First ever BMW X3 M and X4 M coming in 2019

BMW is extending its range of high performance M models to the X3 and X4 for the first time. The X3 M and X4 M will join the X5 M and X6 M in 2019 as BMW’s M division newest members.

As proof that development is already underway, the German car maker brought prototypes of the X3 M and the X4 M to the Nürburgring circuit where both high performance SUVs were test driven on the track.

The first public appearance of the camouflaged X3 M and X4 M prototypes coincided with the DTM racing weekend at the Nürburgring, giving fans of fast SUVs a taste of what’s to come from BMW’s latest M models.

The Nürburgring has been the traditional setting for the testing and tuning of specific BMW M models, comprising drive system, suspension and aerodynamics testing.

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 X3 M and X4 M already bear the characteristics of a BMW M model at an early stage of their development phase.

Both models will be powered by a newly developed turbocharged straight six-cylinder engine which is expected to be a derivative of the powerplant found in the M3 and M4.

Specific tuning of the M xDrive technology means the M badged X3 and X4 will adopt a rear-biased all-wheel drive system, similar to the one employed in the latest M5.

Coupled to an active M rear axle differential, BMW claims the cornering dynamics, agility and precision of the X3 M and X4 M will be “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.

The new M models will rival the likes of Mercedes-AMG GLC and GLC Coupe, Audi SQ5 and Jaguar F-Pace SVR.

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