[thurston]

I really like this platform (aesthetically, haven't driven it yet).

Anyone have extensive experience with it on the autobahn? Curious about stability at higher speeds.

[supershaft]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

Absolutely. Took a nice long test drive on different types of roads. Once I sent it on the highway, I was sold. Around town it was just fine. Not as much torque down low as my tuned F80, but also not a huge difference, and it's to be expected.

I have some nitpicks, but this motor, drivetrain, and rear diff are fantastic. Highly recommend anyone coming from an M3/4 (any variant) give it a proper thrashing if you think you need the space or AWD. I don't technically need either, but I do find myself requesting to drive my wife's Macan a lot, so figured I might get my own.



EDIT: I like Matt's take on it. Was very similar to my own impressions. Rides a bit stiff, but is utterly competent at silly speeds, and unlike the F90, is truly engaging all the time, and not as "isolating", as he calls it. I loved the F90, and was planning to get one, but it definitely wasn't as balls out fun as my F80. The F97 is though.

lol matt is either high or incompetent. the F90 is hands down the best M5 bmw has ever made.
the x3m is a fat and heavy car that is made to be fast.

[pluckydks]

Originally Posted by thurston

I really like this platform (aesthetically, haven't driven it yet).

Anyone have extensive experience with it on the autobahn? Curious about stability at higher speeds.

What do you consider extensive? I put around 8000 miles on it before I moved back. I took her to 140mph even on OEM winter wheels (when dry, of course). She was solid.

[bkfastwagon]

This thing needs wider tires. I know the ones in the pic is wearing winter wheels/tires but even stock looks way too skinny (265 in the rear?) esp. from the rear. I hope they give the rear a more aggressive look with the LCI.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by supershaft

lol matt is either high or incompetent. the F90 is hands down the best M5 bmw has ever made.
the x3m is a fat and heavy car that is made to be fast.

His comments don't take anything away from the F90. It's phenomenal. But in my test drives, when I wasn't in Sport+, it was a bit isolating, but most people want that. They want the quiet, plush cabin, the separation from the drama going on underneath the car, and then the raucous performance when you push it. It does both really well. I agree it's the best M5 they've ever made. The F97 is no way better than the F90, but it appeals to someone like me looking for something a bit rowdy, but also capable. The F90 is superb, but it lacks some of the fun of the F80 imho. The F97 is far less refined, but I really kind of like that, and it reminds me of the F80. Throw in the big rear boot, and it's a very good car for the $. The lease and finance deals are actually pretty great right now.

The F90 is just a very different car, and was only mentioned here by his co-host because it shares much of the drivetrain components with the F90 (trans and rear diff, of note). I don't think there are a ton of us cross-shopping the two, although I know there are some threads out there where folks were doing just that. You really can't go wrong with either, and I'd highly recommend a test drive if you haven't yet.

[thurston]

Originally Posted by pluckydks

What do you consider extensive? I put around 8000 miles on it before I moved back. I took her to 140mph even on OEM winter wheels (when dry, of course). She was solid.

Nice! That's good to hear.

I get some lift on my M235i above 160kmh; gets a little squirrelly. Been thinking about moving to a sporty SUV that can do it all, as I'd like to do some trips through the Alps. Also considering a Macan or Stelvio.

[Ibiza]

The X3M LCI and X4M LCI is followed by a G83 and two G82's — probably final winter MxDrive testing prior to SOP 7/21. G83 is looking good 👍.

[Bmw43]

Originally Posted by il Nemico

Who has the LCI speculative renders?..
post up!!

Here you go mate!

[supershaft]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

His comments don't take anything away from the F90. It's phenomenal. But in my test drives, when I wasn't in Sport+, it was a bit isolating, but most people want that. They want the quiet, plush cabin, the separation from the drama going on underneath the car, and then the raucous performance when you push it. It does both really well. I agree it's the best M5 they've ever made. The F97 is no way better than the F90, but it appeals to someone like me looking for something a bit rowdy, but also capable. The F90 is superb, but it lacks some of the fun of the F80 imho. The F97 is far less refined, but I really kind of like that, and it reminds me of the F80. Throw in the big rear boot, and it's a very good car for the $. The lease and finance deals are actually pretty great right now.

