Photo: SB-Medien
Given the success of the X5 M and X6 M, it was only a matter of time before BMW gave the M treatment to the X3. The only reason the X4 coupe model isn't doing the same is that this is an all-new X3 M model, built using a new platform and hopefully a new engine as well.
Mercedes is giving the GLC-Class the Hammer of Thor, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with absurd levels of power. But all BMW M GmbH has right now is Hawkeye's bow, the 3-liter inline-6 that everybody says doesn't sound like it should. Hopefully, that problem will be rectified by the time the X3 M is ready.
The X3 M may also have some competition from the next generation of the Audi Q5. However, the RS Q5 is a long way away from being completed, as Audi usually takes 2 years or more to develop the hot quattro version of any new car. In addition, the brand with the four rings has not come up with a groundbreaking performance car since the RS6.
As far as the design is concerned, the X3 M looks a whole lot more technologically advanced than something like the X4 M40i. Even though the headlights on this prototype are regular xenon projectors, we can tell the LED version will be similar to the 7 Series.
A butch grille and huge air intakes positively screen this BMW's intentions to overtake you, while the exhaust system at the back leaves something to be desired. But it's an early mode, so there's plenty of time to add more pipes.
The inline-6 twin-turbo engine likely to be found under the hood of the X3 M will have an easier job to do thanks to a lighter chassis. Various rumors have suggested the engineers have been tasked with doing the impossible: similar savings to the F80. That means we could see up to 100 kilograms being shaved using carbon fiber and other materials.
We expect the G01 X3 will be launched around the middle of 2017. The X3 M will have the code name F97 and may take until early 2018 to hatch.
The X3 M may also have some competition from the next generation of the Audi Q5. However, the RS Q5 is a long way away from being completed, as Audi usually takes 2 years or more to develop the hot quattro version of any new car. In addition, the brand with the four rings has not come up with a groundbreaking performance car since the RS6.
As far as the design is concerned, the X3 M looks a whole lot more technologically advanced than something like the X4 M40i. Even though the headlights on this prototype are regular xenon projectors, we can tell the LED version will be similar to the 7 Series.
A butch grille and huge air intakes positively screen this BMW's intentions to overtake you, while the exhaust system at the back leaves something to be desired. But it's an early mode, so there's plenty of time to add more pipes.
The inline-6 twin-turbo engine likely to be found under the hood of the X3 M will have an easier job to do thanks to a lighter chassis. Various rumors have suggested the engineers have been tasked with doing the impossible: similar savings to the F80. That means we could see up to 100 kilograms being shaved using carbon fiber and other materials.
We expect the G01 X3 will be launched around the middle of 2017. The X3 M will have the code name F97 and may take until early 2018 to hatch.
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