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BMW's M division has built some of the most successful cars of all time, from the E30 M3 to the V10-powered E60 M5. Previously, the cars of the M division were memorable and distinctive, but BMW now seems to focus more on quantity than on quality. Like its rival Mercedes-Benz and its AMG division, BMW is trying to fill every niche with an M car. The latest vehicles to get the M treatment are the X3 and X4 crossovers.
Normally, automakers are trying to hide their camouflaged prototypes, but BMW has released its X3 M and X4 M for the world during a race at the Nurburgring in Germany. Both performance crossovers will lose their disguise and receive a full public unveiling at a later date.
BMW has for some time offered M performance versions of the larger X5 and X6, which was only a matter of time before the X3 and X4 enjoyed the same treatment. For those unfamiliar with BMW's labyrinthine lineup, the X3 is a small, traditional crossover that rivals models like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5. The X4 is a "coupe" version of the X3, with a lower roofline that gives it a more sporty and elegant look. If the X4 succeeds in this mission is not clear.
Technical details are rare, but BMW said the X3 M and X4 M would use an online turbo engine. This will likely be based on the 3.0-liter engine used in the current M40i versions of the X3 and X4. According to BMW, both models will benefit from standard all-wheel drive, incorporating lessons learned from the latest version of M5. Sport suspension and BMW's Active M rear differential will also be part of the package.
The X3 M and X4 M will probably not do any good to BMW, but given the insatiable public demand for commercial vehicles, they will probably sell like hotcakes. BMW certainly sees a future in commercial vehicles because it adds new variants to its range. In addition to the two new M variants, the German automaker has recently announced the plug-in X2 M235i xDrive hybrid and X5 xDrive 45th iPerformance.
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