BMW X3 M to feature tri-turbocharged engine - report

2011 BMW X3 with M Sports Package - 12.16.2010

Could be launched as soon as 2012

Citing a "well placed" source, Car is reporting that BMW could launch an X3 M as early as 2012.

The magazine says that the high-performance model will likely adopt a tri-turbocharged 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that develops 449 hp (335 kW / 455 PS).

We're taking this with a healthy dose of skepticism, but BMW is reportedly weighing four different engines for the next-generation M3 and that mill will likely be shared with the X3 M.

Note: 2011 BMW X3 with M Sports Package pictured

Source: Car

BMW X3 M Sport Package more details and photos
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BMW X3 M rendered
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eaksoy

The words "Turbo" and "M" shouldn't be used in the same sentence but what can I do... The world is changing...along with the essence that made M Power cars so unique among the competition...

May 24, 2011 1:15 pm

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stickshiftfanatic

I understand the sentiment, but you said it, the world is changing. This move to turbos is twofold: first, the world's governing bodies and their ever-tightening emissions and fuel economy requirements, and second, BMW's self-admittance that they have essentially reached the maximum potential of the naturally aspirated 6cyl.

May 24, 2011 1:26 pm

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Davidkhund

whats done is done. we will see more turbo's.. of course NA engines had lovely sound (compare Zonda F's sound and Hauauauauuauyyara's).. So i think that BMW will build more great engines but with turbo..

May 24, 2011 1:40 pm

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D12NAB

Have you heard the sound of the BiTurbo AMG V8? And compared it to say the N/A 6.2 AMG V8? They sound frighteningly similar, back to back I think the BiTurbo sounds better and with a higher amount of torque too it's a win win situation. BMW will nail whatever engine configuration they go for, but I don't see the point in an M-Powered X3.

May 25, 2011 3:14 am

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mhectorgato

Turbo and M doesn't bother me so much, as the rules are changing. What bothers me is X and M; Porsche and Cayenne; BMW's GT; etc. I guess they are necessary evils in this day and age.

May 24, 2011 1:54 pm

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scratchy996

explain why they are evil, lots of people really like them. there was a 5GT in front of a restaurant last night, every passerby liked it.

May 24, 2011 9:21 pm

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v6s_stink

What bothers me is that there is such a huge performance gain to still be had with I6's and reduced weight. Sure, it costs money to use carbon fiber and alloys. Adding an additional turbo is much cheaper, but we are talking BMW money here with an upper-case "M".

May 24, 2011 1:59 pm

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stickshiftfanatic

.....so what you are saying is that BMW's M division should be more like Porsche; outrageously overpriced (even more so than M's already are) because they use the very best and lightest of materials?

May 24, 2011 2:59 pm

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v6s_stink

They already are outrageously overpriced. Since they are, they should be more than tuned engines and suspensions.

May 24, 2011 4:00 pm

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stickshiftfanatic

Agreed, my heart about stopped when they announced the '08 M3 would have a base price of $60k! But to be fair, it is a bit more than just engine and suspension, like the true mechanical limited slip differential, drilled floating disc brakes, Carbon fiber, and forged aluminum control arms...

May 25, 2011 9:10 am

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GRAVE

450HP is a lot and it's allready lighter than its big brother X5 so its going to steal the sales from the X5M

May 24, 2011 3:09 pm

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Microice

And some people were quick to shoot down news of an Audi Q5-RS but it seems there's a business case after all...

May 24, 2011 3:24 pm

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dayday

which means the new M3 and possible Z4M will have this 3 turbos 6 engine as well! I'm looking forward to it!

May 24, 2011 4:38 pm

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benz_man

must be some tiny turbos...

May 24, 2011 5:43 pm

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shaahinmt

a new engine for a car that no sane person cares about. good job bmw!

May 24, 2011 5:43 pm

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norther

and how would the engine be layed out? one turbo for every 2 cylinders? or 2 turbos on the side and on supercharger on top? this sounds...not very smart, to be polite

May 24, 2011 8:51 pm

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BushMaster

it might have 1 small turbos for each 3 cylinder and 1 big turbo at the end. but twin supercharger and a really big turbocharger would be nice, virtually no lag experience.

May 24, 2011 11:05 pm

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BushMaster

What the hell! just make a twin supercharge, twin turbocharge V6!

May 24, 2011 11:09 pm

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Sammy_R-Gti

3 turbos sounds funny , but hey the good news is, i think and hope to see an audi q5rs and merc glk amg, i know thiers a brabus glk and other things but no real amg version

May 25, 2011 1:44 am

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schizo

There is an AMG body-kit for the GLK...but it's ugly as hell.

May 25, 2011 10:25 am

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Microice

I wonder if news of the upcoming Porsche Cayenne-junior is reason behind Q5-RS and X3M?

May 25, 2011 5:34 am

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will_wonka

Wow, that sounds great!............M3 / X3 utlising the same engine technology..............another pointless "car". I used to have respect for BMW and their innovative approach, but offering nothing more than a jacked up 3 series with the same engine as the respected M3 is utter nonsense. The X5 was bad enough........but now an X3M.....what next.....an X1M (or any X1) which is a joke of a Noddy car by any stretch of the imagination. Hilarity all round when you see one of those abominations on the motorway........

May 25, 2011 6:58 am

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dayday

I don't see anything wrong with high performance SUV. As long as there is a market for it, they should build it. At the end of the day, BMW is a company, they make cars to SELL. And I thought BMW's already confirmed that they are making a X1M anyway.

May 25, 2011 5:14 pm

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schizo

What's wrong with BMW M and turbos? Before M badge wearing road cars were rampant there were the fire spewing turbo-charged BMW engined Formula-One cars! Even before that the 2002Tii... Turbo & BMW is a natural combination...it was just forgotten for the past 2 decades.

May 25, 2011 10:29 am

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HEMI426

Why bother to make it?

May 26, 2011 10:43 am

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clash_189

Some people request it and BMW doesn't want to waste time not to hear them. I would more than happy to have X3-M because of my living condition which in some cases can't allow me to drive M3 and M5 avant is too expensive while X5-M is too big for my taste and will be too tight for my garage

May 26, 2011 8:35 pm

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ClintonM3

Anyone with an issue with BMW's turbo engines are either trying to be a purist or have never owned one. There is absolutely nothing wrong with those engines. Turbo lag? Basically none. If you find turbo lag, you are either driving in the wrong gear or driving like a granny (org F&F reference here). There is no question BMW will still be the premier motor manufacturer in the world.

May 28, 2011 7:35 am

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