BMW's Upcoming X3 M Could Be Its First SUV With A Competition Pack

Now the whole family can enjoy a track-focused BMW.

It is no secret BMW has been working on an M version of the X3 SUV, which is rumored to pack a 450-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six. This high-performance SUV will go to battle with models such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Mercedes GLC63 AMG, and recently revealed Jaguar F-Pace SVR. We have no doubt the X3 M will be competitive in this segment, but BMW may have a secret weapon in store. According to Motor.es, the X3 M may be the first BMW SUV to receive a Competition Package.

We have recently seen how a Competition Package greatly increased the performance of the M2, so there is no telling what it could do for the X3 M. The report claims the package could add as much as 25 hp to bring the total to 475. This is still off the mark of rivals from Jaguar and Mercedes, but BMW has always been competitive even with less power under the hood. Since the X3 M hasn't even been revealed yet, it is difficult to speculate on how hardcore a Competition Package model could be. Clearly it won't add a completely new engine as in the M2, but it will likely bring in stiffer suspension, better handling, more aggressive looks, and weight reduction.

The X3 M is expected to be revealed by the end of the year, so we should have our answers soon. Judging by how late in the product cycle the Competition Package arrived for the M2, M3, and M4, we doubt it will be available at launch for the X3 M.

BMW X8 Could Arrive By 2020 To Battle Upcoming Audi Q8

Should anyone be surprised? No.

Although the project has yet to be given the official greenlight, BMW is reportedly studying the possibility of a new luxury SUV slotted above the upcoming X7. According to BMW Blog, the German automaker is evaluating whether or not to produce an X8, which would likely target the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and the upcoming Audi Q8, which was revealed in concept form at Detroit. The confirmed X7, which we’ve already seen in spy shots, will be a three-row SUV but BMW believes there’s a market for something even more luxurious and sporty-looking.

Think of the X8 as a sexier, more coupe-like styling alternative to the X7, as is the case with the X5 and X6. However, the X8 could become the only X model not to be built on BMW’s CLAR modular platform. Instead it could share a few CLAR components and underpinnings with the upcoming Rolls-Royce Cullinan’s lightweight aluminum structure. In order to make the X8 relevant in its segment, BMW would also need to ensure its rear seat passengers have the same feeling of space they’d experience in the X7, meaning sufficient headroom with a roofline that dips more aggressively towards the rear end.

Expect to see a 2+2 seating arrangement only; a third-row rear bench, which is optional in the X6, won’t be offered. As far as powertrains go, the X8 will likely offer two gasoline engine options, the xDrive40i and xDrive50i, and two plug-in hybrids, the xDrive50e iPerformance and xDrive60e iPerformance. If BMW decides to go ahead with the X8, don’t expect to see it arrive until 2020 at the very earliest.

This BMW M8 GTE Is The Racing Version Of The Upcoming M8 Road Car

Similar chassis. Different engines. Both are pure M.

This past week, BMW rolled out its M8 GTE for the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in Daytona and if you strip away its unique livery and racing components, you’re looking at the upcoming M8 road car. Two M8 GTEs will be taking part in the upcoming Rolex 24 at Daytona, the next milestone in “Mission8.” Not only is BMW in it to win, but it’s also using these endurance races as further development tools for the M8 itself. And speaking of endurance racing, the M8 GTE will also be taking part in the most grueling of them all in June, Le Mans.

What’s also interesting is that the M8 GTE represents the first time in BMW Motorsport history when a race car will be in action before its series counterpart. Obviously that will come in handy as the final touches are being applied to the road-going version, and the M8 GTE itself will be undergoing adjustments throughout the racing season. “After the car has been homologated, there are some areas in which we can, and may, make changes. We can still do some work on the software, in particular,” said BMW Motorsport director Jens Marquardt. “We will also continue to work on aligning the BMW M8 GTE with all its systems, and will integrate all the reference values we have acquired.

First of all, however, we are looking forward to the maiden race in Daytona.” Marquardt also noted how his racing team worked with M8 development team numerous times. We synchronized the focus of our development with the core areas of the production model,” he said. “The question was: what should the racing car emanate and embody? The core values of the BMW 8 Series Coupe should also be the strength of the BMW M8 GTE.” One of the key differences between the two, however, is the engine, which had to be significantly modified for racing purposes. Some aspects of the exterior design are notably different, but the roof line is the same.

The BMW 8 Series is expected to debut this March at Geneva, and it’s certainly possible the M8 will debut there as well. If not, a summertime unveiling, just prior to Le Mans, is the likely alternative. BMW already promised a debut sometime in 2018, so hold on to your hats because an instant icon could soon be upon us.

BMW Looks To The Future With Upcoming i4

It will join four an ever-growing range of EVs when it arrives in 2021.

The much-awaited 3 Series was the main event at this year's Paris Motor Show but somehow we got the feeling that it was the beginning of the end for the traditional gas-powered sedan segment.

The new 3 showcased some impressive tech and the hybrid 330e is a big step up from the current model, but behind the scenes, BMW is working on a major EV offensive that Chairman Harald Krüger confirmed will include the i4 in 2021.

This model will become the fifth fully electric core offering from the Bavarian manufacturer, the first being the i3 which has just been given a bigger battery pack. The Mini Electric is due next year followed by the iX3 SUV in 2020. Both the range-topping iNext and i4 sedan will make their entrance in 2021 and it doesn’t end there.

By 2025, BMW plans to have 25 electrified models in total, 12 of which will be fully-electric.

With regards to the i4, Krüger remained tight-lipped about any specific details but this model originated from the i Vision Dynamics concept shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. That vehicle had a sub-3-second 0-60 mph time and a range of up to 373 miles. Battery capacities will range between 60kWh and 120kWh for these next-gen EVs so that sort of range is well within reach.

Size wise, the i4 should be in line with the current 3 and 4 series models and will be the more affordable option as opposed to the flagship iNext EV. Perhaps the inclusion of a classic sedan body style EV in the upcoming range is what is needed to ensure that this segment continues to flourish.

BMW Looks To The Future With Upcoming i4

It will join four an ever-growing range of EVs when it arrives in 2021.

The much-awaited 3 Series was the main event at this year's Paris Motor Show but somehow we got the feeling that it was the beginning of the end for the traditional gas-powered sedan segment.

The new 3 showcased some impressive tech and the hybrid 330e is a big step up from the current model, but behind the scenes, BMW is working on a major EV offensive that Chairman Harald Krüger confirmed will include the i4 in 2021.

This model will become the fifth fully electric core offering from the Bavarian manufacturer, the first being the i3 which has just been given a bigger battery pack. The Mini Electric is due next year followed by the iX3 SUV in 2020. Both the range-topping iNext and i4 sedan will make their entrance in 2021 and it doesn’t end there.

By 2025, BMW plans to have 25 electrified models in total, 12 of which will be fully-electric.

With regards to the i4, Krüger remained tight-lipped about any specific details but this model originated from the i Vision Dynamics concept shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. That vehicle had a sub-3-second 0-60 mph time and a range of up to 373 miles. Battery capacities will range between 60kWh and 120kWh for these next-gen EVs so that sort of range is well within reach.

Size wise, the i4 should be in line with the current 3 and 4 series models and will be the more affordable option as opposed to the flagship iNext EV. Perhaps the inclusion of a classic sedan body style EV in the upcoming range is what is needed to ensure that this segment continues to flourish.