X3 ///M Spy Shots and CGIs Thread
 

As per latest reports BMW is considering an X3 M. If it gets the green light it will probably have the next M3's engine and better handling than the X5 M, as it will be much lighter considering that new X3 is under 4000 lbs.

Renderings from Bimmerboost.

looks awesome, will they actually be making an X3 M?

They are seriously thinking about it.

Nice dig, as your usual, LM!
That pearl white or TitAg version might move up on my "replace the 9-10 yr old X5" list...
Otoh, if the usual "M" pricing is the price, it might be pushing $65+Gs, if/when it come out.

Fineazz looking potential car, though but, I need a Net-A-Thon fundraiser. :D
BR, mD

That is beautiful.

BMW X3 M (2012): the go-faster SUV

By Georg Kacher

Spy shots

24 May 2011 10:13

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

An electric supercharger, plus two turbochargers. Interesting. Could refer to a version of the hybrid turbocharger that is being promoted. That uses an electric drive for boost, and a separately located exhaust turbine that is not mechanically connected, but which charges the power source for the compressor. Fast response times, as well as overall efficiency gains on engine over-run. Interesting times.

what would this compete with? there is no S Q5, or AMG GLK...

Exactly... The X6 had no direct competitors--look at what the other car companies made now.

I wonder how it would match up against the cayenne turbo around the track though.. It's lighter than the X5/6M and will surely have great handling

Not yet. ;)