The next generation of the BMW X3 could spawn a M-tuned model, a German newspaper reports.
Called X3 M, the hot-rodded crossover will allegedly use a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine tuned to deliver approximately 500 horsepower. All-wheel drive and an automatic transmission will come standard, and BMW most likely won’t offer a purist-friendly manual gearbox for cost and demand reasons. Performance specifications aren’t available yet.
At the other end of the spectrum, the next X3 will also be offered with gasoline- and diesel-burning four- and six-cylinder engines borrowed from the BMW parts bin. Germany’s Focus reports that buyers concerned about fuel economy will be able to order the X3 with a revised version of the gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain that powers the X5 xDrive 40e.
If the rumor is accurate, the first-ever BMW X3 M will be introduced at a major auto show in 2018, about a year after the non-M-tuned model, and it will go on sale in time for the 2019 model year. When it lands, it will have to fend off competition from Audi’s rumored RS Q5 and Mercedes-AMG’s hotly-anticipated version of the GLC crossover.
Note: Current BMW X3 pictured.
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