BMW X3 M (2012): the go-faster SUV BMW is readying a go-faster X3 M - a mid-sized SUV fettled by Munich's M division. The new X3 M is set for launch as early as 2012, according to well placed BMW sources contacted by CAR. The X3 M might even feature a new type of turbocharging being developed in Germany. Yes, the era of the tri-turbo is dawning... Uh-oh. I thought the X5 M and X6 M were 4x4s too far... Purists may want to look away now. But with the exception of the frumpy X1, all X model lines in future will be available with the full M division treatment, CAR understands. We've already seen the X5 M and X6 M - stonking high-performance SUVs powered by twin-turbo V8s - but now the M treatment is stretching down to the smaller X3 range, BMW's popular 4x4 line which is currently sold out in the UK until February 2012. CAR understands the all-new X3 M will be powered by a tweaked variant of the new M3 straight six which will power the next-generation BMW M3 (we'll see the new 3-series in late 2011, with UK sales kicking off in 2012). How quick will the new 2012 BMW X3 M be? This will be no shrinking violet. Provisionally rated at 449bhp, the high-performance straight six may even feature three turbochargers (one electric, plus a pair of exhaust-gas driven ones) and a slightly bigger displacement (3.2 instead of 3.0 litres). We expect the new X3 M to cost around £50,000, slotting above the current range-topping X3 30d M Sport at £39,625. The next-gen BMW X5 M and X6 M The next X5M and X6M retain the twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 which goes up in performance from 555 to 564bhp. Even more significant is the 10-15% gain in efficiency. BMW X3 M (2012): the go-faster SUV | Secret New Cars | Car Magazine Online
It will arrive in the market in early 2013. X3M is to provide stability in the Performance entry segment when the M3 is discontinued ahead of the F32 M3. It will use the engine developed for the M3 but there will be subtle changes made for the M3 like the X5/X6M and the M5. There is another short-term M model coming too.
Wait...the X3M is to provide stability in the performance entry segment when the M3 is discontinued. This surely cannot be correct? It is just not right to have a SUV to act as the entry to the M division. I hope the other short term M model you refer to is the Z4 M because well that is the only sports oriented car in the BMW range that has not been given the M treatment.
Not sure what BMW will do with the coupe version of the old 1 series now that the new 1 series 5 door is around the corner. If Scott put it this way, the 1 series coupe along with the 1M might not be around for much longer.
X3M and M5 Touring are amongst the first projects, but now we are putting together a proposal for the M-one strategy especially since the highly receptive comments and feedback regarding the 328 Hommage. We are thinking of initially two model lines - one aimed at the Boxster/Cayman and the other in the 911/R8 upper segment. Both in a Coupe and Roadster format, exclusive as an M only project, bespoke but using an available platform . We have started to pool all the suggestions together such as engine placement? powerplants - 6 Cylinders? 4 Cylinders? even a 3 Cylinder? extensive Material technology , market designation whether low volume? or limited production? And the profits from the X-M models will help subsidize it... Of course this is the gestation of the project and nothing is finalized but the proposal is being put together as we speak.
A X3 M could start a whole new trend, or maybe BMW is trying to get ahead of the small Porsche ute coming up soon. Either way expect Audi and Mercedes to answer/follow suite. This class of performance utes is more reasonable than the ML63/X5M class to me. M
So we're talking about the M3 of suv ring!! Bring it on Bmw. That has to be a very interesting machine to get behind the wheel of.
It's a no brainer. The X3 is a popular car and while the X5-M is a supreme performance SUV, the sheer price and running costs of it is too much for the average upper middle class family. An X3-M powered by the very engine in the 1M is a more "sustainable" family performance SUV. I quite like the new X3, so an M version of it gets a thumb up from me.
BMW X3 M to feature tri-turbocharged engine Could be launched as soon as 2012 Read more: BMW X3 M to feature tri-turbocharged engine - report
Why have you posted a link to a website which is just reporting what is in the first post of this thread?
He's just referring the source where he came upon the info. There's nothing wrong in doing so, despite the lack of further information at the source.
But the the first post in this thread is CAR reporting on the X3 M. The post made by Human is just Worldcarfans reporting what CAR have said. Have I missed something?
