BMW seems to have a holiday surprise in store. Earlier this week, the automaker shared a digital advent calendar on its social media channels, showcasing models like the i4 hatchback, the i7 luxury sedan, and the Europe-only i5 Touring. But behind Door 24 sits a glowing, mystery silhouette, hinting at a fresh reveal coming on Christmas Eve.
While it’s unlikely to be an entirely new model given the timing, BMW may be teasing a new addition to its electric lineup. The most plausible candidates are a higher-performance version of the iX3 or a sleek coupe-style variant expected to wear the iX4 badge.
An All-Electric Advent Calendar
BMW’s social media advent calendar has been filled exclusively with EVs—including global models like the iX1 and iX2—so it’s a safe assumption that whatever appears on December 24 will also be electric. The teaser silhouette appears to resemble a “Sports Activity Vehicle,” BMW’s term for a crossover. Notably absent from the calendar so far is the brand’s newest EV, the iX3, making it the most likely candidate for a Christmas Eve reveal. When the company introduced the refreshed iX3 earlier this year, it only released details for the 50 xDrive variant, leaving the door open for additional versions.
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Speculation points toward BMW preparing a more performance-focused trim, potentially called the M60 xDrive, positioned above the 50 xDrive and following the naming strategy used for the i4 Gran Coupe. The current i4 M60 produces 593 horsepower despite relying on BMW’s earlier-generation electric motor tech. An iX3 M60 equipped with the brand’s newer Gen6 motors could easily surpass 600 horsepower, potentially delivering a 0–60 mph time well under four seconds. For reference, the existing iX3 50 xDrive offers 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque, with a claimed 0–60 time of 4.7 seconds.
It Could Also Be a “Sports Activity Coupe”
Just as BMW pairs the conventional X3 and X5 with the coupe-styled X4 and X6, the company is developing a sleeker, fastback version of the iX3 that will wear the iX4 badge. That model has already been spotted testing in near-production form, making it another strong candidate for the Christmas Eve reveal. If so, expect the iX4 to debut with specs similar to its more traditionally shaped sibling, including a 50 xDrive variant with dual-motor all-wheel drive and the same 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque.
The iX4’s lower, more aerodynamic roofline could also give it an efficiency edge, potentially increasing its range beyond the 400 miles BMW claims for the iX3. A higher-performance version of the coupe-like crossover is also likely in the pipeline, though it probably won’t arrive before BMW formally establishes the core SUV model.
Given the timing of the announcement—landing squarely on Christmas Eve—it’s unlikely BMW is preparing a ground-shaking debut. A new trim level or bodystyle seems far more plausible, especially with the holidays just around the corner and the company preparing to close out the year. Still, we’ll be watching closely when Door 24 opens to see exactly what BMW has wrapped up for the occasion.
