[gio14]

Originally Posted by AlpineWhite_SJ

Don't disagree. There's size creep on all models at this point. I don't think I would have bought the original generation X3 because it seemed like a compact car, but the newer ones seem almost as big as the earlier X5s. The X3M is actually smaller than the Pilot it's replacing as a daily family car, but it's still plenty spacious. Length and width wise it doesn't look or feel much bigger than an F80, just higher.

Agreed, there is definitely a size creep happenin. But oddly enough I always felt the m2 was too small n unproportional, passed on it cause it felt it was too narrow like there should be 25% more width to em imo.

[AlpineWhite_SJ]

Originally Posted by G35POPPEDMYCHERRY

another one of these threads. probably not; welcome to america where anything is sold if there is a buyer.

Lots of UK buyers in the X3M/X4M forums, so not just USA. Good deals helped...

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by gio14

I don't necessarily think only sedans should be M's, personally didn't like the whole m performance route they were going. Was just thinking about the appeal. Absolutely your money buy n drive what u want. Was just thinking bout...who are you x3 x5 m competition man/woman. Did you buy it cause you can get your family stuff done in it and rip it up on your spare time, was it for the M badge or just cause you wanted the top of the line model. No judgment here just curious as I saw the main news feed article pop up on the x3m x3m competition package.

The whole “going in wrong direction” is usually the consensus opinion of the purists but they also represent the minority and not the general buyers market. 911 owners said same thing about the cayenne but look at combined sales number from cayenne and Macan. Porsche is not regretting that decision by any means.

I don’t see the need for the x3m but I’m not against it. As my family has grown and spending priorities change, I can see why someone may want one car that allows them to have their cake and eat it. Would I own one? Yes... would I buy one? No.

FWIW I got to drive an x5m and x3m at Monticello and the car very much performed as you’d expect from a real M car. Never been in a car on track that could EAT curbing, nail apexes, drift corners and haul 5 adults going down the front straight at 140mph lol.

[allinon72]

Those commenting on weight - please look up the skidpad numbers.

And modern cars aren't exactly lightweights these days.

[xlover]

Who is "we"????
If "we" included the people buying M suvs then yes, "we" need them
If "we" is limited to only the people who do not want one then the answer no

[Germanauto]

I never had an issue with the X5M/X6M and don't have an issue with the X3/X4M either. Mercedes has been shamelessly AMGing everything for decades, the M division can work their magic on SUVs too.

With that being said, I don't see myself ever buying one of these high performance SUVs. Most of the time these are driven around by moms going to work, shuffling around kids, going to Costco, etc. They are large and cumbersome so I don't see the point of going all out on performance. An X5 35i has perfectly adequate performance, and a 50i would be unnecessarily fast and make me cry at the pump.

[ItsGary]

a 4Door M3 couldn't carry as much stuff as an X5. Personally I like the X5M, don't own one now but I would like to in the future. (Highly debating getting a Tahoe for work)

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

just heard a x4m burble. sounds like little farts and popcorn. I even think my burbles are a bit offensive on a remus+aa setup. I hung my head in shame. burbles stock on an suv

[smrtypants44]

The money bmw makes on high volume models helps pay for the low volume stuff... M2 CS etc

[pz619]

Technically we don’t need any M car or any car with more than 25 hp. Yet, here we are.

What a time to be alive.

[GenXer]

It's just keeping up with the Jones or in this case, the Daimler, the VWAG and the Fiat-Chrysler.

Granted the X model M will not be able to go offroad due to its tires and suspension set up and it will not handle as well as an M coupe or sedan. But every manufacture has one so BMW must follow suit or lose cashing in this lucrative segment.

No one really need these vehicles in the same way no one needs a BMW. A Toyota Camry will get you where you're going too. But isn't it nice to have choices?

[cmyx6go]

Originally Posted by gio14

Honest question do we really need an X3/X5M?! And further more competition packages in these models? I mean the concept is pretty odd to me. Granted I don't have kids, I would assume these are mainly family cars. I was at m track days n rode in the x3m and x5m, fast, torquey, something about great lap time ....but it just felt wrong. I felt like I should have a full load of groceries n kids in the back. To each their own I guess. Maybe I'm not seeing the niche, drop the kids off then chuck it into M mode n rip it up? In that case the 4 door M3 would be my choice. Thoughts?

