Think you know SUVs?
Think again. From an X3 able to keep an M3 honest to a
next-gen hybrid Qashqai, here are four of the freshestBMW X3/X4 M Competition
Who’d have thought BMW’s most powerful straight-six turbo would
end up in an SUV first rather than the next M3? M’s potent six generates
503bhp, making these SUV siblings capable of a mind-bending 4.1sec
sprint to 62mph and an optional 174mph top speed. The transmission
is all-wheel drive with M5-inspired power-swapping wizardry, albeit
without the ability to entirely cut power to the front wheels. Hardcore
Competition versions get lightweight wheels and an even fiercer bodykit.Cupra Formentor
This will be the first proper standalone model for Seat’s performance
spin-off brand, and is designed to sit above the spicy Cupra Ateca. It’s just
a concept for now, but looks almost ready to go, with a 242bhp plug-in
hybrid powertrain mated to a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch transmission
and a trendy coupe-SUV shape that blends bits of Ateca and Tarraco.
The cockpit has serious, leather-clad bucket seats and a ‘floating’ 10-inch
infotainment system.Audi Q4 e-Tron concept
A new baby e-Tron SUV is previewed by this concept car, due towards the
end of 2020. Believe it or not it’s larger than a Q3 yet smaller than a Q5...
The twin e-motors (one per axle) generate 310bhp and 339lb ft, while all-
wheel-drive traction makes for a 6.3sec 0-62mph sprint time. New ‘Solar
Sky’ paint disperses heat from the body, reducing the energy required by
the air-con and theoretically increasing range, which Audi claims could be
as much as 280 miles.Nissan IMQ concept
Not to be confused with the Lexus NX, this is a hint at the next Qashqai.
So the real focus isn’t the concept’s 516lb ft EV-plus-range-extender
powertrain, nor the full-length glass roof and the four bucket seats
divided by a copper-coloured spar running the length of the cabin. Instead
it’s about the shape; Nissan knows the original Qashqai was a pioneer but
the current car is just a face in the crowd. Expect the production car to
have big clean body sides and elaborate front- and rear-end designs.
NEED TO KNOW
What is it? Absolutely not a Lexus knock-off Tech specs 1.5-litre
range-extender, with 335bhp, 516lb ft and an electric motor on each
axle Aimed at? The 50,000 of you who buy a Qashqai each year in the
UK Chances of making production? 100 per cent, but in diluted formNEED TO KNOW
What is it? Munich’s rivals for AMG’s GLC 63 SUV/Coupe pair Tech specs
Most powerful BMW straight-six turbo yet, M5-spec performance aids Aimed
at? Dropping hints about the next M3 Chances of making production?
September 2019 deliveries, £77k for the Competition modelsNEED TO KNOW
What is it? Cupra’s first standalone car Tech specs Petrol-electric plug-in
hybrid powertrain with not enough power, 31 zero-emissions miles
Aimed at? Finally differentiating the sporty spin-off brand properly
Chances of making production? Real one comes in 2020NEED TO KNOW
What is it? Audi’s fifth planned all-electric model Tech specs Heat-reducing
paint, a hot-hatch sprint time, normal door mirrors Aimed at? Giving the
Jaguar I-Pace a bloody nose Chances of making production? Showroom
version is expected at the end of 202016 CARMAGAZINE.CO.UK | APRIL 2019