BMW X3 M Drops Camouflage and Smiles for the Camera

The upcoming BMW X3 M could have 450 to 460 horsepower and spy photographers have caught the new hopped-up crossover testing.

Now that the 2018 BMW X3 has been officially revealed, the German automaker doesn’t need to keep the entire X3 M camouflaged. As a result, only the parts that are different on the M model remain covered up, giving us a better idea of what to expect on the high-performance crossover.

This is the first time the X3 lineup will have an M variant, as it looks to compete with other luxury crossovers in the segment, such as the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GLC, Audi RS Q5, and the existing Porsche Macan. When spy photographers caught the BMW X3 M testing last winter, it was being benchmarked against the Macan.

SEE ALSO: BMW X3 M Spied Making Laps Around the Nurburgring

We can see the X3 M will get a much sportier front bumper with large air intakes, while the side skirts, rear diffuser, and roof spoiler are all different than the standard X3. And like all other M models, there are bigger brakes, wheels, and tires, while a quad exhaust setup shoots out the rear.

The German automaker hasn’t confirmed what will power the X3, but rumors say it will be a next-generation turbocharged inline-six engine with around 450 to 460 hp.