The F90 is just a very different car, and was only mentioned here by his co-host because it shares much of the drivetrain components with the F90 (trans and rear diff, of note). I don't think there are a ton of us cross-shopping the two, although I know there are some threads out there where folks were doing just that. You really can't go wrong with either, and I'd highly recommend a test drive if you haven't yet.

I haven't driven the X3M but I already have the X3m40i. It's heavy and sloppy in the corners even with the M adaptive suspension. Yes it's not the same but if one needs extra space why not go the whole hog on the X5M?

[RHILE_MAB]

Originally Posted by Bmw43

Here you go mate!

Nice work!

I spent time with the 22' X4M last month in person (I bored Ben from RGSport with too many details Hehe), and you aren't far off.

It's a bit more in line with the F95 than the G80 with its bumper design, but the lighting (shadowline lights are evidently an option at least, I didn't ask) are a lot like the LCI M5.

Replace the grille with a blacked-out version of the one from the new iX3 but with a thicker bottom 'rung' like on the M5 CS, then square off the brake duct gills like the LCI M5 (w/thinner,sleeker black bits that angle up toward the outer lines), and add some much smaller vertical outer vents from the new M3/4 and that's pretty much the front end. Current lip spoilers won't fit, there's a different shape from the edges inward at a different angle. I don't know about the X3M, but I'd imagine they won't diverge the front end styling like they do on the F95/F96. As I recall, production will start this July but we should "see" the car after the Electric M debut, or as part of it, which is May I think?

The better tidbits were what they were testing under the car....

[danniexi]

Originally Posted by supershaft

Yes it's not the same but if one needs extra space why not go the whole hog on the X5M?

because it’s a lot more expensive?

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by supershaft

I haven't driven the X3M but I already have the X3m40i. It's heavy and sloppy in the corners even with the M adaptive suspension. Yes it's not the same but if one needs extra space why not go the whole hog on the X5M?

The F95 is a great car, but even some of those folks really like how quick the F97 feels. Huge price delta too. That said, I'm not suggesting anyone ditch their current car for an X3M, but the notion that it's just a heavy SUV that goes fast in a straight line is far from reality. It's damned sharp.

[cfm56d7b]

Changes for the better are always welcome. Looking forward to learning more about engineering improvements in the next X4MC (in my shopping basket).

[buckybadger]

Minor changes, looks too much like the standard X3.

[pluckydks]

Originally Posted by thurston

Nice! That's good to hear.

I get some lift on my M235i above 160kmh; gets a little squirrelly. Been thinking about moving to a sporty SUV that can do it all, as I'd like to do some trips through the Alps. Also considering a Macan or Stelvio.

I took it to Chamonix, Zermatt, and Lauterbrunnen. It can definitely handle the turns.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by pluckydks

I took it to Chamonix, Zermatt, and Lauterbrunnen. It can definitely handle the turns.

Next time you go, please take me with you!

[pluckydks]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

Next time you go, please take me with you!

I'll make sure they pack you in my HHG then we can zoom out there.

[CH_M3f80]

can someone appreciate the release date and start of production?
Next few weeks/month or end of 2021?

[DCG]

Wish BMW would offer cooler rims, carbon fiber roof, and include a trailer hitch if desired.

[spucktacular]

new camera module in the rear view mirror casing.

[LOW4LYF]

Originally Posted by CH_M3f80

can someone appreciate the release date and start of production?
Next few weeks/month or end of 2021?

July 2021

[CH_M3f80]

Originally Posted by LOW4LYF

July 2021

Thank you!
May you also know when it is possible to pre order at the dealer?