It’s unlikely that the Motorsport division of BMW ever deliberate or meant to lend its identify and engineering know-how to develop probably the most rambunctious SUVs on the planet. Nevertheless it’s almost 2025, and now the BMW M lineup consists of a number of totally different M-branded SUV fashions. Right this moment, the lineup is extra aggressive than ever. So, how do they stack up?
BMW X3 M
It’s on the way in which out, however you may nonetheless choose up a new X3 M. As of this writing, AutoTrader reveals 19 remaining new X3 M SUVs on seller heaps. Get it whilst you can, as a result of the X3 M is a one-and-done era that received’t come again with the brand new G45 X3. With just-right sizing and the highly effective S58 engine underneath the hood, it’s the proper illustration of what BMW’s “Sports activities Exercise Automobiles” needs to be.
With all-wheel drive and as much as 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, it scrambles from zero to 60 mph in underneath three and a half seconds. It’s nonetheless conventionally fairly, too, providing classically styled kidney grilles and headlights. It received’t ever win an award for “most comfortable-riding SUV,” however dynamically, the X3 M is pleasant. It was additionally the primary car to tout the S58 engine, which now you can discover underneath the hood of the long-lasting M2, M3, and M4. We expect the X3 M is one of the best mix of efficiency and utility within the present M SUV lineup, providing a bit of little bit of all the pieces and few actual drawbacks.
BMW X4 M
The X4 M is extra available than the X3 M, because it’s nonetheless in manufacturing, however in any other case the SUV is similar in most respects. The fastback design provides it a “sportier” look, however I personally desire the boxed look of the X3 M extra. The X3 M can be ever-so-slightly extra sensible, granting extra second-row headroom and cargo house.
Nonetheless, dynamically, the X4 M is tough to beat. It will get all the identical M bits that the X3 M does, and weighs marginally much less (we’re speaking like, 20 kilos; 4597 kilos vs. 4610 kilos). The one actual drawbacks are some minor aesthetics and a small worth premium over the X3 M. That mentioned, the X4 M nonetheless appears significantly higher than a number of the newer creations rolling out of the BMW plant. Just like the X3 M, the X4 M can be restricted to only one era – so in order for you a brand new one, now could be the time.
BMW X5 M
The very best of the V8-powered M SUVs is hands-down the X5 M. It’s one of the best trying in our estimation, and $5,000 cheaper than the mechanically similar X6 M. Don’t get us began on the $35,000 upcharge that the XM requests of you. Whereas earlier fashions have been caught with the S63 engine, new X5 M fashions profit from the S68, which brings gentle hybrid energy and consummate bumps to effectivity whereas nonetheless offering the identical 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Each items displace 4.4 liters and make the most of twin turbochargers.
Having pushed an X5 M or two on the observe, I can personally attest to the SUV’s physics-defying dynamics. It’s means too massive to maneuver with the agility it does, however then over 600 horsepower will do this – even to a virtually 5,500-pound tank. Zero to 60 mph happens in roughly the identical 3.5 seconds, and at velocity it feels faster than the littler M SUVs however, nonetheless, its additional dimension and heft is noticeable behind the wheel, and it’s nonetheless considerably dearer. A lot of the selection comes right down to desire: for those who want the agility, the X3 M is the way in which to go. For those who simply care about uncooked acceleration and velocity, the X5 M is preferable.
BMW X6 M
The slope-roofed counterpart to the X5 M suffers from the identical downsides because the smaller X4 M. So, anticipate slight compromises in cargo and head room areas so as to look “sportier.” The X6 M’s extra polarizing look, mixed with the next MSRP, makes it only a shut second between the mostly-the-same X5 M. The driving thrills stay intact from its extra historically formed X5 counterpart.
BMW XM
Properly, we now have to speak about it. The excellent news is that the BMW XM Label is technically nonetheless probably the most highly effective M car in manufacturing, providing 738 horsepower from a hybrid setup comprising a 4.4-liter V8 and a 25.7 kWh battery pack. Sadly, BMW forgot to design the car, and so we’re caught with an unlucky confluence of seemingly random physique traces, angles, and grilles that make the XM not undriveable, however removed from nice to have a look at.
Between a sky-high MSRP of $159,000 and jaw-dropping, head-scratching aesthetics, it’s exhausting to advocate the BMW XM. The X5 M does higher from a efficiency perspective, and the X7 M60i is about as luxurious whereas costing tens of hundreds of {dollars} much less.
