[RustyBitz]

I think this could be my next car after the 340i.

It will sit above the current hottest model, the X3 M40i M Performance.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/ne...t-spy-pictures

What's everyone's thoughts?

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Originally Posted by RustyBitz

I think this could be my next car after the 340i.

It will sit above the current hottest model, the X3 M40i M Performance.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/ne...t-spy-pictures

What's everyone's thoughts?

I like it, wasn't sure until I saw side view, but it looks pretty squat and sporty.

I think I'd go for matching wheels though

I'll never be able to afford one/justify the cash. If discounts aren't great on an M3, they'll be even lower on this, even in 5 years time!

[RustyBitz]

Originally Posted by Alex440

I like it, wasn't sure until I saw side view, but it looks pretty squat and sporty.

I think I'd go for matching wheels though

I'll never be able to afford one/justify the cash. If discounts aren't great on an M3, they'll be even lower on this, even in 5 years time!

Yeah what's with the mismatched wheels?

That's very true, maybe it will open better deals for the X3 M40i version?

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Originally Posted by RustyBitz

Yeah what's with the mismatched wheels?

That's very true, maybe it will open better deals for the X3 M40i version?

Maybe, I'd be happy with one of those.

I loved the look of the old SQ5, but can't live with the new ones rear end, don't like the integrated exhausts and high flat looking back.

Now BMW have released something similar, I could be tempted. Wife keeps telling me I have to get a proper family car.

[Tengocity]

I like the idea of this but also wonder if an out and out performance SUV is also a bit ridiculous. The X3M will be quite a lot more than the M40i version and yet still won't feel like a proper sports car if the Macan thread is anything to go by.

But that probably reflects that it's out of my reach without too many other sacrifices to justify.

[dopper99]

I wonder if it will be M xdrive (like the F90 M5). Would be quite a weapon in all weathers.

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I like the idea of this but also wonder if an out and out performance SUV is also a bit ridiculous......

Nothing new, the X5M and X6M have been out for years.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by dopper99

Nothing new, the X5M and X6M have been out for years.

And they along with all the Cayenne turbos seemed ridiculous too!

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

And they along with all the Cayenne turbos seemed ridiculous too!

Yes, not my cup of tea. 15mpg at best no doubt and the magazines never really rate them. (well the X5M and X6M). Although better than what they used to be.

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

The X5 and X6 M's have never really appealed, too big and heavy to be worth paying for the M treatment.

But, maybe a newer lighter X3 M might be a little more focussed and sporty. At least in my mind I can imagine an X3 M being driven fast down a country road. I can't picture an X5 M doing it quite the same way.

Be interesting to read the first reviews

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Alex440

Maybe, I'd be happy with one of those.

I loved the look of the old SQ5, but can't live with the new ones rear end, don't like the integrated exhausts and high flat looking back.

Now BMW have released something similar, I could be tempted. Wife keeps telling me I have to get a proper family car.

Can't remember the last time I looked at the back of mine...

A fast SUV isn't for everyone - but ticks all the boxes for me. Just done 50 miles round m25 and M3, with dog, baby and associated paraphanalia - averaged 32mpg, despite a bit of a play on the two long uphill slip roads I use on that journey.

[moff]

Apart from the family bit the M SUV's are one trick ponies which I don't like.

Wouldn't mind my wife having one, but for me, not a chance. Would rather have a normal M car and smaller the better.

[RustyBitz]

I second that, I’m going to see how the Mrs handles the 340i then maybe order the X3 M40 next year if she hasn’t crashed or banned herself; she’s worse than me for speeding, picked up some of my bad habits

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by moff

Apart from the family bit the M SUV's are one trick ponies which I don't like.

Wouldn't mind my wife having one, but for me, not a chance. Would rather have a normal M car and smaller the better.

I guess it depends on your priorities, I dont do hooning down country lanes very much now but I do like a bit of performance when I need it. I also like sitting higher up as that is very useful on motorways / in busy faster moving traffic.

I also like being able to fit the kids / grandkid / dogs / whatever in and also drive a bit more spirited when alone. You could of course argue that smaller performance cars that cant do the day to day stuff are also one trick ponies... just a different trick!

PS I dont have a wife to be able to get her to drive something else - when I did she had a Golf GTi PP till she crashed it (when it became my weekend car and she had a Mini!)

[moff]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

I guess it depends on your priorities, I dont do hooning down country lanes very much now but I do like a bit of performance when I need it. I also like sitting higher up as that is very useful on motorways / in busy faster moving traffic.

I also like being able to fit the kids / grandkid / dogs / whatever in and also drive a bit more spirited when alone. You could of course argue that smaller performance cars that cant do the day to day stuff are also one trick ponies... just a different trick!

PS I dont have a wife to be able to get her to drive something else - when I did she had a Golf GTi PP till she crashed it (when it became my weekend car and she had a Mini!)

Alpina B3S Touring, an RS4 or a C63 Estate... that?s my answer

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by moff

Alpina B3S Touring, an RS4 or a C63 Estate... that?s my answer

I did look at Alpina.... XD3

None of yours does the high up piece that I prefer (visibility and age!)....

[RustyBitz]

So after looking at old threads I started this one made me laugh.

A few of us who liked the look from this got one!

[isleaiw1]

certainly funny looking back at some of the comments......

for what its worth I still think my SQ5 was a great compromise (despite the exhausts..).

[Sennen]

Love the guy who says that it definitely not for him but his wife might have one and now he appears to have one

[RustyBitz]

I have to admit it did make me laugh especially moff

[Sennen]

Originally Posted by RustyBitz

I have to admit it did make me laugh especially moff

Yes that is a classic Does he still post on here?

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Sennen

Love the guy who says that it definitely not for him but his wife might have one and now he appears to have one

I cant say anything as I decided I could manage without the high up bit and space for the dog! I did look at Alpina XD3s which moved me on to other Alpinas which made me look at a D5 then a B5 - which became an M5

I guess it just proves many of us have no idea what we want and sway with the incoming latest thing!