The X3 M together with its coupe-SUV twin X4 M are the latest performance models to join BMW M’s range. During our first drive of the X3 M, we learned that the SUV is actually a pretty capable machine that’s worthy of the M badge. The Bavarian company has invested a lot into developing the performance SUV and making it a beast and it believes it should become the best-selling M model in the very near future.
The M division’s best-seller globally currently is the M2 Competition which, depending on the region, is followed by either the M3 or M5. BMW expects the new X3 M to reshuffle the charts and take the top spot within the next few years. Australia’s Motoring recently had a chat with BMW Australia spokesman Adam Davis, who confirmed to the publication BMW’s ambitions about the X3 M.
All you need to know about the X3 M:
“We expect the X3 M to be the highest selling M car. It is now by far the biggest selling M or M Performance car in Australia. So it’s a logical progression for the X3 M to follow the same course for M cars.” Global BMW boss Markus Flasch is also sure that’s the most likely direction: “The X3 M will be within the high-performance segment probably the highest selling.”
With up to 503 bhp and 442 lb-ft of torque, the X3 M is the most powerful production X3 ever released. It has an eight-speed automatic gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that allow you to take control of gear-shifting. In Competition form, the 0-60 miles per hour sprint takes exactly 4.0 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed to 155 mph – these are some impressive numbers that should make the performance SUV the best-seller of BMW M. Or at least that's what BMW believes.
Gallery: 2020 BMW X3 M Competition: First Drive
Source: Motoring