目前而言，旗舰版M40i已经是市场上能买到的性能最好的宝马X3，而在此次法兰克福车展上，这家德国车厂确认正考虑推出更高性能的X3 M车型。宝马X3研发负责人Arno Keller在采访时表示X3M的推出仍在评估当中，目前而言还未有任何进展，但是在技术及平台上完全可行，在推出xLine车型、M运动套件以及M40i车型之后，不排除后续还有更高性能的版本车型。再者，其余几位来自宝马的高层同样表示推出X3M的计划很快会拍板下来，并对此持有相当乐观的态度。据最新报道，X3M内部代号F97，有望搭载一款涡轮增压直列六缸引擎，性能与M3、M4上的3.0L双涡轮增压引擎类似，输出最大功率在425到430马力之间，至少会比M40i多出70马力，峰值扭矩也将高于比M40i的500Nm。作为参考，目前X3M40i的百公里加速时间为4.6秒，最高时速被电子系统限制在时速250公里。动力以及其他配置上的升级将会显著地提高X3的性能，毫无疑问地让X3M成为全系车型中最强大的版本。目前谈论新车价格还为时尚早，但是得知2018款X3M40i将在这个季度于美国正式发售，起步价为5.5万美元（约合人民币36万），如果未来X3M真能走向量产，价格不会低于这个数字。
First-ever BMW X3 M Officially Under Evaluation
The M40i is the hottest version of the new X3 you can buy today from BMW, but that could change sooner or later as the company has admitted it’s toying around with the idea of giving the SUV the full-fat M treatment. The reveal was made this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show by Arno Keller - the man in charge of the X3 project - in an interview when he was asked by the media whether the X3 will get the whole M shebang.
He wasn’t the only BMW official to briefly talk about a potential M version as the X3’s product manager, Roland Meier, admitted a final decision will be taken soon, arguing that we can “definitely speculate” on the subject. In addition, the head honcho of the company’s Australian division, Marc Werner, said an X3 M “makes sense” and that he’s patiently waiting for the version to get the stamp of approval and head Down Under.
These are all signs it will likely happen, especially if we take into consideration Keller dropped a not-so-subtle hint about the prospects of an X3 M. According to the latest intel, the X3 M carries the F97 codename and will get a turbocharged straight-six engine closely related to the biturbo 3.0-liter powering the M3 and M4. In the new application, it will be good for somewhere in the region of 425 to 430 hp, which would be at least 70 hp more than the aforementioned M40i. Torque should also rise over the latter’s 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters).
The power gain corroborated with additional upgrades will significantly improve performance over the current range topper. As a refresher, the M40i needs 4.6 seconds until 60 mph (96 kph) and tops out at an electronically limited 155 mph (250 kph).
It’s too early to talk about pricing, but it goes without saying it will command a serious premium over the 2018 X3 M40i estimated to begin in the United States from $55,000 once it will go on sale this fall.