It's easy for you to say living in San Diego. I live in NY and commute to NJ every day. Do I prefer driving a car? Yes. I have one vehicle. The X6M gives me the best of both worlds. The handling, fun factor and lets not forget the grin, along with the AWD and ground clearance I need to drive in the nasty weather. I know I can get a beater for bad weather but I'm not interested in driving a beater. Honestly though, if I ever decide to get a second vehicle (car), I would still keep the X6M.

[heavyD^2]

I would wager to bet that 85% or more of M cars aren't tracked so really you can make a case that for the 85% the X3/5 M models are more practical. Don't get me wrong as I enjoyed driving my M2 back and forth to work but my X3M accomplishes the same thing but now I can actually take my vehicle out for lunch when there's more than two adults or use my vehicle on a Sunday drive with the family. I'm positive that the world could get by if all was available for mass transportation is a generic van, pickup truck and hatchback such as a GTI. That said I do like that we have more choice today than ever before when it comes to purchasing a vehicle of any sort. There seems to be a small group of M owners that feel threatened by the M Sport models as well as the X M models and while they are entitled to their opinions I couldn't care less about their insecurities.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by gio14

Honest question do we really need an X3/X5M?! And further more competition packages in these models? I mean the concept is pretty odd to me. Granted I don't have kids, I would assume these are mainly family cars. I was at m track days n rode in the x3m and x5m, fast, torquey, something about great lap time ....but it just felt wrong. I felt like I should have a full load of groceries n kids in the back. To each their own I guess. Maybe I'm not seeing the niche, drop the kids off then chuck it into M mode n rip it up? In that case the 4 door M3 would be my choice. Thoughts?

Only because it sells.

Typically if it doesn't sell BMW wouldn't make it.

[cookieman88]

I only want one vehicle, as I have a sedan for a company car, and my personal needs otherwise dictate that I NEED an SUV. I wanted to step down from the huge SUV platform (Denali) I've done for a few buying cycles to something top of the line mid-size. Some mid-size stuff is interesting, but underpowered, and most lack solid luxury. I opted for true luxury, and 600 hp in an X5M. I couldn't be happier in this wolf in sheep's clothing.

[John Tanglewood]

The answer is FUCK YES, I just want them to have the proper towing capacity. How much can an X5M tow? Does it even come with a hitch?

For me as long as it can do the things a normal SUV/truck should be able to do, I love how extreme it gets.

[peeej]

Originally Posted by Pittz1

Does the Jeep Trackhawk need to have 707HP? No, but it does. God Bless America!

lol!

[fastboatster]

Not sure if we need x3m/x5m, but I do know that trucks are one glaring omission from the bmw lineup. We need an M-truck, preferably with twin turbo v8 and a dual clutch transmission (jk about the dct, most likely won't hold up). I liked the x7 converted to the truck, but the bed was too short. Hopefully, they'll let the BMW NA to develop it like VW asked VW Mexico to develop mk6 Jetta.
I am, of course, half serious, but only half. If BMW already makes the SUVs, what's fundamentally wrong with making pickup trucks? If anything, these are more practical than the SUVs and crossovers and performance trucks like Raptor certainly have their place.
Something like this but with more sport and powah:

[Conissah]

I had a 2015 Jeep GC before the M2, and I loved it. The plan was to upgrade to an SRT, because why not...? 4.5 second 0-60, decent tow capacity, roomy, and fun to drive. Same goes for the M versions of the BMW X SUV's. Part of me still wants to try and grab one.

[cfm56d7b]

It's a great question. Yes and yes again. Meeting customer demand in a profitable manner is commendable.

[Humdizzle]

yeah I don't get it either. but if it makes someone happy and they can afford it, go ahead.

[DPelletier]

I'm in the same camp; I don't really get it either (says the guy with a GLC43AMG LOL!) but regardless, if it helps BMW sell SUV's, I guess it's a good thing. I just figure that an SUV with a performance "package" is just that; no more, no less.....doesn't make it a sportscar but then, so what I suppose.

Dave