BMW has used DTM race at the
Nürburgring to unveil the X3 M and X4 M prototypes. Designed to preview the
production models, the prototypes have been equipped with a sportier front
bumper which features three large air intakes with honeycomb mesh inserts.
Moving further back, we can see aerodynamic door mirrors and lightweight alloy
wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system with blue
calipers.
The rear of the crossovers are more distinctive as
they feature a modified bumper and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system. The
models have also been equipped with a unique rear spoiler. BMW declined to release
performance specifications, but confirmed the crossovers will be powered by a
“newly developed straight six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology
and high-revving characteristics.” The company declined to elaborate, but
previous reports have suggested the models will have a 3.0-liter M TwinPower
Turbo six-cylinder engine with up to 454 hp.
Besides the new engine, the crossovers will have an
M xDrive all-wheel drive system that echos the one used on the M5. BMW says it
“guarantees maximum traction and loss-free distribution of drive torque for
achieving extremely dynamic handling characteristics.” Other performance upgrades will
include an active M rear differential and a sportier suspension. BMW didn’t
such much about the latter, but promised the crossovers will have “unrivalled”
levels of agility, precision and cornering dynamics.
The company declined to say when the models will be
launched, but BMW M President Frank van Meel said “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.”
