The X3 has never been our favorite model in the BMW range. The original X3 had that awkward plastic body cladding and there has never been a hardcore M version for enthusiasts. Now that Mercedes has revealed the V8, 503 hp GLC 63 AMG, BMW may be ready to answer with an M version of the X3. BMW hasn't revealed a full M version of the X3 yet, but it did bring the X3 M40i to Frankfurt for us to see in the metal. The X3 M40i is the current range-topper with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

This M Sport version of the X3 does 0-62 in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. We have also seen the base xDrive30i model, which comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The xDrive30i version takes six seconds to reach 62 mph, which is pretty good. The X3 does look a lot more aggressive in the M Sport guise, and we love the way the bigger wheels look with the aggressive body work. This new X3 is shaping up to be the first that we truly love. The interior borrows styling cues from more the upmarket 5 Series and 7 Series like digital gauges, a larger central screen and an updated iDrive system.

The front of the car reminds us of the Europe only 1 Series hatchback, which is one of our favorite BMW models that we never got in the US. No release date is set for the new X3, but since it is built in the US we should expect to see in on the roads soon.