BMW Elevates Real Madrid’s Safety with the iX3 as Official Team Car

Real Madrid Unveils BMW iX3 Safety Car

Breaking away from plug-in hybrids, Real Madrid’s latest Safety Car embraces full electric power. BMW introduces the iX3 as the successor to the XM and M5 Touring, marking its first electric vehicle in the modern Neue Klasse era. While the livery has been updated from the previous year’s model, the impactful “Rethink The Game” slogan remains a prominent feature.

Displayed here is the iX3 in the 50 xDrive variant, the sole option available upon launch. Adorned with the M Sport Package and 20-inch aerodynamic wheels, BMW pays attention to detail by color-coordinating the parking sensors with the striking new livery, a detail absent in the previous year’s model.

While not a traditional Safety Car leading a race series, the iX3 serves as a promotional tool to highlight the partnership between BMW and Real Madrid. The Spanish football club made the switch to BMW in mid-2022, opting for the German automaker over Audi after nearly twenty years of sponsorship.

Now in its fourth season, the collaboration extends beyond the football team to include the basketball division. Furthermore, the partnership encompasses both women’s football and basketball teams. Players receive new vehicles as part of the ongoing collaboration, with most being hybrids or electric vehicles. The vehicles have already been handed over for the current season.

The iX3 Safety Car will be publicly unveiled for the first time on Sunday. BMW Spain plans to showcase the electric crossover on March 22 at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium during Real Madrid’s match against Atlético de Madrid.

Looking ahead to the future, there is speculation that the iX3 may be succeeded by the i3, its sedan counterpart, next year. The second Neue Klasse model is set to debut soon before hitting the European market in the latter half of the year. Alternatively, BMW might opt for a different Safety Car for the upcoming season, considering the array of new products on the horizon.

The upcoming 7 Series facelift premieres in April, followed closely by the X5, which includes the iX5 variant. The latter stands out as a strong contender for Safety Car duties, aligning with Real Madrid’s commitment to electrification and sustainability.