The BMW X3 was launched all the way back in 2003, and it seems unbelievable that the Germans have yet to introduce an M version. Fortunately, the long and painful wait is about to come to an end, with the first-even X3 M likely to debut by the end of 2018. We've already seen the crossover in spy shots recently, and now we can finally watch it in action at the Nurburgring track.

A recent video from Youtube's Automotive Mike shows the beefed-up crossover taking fast turns on Germany's iconic race track. The SUV lost a lot of camouflage since we last saw it on the road, but the front and rear fasciae are still covered in a swirly wrap. Of course, BMW is trying to hide the more aggressive bumpers with bigger vents and the revised aero setup. The side skirts are also hidden, but it's pretty obvious that they have bigger extensions below the doors. Finally, the camouflage on the mirror caps likely hides carbon-fiber elements.

Styling-aside, the X3 M looks very agile in the curves. Sure, it's still an SUV, and it's not as nimble as the 3 Series, the sedan it shares underpinnings with, but it definitely looks like you can have a lot of fun with it at the track. On the flipside, the engine doesn't sound as aggressive as it should. Granted, the tires make a lot of noise as the X3 M struggles in the tight turns, but the crossover doesn't sound as menacing as the M3. Which is strange, because it should have the same engine.

While the X5 M comes with a V-8, the X3 M will get the twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six that motivates the X3 M40i. This mill is rated at "only" 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, but the X3 M's will have a similar setup to the engine in the M3 and M4. The latter benefit from 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet and the X3 M should get at least 400 horses to play with. Expect the SUV to get to 60 mph in around five seconds, to go with a top speed limited to 155 mph as standard.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW X3.

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW X3 M.

Read more BMW news.