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...