The BMW X3M Competition is already a force to be reckoned with, boasting a 510-horsepower engine that would make any enthusiast's heart race. But for the German tuner Manhart, 'good' just wasn't good enough. Enter the ultimate sport SUV—their 650 HP rendition of the X3M Competition, a veritable beast on wheels.
Manhart's ability to extract nearly 650 horsepower from the X3M's 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six is nothing short of astonishing, and they do it without altering the engine's internal parts. By meticulously tweaking fuel and boost mappings, they've managed to amplify the SUV's performance to a staggering 650 HP and 589 lb-ft of torque. Supporting these gains is a stainless steel exhaust system outfitted with Manhart downpipes and HJS catalytic converters. All this culminates in a visceral sound experience that promises to thrill any petrolhead.
Distinctive Visual Flair
This isn't just a car with a mighty roar under the hood; it looks the part, too. Manhart's carbon fiber body kit lends an aggressive aesthetic to the X3M Competition. The package includes a front spoiler, side skirts with side fins, a roof spoiler, and a striking rear diffuser. For this project, Manhart opted for a color scheme featuring silver and blue accents that make the carbon fiber elements pop.
Performance and Practicality
Manhart didn't just focus on brute power and aesthetics. They also enhanced the car's driving dynamics with H&R lowering springs that drop the vehicle by approximately three centimeters, resulting in a more aggressive stance. While the showcase model features factory brakes, Manhart offers customizable options to improve stopping power further—a useful and necessary upgrade given the power boost.
Completing the exterior overhaul are staggered 22-inch wheels, but Manhart is quick to point out that wheel choice and fitment can be tailored to the buyer's preferences. Whether you're aiming for an imposing visual presence or ultimate performance, each X3M build can be as unique as the owner's taste.
Custom Interior Touches
Step inside, and the bespoke touches continue. Manhart has taken great care to elevate the X3M Competition's cabin. Carbon fiber trims extend to the steering wheel spokes and paddle shifters, reinforcing the SUV's sporty credentials. Manhart also offers bespoke upholstery options, ensuring that buyers can customize every last detail to match their vision.
While all these details play into the dream of the ultimate custom SUV, for some, the power upgrades alone are plenty compelling. A stocky, powerful vehicle that retains an impressive level of sophistication is every bit the sleeper that enthusiasts dream of.
Manhart's take on the BMW X3M Competition proves that with the right tweaks and enhancements, a great SUV can become truly extraordinary. Whether it's the jaw-dropping power outputs or the assertive body kit, this X3M Competition is set to dominate both the streets and the track. For those fortunate enough to own one, every drive promises to be an unrivaled experience.