It's taken BMW quite some time to deliver on this but we're finally seeing the day. The almighty M3 and M4 will get its respective sport-utility vehicle counterpart.
BMW has made it official: The X3 M and X4 M are here. Well, sort of.
BMW X3 M/X4 M
That's because the cars are still wrapped up in camouflage for their debut. Good going, BMW. Spoil the fun. Debuted at a DTM race at the Nürburgring this weekend, BMW is having a little bit of fun teasing the SUVs.
As you'll note in the press release below, no official details are revealed but we're sure that's just around the corner. All I know is I've been waiting for these to come around and that I am eager to see how these two get spec'd and priced out.
Stay tuned, Spies.
BMW X3 M/X4 M
BMW's press release follows:
Warm-up on the Nürburgring: First official presentation of the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M.
BMW M GmbH extends its range of four-wheel drive high-performance models – Camouflaged prototypes to be presented at a driving event during the supporting programme of the DTM races.
Munich, Germany - September 8, 2018... The BMW M GmbH is extending its range of high performance models in the segment of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupes (SAC). The high-performance character so typical of BMW automobiles will be passed on to two further BMW X models, the series development of which has already been kicked off. During the DTM racing weekend at the Nürburgring (7 – 9 September 2018), prototypes of the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M will be test driven on the circuit. Thus, the camouflaged pre-series vehicles will be making their first public appearance precisely where the dynamic driving qualities of the BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M will reach their final level of maturity. The Nürburgring is the traditional setting for the completion of the ultimate testing and tuning programme for the specific overall M package comprising drive system, suspension and aerodynamics.
With large air intakes at the front, specific M features for optimised aerodynamics and an exhaust system with four tailpipes integrated into the rear apron, the vehicles already bear the characteristics of a BMW M model at an early stage of their development phase. The technological highlight of the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M is a newly developed straight six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and high-revving characteristics.
Part of the development process is the specific tuning of the M xDrive technology introduced for the first time in the new BMW M5. This technology is deployed in the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M to ensure constant supreme and performance-oriented transfer of engine power to all four wheels. The M- specific further development of the intelligent four-wheel drive system guarantees maximum traction and loss-free distribution of drive torque for achieving extremely dynamic handling characteristics. In interaction with the active M rear axle differential, cornering dynamics, agility and precision in the driving behaviour of the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M are lifted to a level unrivalled within the competitive environment.
“With their M specific performance characteristics, the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M will set benchmarks in terms of dynamics in their respective vehicle segment,” says Frank van Meel, President BMW M GmbH.
With the development of its latest model innovations, the BMW M GmbH is once again breaking into an additional segment. The BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M render it possible for the first time to experience superior performance, agility and precision also in a Sports Activity Vehicle and a Sports Activity Coupe of the premium mid-range class. Thus, the BMW M GmbH is consistently continuing its successful strategy of dynamic growth with new and particularly attractive vehicle concepts.