AC Schnitzer launches 600hp BMW X3 M
Performance upgrade accompanied by lowering kit and new aerodynamic package
With BMW's current X3 M delivering 510hp and 443ft lb of torque, it's hard to see how much more useful performance could be wrung out of the mid-size SUV. After all, it's no use hitting 62 from the traffic lights in 4.2 seconds if the groceries end up plastered all over the rear window.
But far be it from us to tell the tuners at AC Schnitzer what is or isn't necessary. Because they've taken the model and applied their own twist in an effort to demonstrate that "even M-vehicles have not yet reached the limits of their possibilities." A massive 600hp and 516lb ft of torque being a pretty emphatic way to do just that.
This isn't the first time that the X3 M has received such treatment, of course, Dahler has already released a 610hp/ 561lb ft Stage 1 package, one claimed to unlock a sub-four 0-62 time and 186mph top speed. Where AC Schnitzer will no doubt insist their set-up comes out on top, however, is in the way that the finished product handles such a prodigious output.
For starters, the firm's custom spring kit lowers the car by up to 25mm over the standard suspension to ensure "maximum control and road holding" while a range of 20- and 22-inch Light Alloy Wheels reduce unsprung weight. Add to that an aero package which includes a front splitter, rear spoiler and skirts and you have... pretty much exactly the same sort of power-wings-and-wheels-based upgrade that has become so commonplace in the hot SUV segment and beyond.
Inside, there are "high-quality, easy-grip aluminium accessories" including new pedals, iDrive controller and shift paddles, as well as a smattering of badges. And, while there's no official word on the performance gains associated with the upgrades, Schnitzer does highlight that they come packaged with a handy four-year warranty. Sounds like plenty of care-free Autobahn runs are in store for buyers, whoever they might be.
Its sort of cool but good god, a 600 plus hp mid size, not that expensive in the scheme of things SUV, five grand down and £600 a month, £300 to a bloke with a laptop to map it as it is inevitable that tuning maps for the S58 engine will end up in the wild.
Go back to say 1990, could you have predicted that development when people were getting into a tizz about the "irresponsible" Lotus Carlton with 375 bhp ?
Everything from BMW seems to have a fair whack of power and then scope for a pretty big increase with just a map.
Ignoring the moral debate about uber-SUV's, very difficult to deny the standard car is anything but fking rapid. Dread to think what this will be capable of - sub 3s 0-60?
Ignoring the moral debate about uber-SUV's, very difficult to deny the standard car is anything but fking rapid. Dread to think what this will be capable of - sub 3s 0-60?
I must add I'm NOT an SUV fan at all. I would rather a fast estate, but a lot of the comments on here do seem to be from those who have never tried one, or if they have, they compare them to a Lotus or something
I must add I'm NOT an SUV fan at all. I would rather a fast estate, but a lot of the comments on here do seem to be from those who have never tried one, or if they have, they compare them to a Lotus or something
Sounds like the last thing it needs is lower and stiffer suspension that ACS have given it but that’s what it needs to keep a 600+hp suv in check around corners. If it weren’t for the high cog it would be much easier to tune the ride quality to an acceptable level for what is ostensibly a family car.
Its sort of cool but good god, a 600 plus hp mid size, not that expensive in the scheme of things SUV, five grand down and £600 a month, £300 to a bloke with a laptop to map it as it is inevitable that tuning maps for the S58 engine will end up in the wild.
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Perhaps PH could insert all the above (plus the 'coming to a school run near you' etc comments) in order to save the usual wingers valuable whinging time?
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