adding more variants to the already existing lineup. The i3 range, which debuted alongside the new 3 Series, initially only featured the 50 xDrive, which is now positioned as the mid-range model. Above it sits the 40 xDrive, retaining the dual-motor xDrive all-wheel drive layout but with reduced power due to a smaller battery pack. The new 50 xDrive serves as the middle derivative in the range.\n\nThe 108.7-kWh unit in the 50 xDrive delivers 345kW/645Nm of power, while the 40 xDrive utilizes an 82.8-kWh battery that generates 275kW/520Nm. Despite this, both versions share the same top speed of 200 km/h, with the 40 xDrive reaching 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, compared to the 50 xDrive's 4.7 seconds. The i3 50 xDrive boasts a claimed range of 912 km, while the 40 xDrive covers 710 km.\n\nOne of the most surprising announcements is the debut of the range-topping M60. Ahead of its global launch next year, BMW has unveiled the first images of the M60. The exterior features motorsport-developed M Yellow LED headlights and other distinct visual elements. Inside, the M60 offers a glimpse of the iDrive instrument binnacle, equipped with new graphics and readouts, as well as a revised steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock marking. The vehicle is also said to come with M Sport seats, though these specifics have not been mentioned in the official press release.\n\nRegarding power figures, the exact performance capabilities of the M60 remain undisclosed. There is speculation about whether it might deliver more than 1,000 kW, potentially from a quad-electric motor setup, but these details have not been confirmed. In South Africa, BMW has announced that the i3 will be available starting in the first quarter of 2027, initially in the xDrive 50 configuration, and likely to coincide with the launch of the new 3 Series.",
  "summary": "South Africa will be privy to the i3 in early 2027, but only the mid-range 50 xDrive variant.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}