Xtrem machine 3

BMW’s M division gets its hands on the X3 and gives the sensible, practical SUV sports car matching speed and agility

- Dhruv Saxena

BMW X3 M

Engine 2,993cc, straight-six, twin-turbo petrol

Power 480bhp@6,250rpm

Max torque 600Nm@2,6005,600rpm

Gearbox 8-speed AT

Wheelbase(mm) 2,864

LxWxH (mm) 4,726x1,897x1,667

0-100kmph 4.2s

Top speed 250kmph

Price: Rs 99.90 lakh (ex-showroom)

On sale Now

I find the concept of high-performance SUVs equal parts baffling and fascinating. Baffling because why would one looking for performance buy something that is inherently flawed thanks to its size and high centre of gravity and can, at most, match actual performance cars only in terms of straight-line acceleration and top speed. Fascinating because they are a brilliant showcase of just how far engineering has come to help defy the laws of physics by displaying abilities a car with those physical attributes shouldn’t. We can argue over the merits and demerits of performance SUVs for days, but there are no two ways about that fact that demand for them is on the rise. Enough to prompt BMW to develop, for the first time ever, an M variant – the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing version of the X3 mid-size luxury SUV.