Nurburgring - BMW is getting ready to launch the first-ever M versions of its X3 and X4 crossover vehicles.
Although the models have been rumoured for quite some time, BMW officially confirmed them at the DTM racing weekend at the Nürburgring this past Saturday, where lightly camouflaged prototypes made an appearance on the circuit.
The Bavarian carmaker also confirmed that the pair will come with a “newly developed six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo” technology. No word yet on exactly how different it’ll be the from the six that powers the current M3 and M4, nor how much power it’ll have, although various sources abroad are throwing around figures in the region of 330kW.
The X3 M and X4 M will have a similar xDrive all-wheel-drive system to the latest M5, BMW has confirmed, as well as an active M rear differential.
BMW M GmbH President Frank van Meel promises that the pair will “set benchmarks in terms of dynamics” in their respective segments.
The design changes, from what we can decipher, don’t appear all that bold, but the models do sport some M specific touches in the form of redesigned bumpers, larger wheels and quad tailpipes built into the rear apron.
The vehicles are likely to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in early October, so watch this space for further details.