Performance compact SUVs are in their infancy but that doesn’t stop automakers from competing for a slice of this rarified pie. We’ve driven most of them too, so we have a good sense of what this segment offers, from the feral supercharged Jaguar F-Pace SVR (92.000 USD), the GLC 63 S Warhammer from AMG (90.500 USD), to the glorious Stelvio Quadrifoglio from Alfa Romeo (95.000 USD). We can’t forget about the Porsche Macan Turbo either. That leaves just one fruit on the tree, and it comes from the blue roundel.
BMW has unleashed their hardcore compact SUVs in two variants, the X3 M (82.700 USD) and X4 M (84.300 USD), the former being the more traditional SUV with a boxy roofline and more conventional liftgate, while the latter is the sportier coupe variant with a sloping roofline. To make things even more confusing, you can spend an extra 10.300 USD for the Competition variant that adds even more horsepower, track capability, and street cred to the mix.
On the outside and much like its competitors, it can be terribly difficult differentiating the X3 M from its lower X3 compatriots. That said, there are a few standout features, like the quad exhausts, signature C-shaped side mirrors, flared up fender vents, exclusive Donington Grey and Toronto Red paint colors, and of course, the liberal slab of M badges. Other than that, it’s fairly standard X3 fare. The interior follows a similar mojo, and retains what makes the X3 such an ergonomic and soundly designed affair, just with a bit of sporting M flair on the exquisitely quilted two-tone leather seats, beefy steering wheel, M colored seat belts, unique digital displays, and a new gear shifter that operates much like the current M3 example but now with an actual Park button.
On paper, you may notice that some SUVs in this class are hoarding massive V8 engines that produce silly boatloads of power, like the Jaguar F-Pace SVR (550 hp), and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S (also 503 hp), but just because the X3 M lacks two cylinders and a fair bit of displacement does not mean it’s not up to snuff. Surely, its 503 hp in Competition guise isn’t all for naught. And the S58 does not disappoint. It’s a sweetheart of an engine and the inherent balance and high-revving nature make the X3 M such a wild and sonorous street weapon. Simply mash the gas pedal in Sport Plus Mode and hold on tight. For an SUV to accelerate this quickly and offer such a ferocious kickback to the seat is nothing short of impressive. The engine peaks at a scintillating 7,200 rpm too and the tachometer on the head-up display will ensure you don’t forget to shift.
