[Mako]

I know not everyone has the patience or the ability to wait another year but I have decided to pass yet again on the X3 because of the models that appear to be coming out in 2012 (early and late). I always prefer BMW but competition is good.

Audi:

-Q5 hybrid (early 2012, not sure if it will be a 2012 model or 2013)
rumored 27/29 MPG 0-60 in 6.7 seconds, price around $50K (plus tons of tax incentive in the US)
-SQ5 330 HP 3.0L turbo 6, something to compete with the 35i but maybe a little more sporty, like inbetween a 35i and X3M (normally this is where the 35is would compete), probably around $55K loaded

BMW:

-28i, new engine with 15-20% better MPG and quicker than old 28i, hoping it will be available early 2012 (again not sure what model year they would use)
-35D, maybe early 2012 or late 2012 as a 2013 for sure, this engine is already confirmed in the X3 (not for US) and just needs to be tweaked for the US, which it will be since the X5, new 3 series and 5 series will use it as well.
-X3M, saw a rumor that it will be at the Frankfurt show next month and come out late 2012 as a 2013 (maybe we will get a suprise and it will come out in spring or summer 2012 as a 2013 like the 2008 M3 did).

[greg2step]

Audi better figure out how to make the Q5 handle, or there is going to be alot of SQ5's on their sides.

if an X3 35d was avail now in the US i'd be so tempted - but its not so oh well

[kozzi]

Originally Posted by Mako

-X3M, saw a rumor that it will be at the Frankfurt show next month and come out late 2012 as a 2013 (maybe we will get a suprise and it will come out in spring or summer 2012 as a 2013 like the 2008 M3 did).

Where did you hear about this rumor? Could you post a link? Always looking for new info on the X3M cause I really want one!!!

[Mako]

http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/07/06/ru...2-and-bmw-x3m/

its sort of highlighted around the middle of the article. Posted July 6 on BMW Blog.

but I find it odd that we haven't seen any spy shots of the X3M, usually there are at least a couple before the concept is shown.

[tagz]

Here are some of them which say x3 M with 449hp!

http://www.leftlanenews.com/bmw-x3-m.html

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11105243...ngine---report

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...e-works-report

[darksilkx1]

Originally Posted by Mako

http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/07/06/ru...2-and-bmw-x3m/

its sort of highlighted around the middle of the article. Posted July 6 on BMW Blog.

but I find it odd that we haven't seen any spy shots of the X3M, usually there are at least a couple before the concept is shown.

Actually according to this there has been a sighting,

http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/05/24/sp...-x3-m-spotted/

[Mako]

Originally Posted by darksilkx1

Actually according to this there has been a sighting,

http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/05/24/sp...-x3-m-spotted/

except that is a picture of a normal 3 series

[Mako]

Originally Posted by tagz

Here are some of them which say x3 M with 449hp!

http://www.leftlanenews.com/bmw-x3-m.html

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11105243...ngine---report

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...e-works-report

yeah but these are all from the same source just re-worded for their site,

I doubt it will have 449, I would think the 430 number recently rumored for the next M3 with 400 torque is what we will see. And they will probalby give the M3 10 more HP than the X3M, just like the M5 got a few extra than the X5M. Although since the M3 will weigh a ton less and handle better because of its size, why cut the power on the X3M, its not like they will compete.

[kozzi]

If I were in your position Mako, I would wait another year too. Seems like there will be more choices for future F25 owners. An X3M with 400+hp would be too sweet for me to pass up. I wish they would just drop that 400hp 4.4l v8 the X5 50i uses and send it to my house now...I would be happy with that and no need to wait.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by kozzi

If I were in your position Mako, I would wait another year too. Seems like there will be more choices for future F25 owners. An X3M with 400+hp would be too sweet for me to pass up. I wish they would just drop that 400hp 4.4l v8 the X5 50i uses and send it to my house now...I would be happy with that and no need to wait.

yeah no kidding, I don't think too many people would be upset with the X3M and next gen M3 getting that engine (tweaked of course to around 450hp). That is what Mercedes has done with all their AMGs, went to a turbo 4.X liter and improved MPG by over 20% while still giving you that awesome V8 engine.

[Irish-Texan]

Originally Posted by greg2step

Audi better figure out how to make the Q5 handle, or there is going to be alot of SQ5's on their sides.

Didn't know the Q5 was prone to going over on it's side. Is this a common occurrance?

[greg2step]

i am not alleging the Q5 has a rollover issue. It was just a commentary handling particularly steering sucks in the Q5. prior to ordering my X3 i went back and forth between the X3 and the Q5. findng Q5's to test is harder than finding X3's only 2 local audi dealers and a limited supply. i drove 3 Q5's A 3.2 w/ith 3500 miles on it (corporate fleet, demonstrator, something like that) and i drove a pair of 2.0T's one had no miles one had 3500 (this was a sales mgrs car).

both Q5's with 3500 miles had crappy loose steering. after driving the 3.2 i thought it was just heavy... once i realized that both models w/ some miles on it had steering that I would compare to the Buick Enclave (mom drives that, i've driving it a few times)

that last test drive of the 2.0T i really pushed it. squirly loose steering on a cloverleaf ramp onto an interstate and i was done. thats when I knew i wanted an X3 not a Q5. I tried to like the Q5 - its a beautiful ride, it just doesn't handle. add that to the high price of the 3.2 Q5, the fact that Audi dealers barely discount from MSRP (this was based on Edmunds research mostly) and the 1000 owner loyalty rebate from BMW, my decision had become clear.

I suspect when the X3 arrives sometime next month i'll have no regrets at all. I have a friend who has a Q5 3.2 (haven't seen him since he got it) i offered to race, i'm sure my 35i will win