BMW 
launched the X3 back in 2003 as its second SUV and the market’s first compact luxury crossover. Updated in 2010, the X3 ditched its weird-looking front fascia in favor of a nose that resembled the X5’s. The second-gen crossover also saw production move from Graz, Austria, to BMW’s U.S. factory in Greer, South Carolina. As a result, the X3 entered the North American market as a locally built vehicle with a more affordable sticker. For 2015, BMW offers the X3 in three guises, with the engine lineup including 2.0-liter, four-cylinder and 3.0-liter, inline-six gasoline units, as well as a 2.0-liter diesel mill.
With both Mercedes-Benz and Audi reportedly working on beefed-up versions of their GLC (GLK) and Q5 models, respectively, BMW is considering green-lighting a high-performance version of the X3 for the third-generation model. Likely to arrive in 2016, the X3 M has been somewhat confirmed by BMW M chief Frank van Meel at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, who also revealed that the X4 is scheduled to receive an M version as well. While the X3 M is being kept under wraps as of January 2015, we put together a speculative piece on what the crossover might have to offer once it arrives. Read on for the details.
Updated 01/15/2015: In a recent interview offered at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show, BMW M chief Frank van Meel announced that both the X3 and the X4 are about to receive M versions. It should arrive in dealerships sometime in 2016.
Updated 01/28/2015: Based on the latest rumors, we’ve created a rendering for the future X3 M SUV. Check it out after the jump.
Rendering
Exterior
The exterior design of the X3 M is actually easy to anticipate. All we need to do is analyze the 2015 X5 M in comparison to the regular X5 to draw an accurate picture. And even though the styling of the next-gen X3 is still an enigma, BMW’s recent redesigns suggest the crossover’s sheet metal won’t receive significant changes. Compared to the X3, we expect the M version to showcase beefier bumpers front and rear, larger front air intakes, a quad-exhaust-pipe layout embedded in the rear apron and new side skirts. New wheel designs, fatter tires and a couple of unique colors are also on the table. Naturally, a host of tailored options will be available once the crossover arrives in showrooms.
Interior
Don’t expect massive enhancements on the inside, but be on the lookout for a host of M-specific features. A sportier, leather-wrapped steering wheel and sports seats dressed in Merino leather are the first details that come to mind. A Nappa leather dashboard and an M-specific instrument cluster will occupy the driver’s lower visual field. Additional luxury items are likely to include an Alcantara headliner, aluminum trim, and a premium surround sound system. The list of standard convenience and safety equipment should be consistent and packed with goodies such as automatically dimming rearview and exterior mirrors, four-zone automatic climate control, and Park Distance Control rearview camera.
Drivetrain
You shouldn’t expect a V-8-powered X3 M if you don’t want to be disappointed, because BMW isn’t planning on dropping the X5’s bonkers, twin-turbo 4.4-liter into the crossover. Instead, the X3 M is likely to receive the same turbocharged, 3.0-liter, inline-six fitted in the M3 and M4. Specifics are yet unknown, but the mill cranks out 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in both the coupe and the sedan. Sixty mph should come in around five seconds thanks to its 400-plus ponies, and the top speed will almost certainly be electronically limited at 155 mph. BMW’s brand-new, eight-speed M Steptronic automatic is the likely transmission choice, mated to a revised xDrive system.
Prices
It’s way too early to talk about prices, but the fact that the X3 M will be the most expensive version of the X3 range is already a fact. A sticker in excess of $60,000 is very likely.
Competition
Audi RS Q5
Since the Audi Q5 came a little late to the luxury crossover party — six years later than the X3 actually — it’s not surprising it has yet to spawn a high-performance version. Ingolstadt currently offers a peppy SQ5 variant for the 2015 model year, but a more powerful RS iteration is reportedly under development. While the former gets 354 horsepower from a 3.0-liter TFSI engine, the RS Q5 is likely to receive the twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 used in the RS7, which should translate in an output of around 500 ponies and a 0-to-60 sprint of just under five seconds.
The RS Q5 could arrive in the United States as soon as 2016 with a starting price of around $65,000.
Mercedes-AMG GLC63
Besides getting a new name to show its relation with the C-Class, the crossover still known as the GLK is also rumored to gain an AMG-prepped version as it passes into a new generation. Because it benefits from the newly developed platform underpinning the C-Class, the GLC63 will also gain access to AMG’s new 4.0-liter V-8. The turbo mill cranks out 510 horsepower and 516 pound-feet in the C63 S and 476 ponies and 479 pound-feet in the C63, but it’s unknown whether the GLC63 will come with the same specifications.
With the regular GLC set to arrive sometime in 2015, I expect the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 to break cover in 2016. Pricing should be close its German rivals in the $60,000 range.
Gallery Mercedes-AMG GLC 63
Conclusion
Not much is known about the future BMW X3 M, and the fact that the high-performance crossover is still a rumor makes things that much more difficult. However, thanks to BMW’s almost linear redesigns as of late, I am confident the actual production car fits most of my description. As for the impact the X3 M will have on the luxury market, I’m also confident the high-performance hauler will be met with much enthusiasm, which will help it contribute to the nameplate’s success in the United States.