When BMW came up with the original X3 back in the early 2000s, the crossover was surprisingly sporty. Alas, the dynamic character of the high-riding Bimmer no longer felt like the top priority with the arrival of the second-gen model. However, now that the third incarnation of the X3 (call it G01) is here, it seems the Bavarians are ready to bring back the go-fast thrills, with the carmaker now preparing to introduce the first-ever X3 M.
We are now less than a year away from the introduction of the 2019 BMW X3 M. The German engineers are polishing the final details of the hot crossover, with a prototype having been spotted doing its thing on the Nurburgring.
Walk into a BMW showroom at the moment and you'll discover that the top model is the M40i. And while its 360 hp might seem far from insufficient, throwing a glance at the competition reveals why the SUV could use even more muscle.
The segment has already welcomed multiple competitors packing north of 500 hp, with the list including the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S (Coupe) and even the Jaguar F-Pace SVR.
The X3 M, along with the future X4 M, will use a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six, an engine that's expected to be an evolution of the one that currently animates the M3 and M4. The newcomer is expected to pack at least 450 hp, even though we could see its output climbing even higher. Codenamed S58, the upcoming motor will also power the future G80 M3.
Further down the power line, we'll find an eight-speed automatic tranny, along with an M Division-massaged xDrive all-paw system. And while many aficionados would enjoy the AWD system to pack an RWD-only drifting mode, as is the case with the 2018 M5, we might not receive such a treat.
Speaking of the M5, we'll remind you that a recent series of spyshots allowed us to notice multiple elements of the super-sedan in the cabin of an X3 M prototype.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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