BMW exposes X3 and X4 M to the world
X2 M35i not concerning enough? Welcome the full fat M cars...
Yes, yes, you may have already seen the X3 and X4 M elsewhere before now. Truth be told we were hoping this was all some horrible dream, putting off confronting it before accepting the inevitable. You didn't get that job, they're not replying to that text, BMW is going to build fully fledged M versions of the X3 SUV and X4 SAC. But look, see, they're on the Nurburgring, which makes them sporty and stuff.
Following the manifestly gigantic success of the larger X5 and X6 M - heaven help us - BMW has decided to concentrate the recipe into the smaller stablemates. At present the cars are described as being at "an early stage of their development phase", though there are a few tell tale signs - plus some details from BMW - about both cars to whet the appetite. If, indeed, that is the right phrase.
Both X3 and X4 M will use a "newly developed" turbo'd straight-six engine, boasting "high-revving characteristics". The phrasing is very similar to as used for the current M3 and M4 reveal; given that S55 3.0-litre twin-turbo has just been made WLTP compliant in the M4 (though not the M3), we'd expect the X3 and X4 to use and evolution of that engine. That said, there's no mention of transmission yet; the M3/M4 duo were of course offered with manual and DCT options, though it would be a surprise to find the X3/X4 using such focused gearbox choices - the eight-speed auto seems more likely. Could the engine be made to work with the gearbox? Might it simply use an evolution of the 40i straight-six and auto, as found in the ranges already? To be confirmed...
Both models will use the M xDrive tech as first seen in the M5, designed for "extremely dynamic handling characteristics." BMW's very clever M differential will also feature on the rear axle, with the promise of cornering behaviour "lifted to a level unrivalled within the competitive environment." Crikey. Wonder if they'll have a drift mode?
Besides that, there's confirmation of some typically 'M' styling tweaks, including but not limited to four exhaust pipes, larger intakes and new wheels. Expect to see a few more of those emerge as the disguise is gradually peeled away.
A launch date has not yet been announced for the X3 and X4 M; given the apparently insatiable demand for all things SUV, SAV and SAC, expect them sooner rather than later.BMW typically makes a big deal of its home motor shows, but the next Frankfurt show is a year away; LA would suit perfectly, but is only a matter of weeks away now. Therefore Geneva next March might be the best bet, though don't be surprised to see it sooner. More details as we have them...
The new X3 has been very well received, and whilst I am not in the market for a car such as this I can appreciate it's appeal/usefulness. Surely taking that recipe and handing it to the M division can be no bad thing? Should a motoring journalist at least wait to drive the thing before liking it to 'a horrible dream'?
I suspect we will see a fair amount of hate from those who believe they know better though.
However, the idea that people are making a very considered "rational" decision about performance and practicality when they buy these things is a bit hyperbolic imo. There's nothing wrong with making irrational decisions when buying cars or bikes, but lets not pretend its not about one thing and one thing only: the badge
I definitely prefer the X3 over the X4 though, something about the rear doesn't quite sit right with me.
I suspect we will see a fair amount of hate from those who believe they know better though.
However, the idea that people are making a very considered "rational" decision about performance and practicality when they buy these things is a bit hyperbolic imo. There's nothing wrong with making irrational decisions when buying cars or bikes, but lets not pretend its not about one thing and one thing only: the badge
I don't have any issue with someone choosing a car for whatever their personal reason may be.
If you don't have the circumstances to run multiple cars (lack of space, naggy other half, can't actually get out on the weekends because of kids) and you have children and dogs and also therefore will need to shift large loads - why shouldn't you be able to do it in (perceived) refinement and also hot hatch/sports car acceleration and speed?
If your missus is gonna force you to get a big SUV, you may as well get the fastest and most fun if you can afford it?!
An M-car has always been a dynamically impressive car that has been optimised to be as good as it gets in that class. These things will never be that, as the non-X versions of the same cars will hand them their backsides, but they will meet the other idea of a normal car optimised to be as good as it can be.
Personally, I'm completely non-plussed by these things. They will always be compromised compared to their normal siblings and were it to be my money, it would be the M3 and not the X3M I'd get.
I completely understand why people dislike them, but they should still be pretty decent road cars. Not proper M-Cars though imho.
Like many of us, I have an open mind. We have an M50D and love it, but also love cars like the NOMAD (which is on order).
Therefor Matt, please write with an open mind as I can see our family considering an X3M.
Want something practical, high up driving position, quick, they almost make sense.
These need the M badge to compete with the Macan, SQ5 etc. Personally I dislike that type of car but can also understand how they sell so many.
Why is it when Land Rover do the Range Rover Sport SVR it is lauded as a great all rounder with a fantastic engine. But when everyone else does it. They get called out as pointless and grotesque
Especially when 9/10 the Range Rover isn't actually the best to drive because it is the least suited to being converted to a "performance" version. Just odd.
Personally I quite like this sort of thing. I like SUVs for practicality plus the wife much prefers them if there is a fast version I take it because the family truck doesn't have to be slow and boring.
Oh look the M badge is being sullied. No, that's when people put an M badge on a car with no real performance upgrades, just some fancy alloys and maybe a spoiler thing.... when the company do it like this then its their badge to do as they like. evolution of the brand.
Good car too, and got a really favourable review from a racing driver who was my instructor at Donnington. He uses it as a family wagon and moved from a C63S Estate.
I'd be interested to know how much higher the CoG of an X3 is compared to a similarly engined 3-series estate. I bet there's not much in it.
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