For something unique, BMW took Australian media to the outback for an unorthodox approach to testing an SUV: Rally driving.
Get your own rhythm and timing right, and the X3 M will scythe through a twisty rally course, throttle pinned, all 375kW relentlessly on tap – mid-era ’80s Group B rally monster power – with all four wheels constantly rotating faster than the ground beneath them.
It has the poise, balance and technical smarts to harness its considerable firepower, not on tippy-toes but absolutely flat out. And it’s batting for you, rather than against you, offering impressive control at some cracking pace, even on those 21-inch tyres. I can’t imagine how quick it’d be fitted with bespoke rally rubber.