BMW plans X3 M super SUV
Twin-turbo terror to take on Mercedes-AMG GLC 63BMW is set to green-light a full-blown M high-performance version of the new generation X3 mid-size SUV within months.
The turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder, expected to be dubbed X3 M, will be a direct rival for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 V8 and a little brother to the X5 M and X6 M V8s.
The new X3 made its motor show debut in Frankfurt this week after breaking cover in June.
It goes on-sale in Australia in November and will initially be offered with three all-wheel drive versions headlined by the turbo-petrol 3.0-litre M40i.
The X3 M is expected to be confirmed early in 2018 and go on-sale later in the same year. It would be a virtual certainty for Australia, where the BMW distributor is bullishly confident of it boosting X3 sales.
“It makes sense, we are waiting for it,” said BMW Australia boss Marc Werner when asked about the X3 M.
“Aussies love high-performance vehicles, not only in the sedan segment, but also the SUV segment. We have done extremely well with the X5 M and the X6 M, so we believe … we are ready for this car.”
The addition of the X3 M to the line-up reflects the increasing importance of the X3 and SUVs overall for BMW.
To the end of August, the various X models accounted for over 50 per cent of BMW’s Australian sales.
In addition, a pure electric battery electric version of the latest X3 has already been confirmed for launch in 2020.
It is also expected the next X4 SUV coupe, which shares its architecture and drivetrain specifications with the X3, will also offer an M version.
BMW should start rolling out first details about the second generation X4 within one month.
Speaking at the Frankfurt motor show overnight, senior members of the X3’s development team were surprisingly candid and bullish about the prospects for the X3 M.
“It (the X3 M) is under evaluation,” said X3 project head Arno Keller. “It is not confirmed, it is not pronounced, nothing, but it is possible in terms of technology and also in terms of platform.
“We can do it from the architecture perspective no problem, but whether we do it is under evaluation.”
“We are close to the final decision,” added X3 Product manager Dr Roland Meier. “You can definitely speculate.”
Previously, a high-performance M version of the X3 was off limits, but volume expectations are huge globally for this model.
“The segment is growing so fast, it’s so big and you have so many different customers around the world in different markets,” said Keller.
“We have now for the first time Luxury Line and BMW Individual in the X3, so we can also provide to … more luxury customers in this segment.
“On the other hand we have the xLine, we have the M Sport’s package, the M40i, and perhaps more.”
The X3M also reflects an aggressive reboot of the M performance sub-brand, which has been eclipsed by Mercedes-AMG in recent years.
Yesterday we reported plans to boost M cars with hybrid power, but that won’t happen before 2021, meaning the X3 M will offer mild hybrid e-boosting assistance at best.
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