X3M

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by NervoS

Yes, but not everybody needs or wants more space or bigger vehicles. I'd say X3MC and X5 M60i are two different market niches for different audiences.
For example, I am shopping for a small(er) but still luxury-ish perform-ish SUV and one of th option was X3MC/X4MC. Never even looked at X5, since it is too big for me and we already have one in the household.
I looked into X1/X2 and unfortunately those are not there in terms of performance and luxury level... But I'd get X1/X2 if it was at least on the same level as X3/X4 (G01/02).

I get it, but the number of people like you is tiny. You put the average person looking to spend 80-100k on the lot, and they have an X3M parked next to an X5 M60i, and they go over how it's just as fast, more spacious, better materials, more capable, rides better, and will probably be cheaper because you can get more discounts because its not a full M, PLUS V8 sounds... Not many people will pick the X3M.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

I overall agree, the compromised ride didn't help. The M40i REALLY didn't help, lol. It hits really close to the X3M in performance, without the compromised ride, and better fuel economy. And at a substantial price advantage vs the X3M too.

BMW really should have made the "M Performance" cars the Ms, and the Ms would be "M Competition". Probably could have charged a little more this way lol.

If they did that, they would have to change the whole formula for what makes an M-Performance vs. M car.

M-Performance cars only have a slight upgrade in engine power, or sometimes a different engine (5er, for example). The suspension on an M-Performance model is the same as an M-Sport model on a series car.

An actual M model contains extensive suspension changes, and often a heavily revised front axle.