M-Version of the popular German Crossover spotted
BMW fans have been asking the German auto maker for a more powerful X3 sport utility vehicle and it looks like Corporate in Munich listened. A spy photographer has recently captured the first snapshots of the fast crossover.
Caught testing in on the streets of Germany, the BMW X3 M is identified as such with the characteristic large air intakes and grille inserts which are designed to channel air into the engine compartment and brakes to facilitate cooling. Additional changes are not immediately apparent but the prototype crossover is equipped with the four tailpipe exhaust system that has become characteristic of BMW’s M-vehicles. Lastly, the high performance cross over has large allow wheels that reveal a high-performance braking system.
As with all production M-vehicles, we can expect to see aerodynamic mirrors, a sportier rear bumper and front fender vents.
There are no details about the engine powering the BMW X3 M but it will likely be more powerful than the X4 M40i which has a 3.0-liter twin turbo six cylinder engine that produces 360 horsepower and 343 pound feet of torque. This is sufficient for 0 to 60 times of 4.7 seconds accelerating all the way up to a top speed of 130 miles per hour.
When the X3 M is released, it will be facing some stiff competition in the form of the 500+ horsepower Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and the 400 horsepower Macan turbo