They’re quicker and more ‘exhilarating’ than ever before - say hello to the new BMW X3 M Competition and the latest BMW X4 M Competition.
It’s a big week for the X3 and X4.
BMW previously announced a major upgrade for its popular SUVs, with both models now featuring sharper looks, bigger grilles, more torque and a mild-hybrid powertrain.
Now the German firm has confirmed details of the X3 and X4 in performance ‘M Competition’ guise - and the ante has been thoroughly upped.
In case you need reminding, the X3 is a traditionally styled SUV and is also the car that pretty much invented the ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ market when it was first unleashed back in 2003.
The X4, on the other hand, has similar proportions but has a lower, more coupe-like silhouette that’ll appeal to those who don’t crave the extra height and commanding view of the road.
Both the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition get the same engine - a powerful high-revving six-cylinder petrol mill with a peak power output of 510hp. Torque has been increased from 600Nm to 650Nm.
And both cars can also sprint from 0 to 62mph in 3.8 seconds – a 0.3-second improvement compared to past incarnations - largely thanks to a new forged lightweight crankshaft.
BMW says that this turn of pace ‘puts the X3 M Competition and the BMW X4 M Competition on a par with high-performance sports cars’.
The top speed is electronically limited at 155mph unless you choose the optional ‘Driver’s Package’ which increases that high water mark to 180mph.
You can expect fuel economy up to around 26 mpg on both models while CO2 emissions are between 238 and 251 g/km.
Power is transmitted to the wheels via an 8‑speed M ‘Steptronic’ transmission that enables manual shifting for maximum acceleration and engine drag torque for braking.
And because the xDrive all-wheel drive system has something of a rear-wheel bias, you get the ‘proven dynamic qualities of classic rear-wheel drive’, something that BMW fans in particular will crave.
While both the X3 M and X4 M would be very much at home on the racetrack, BMW says they’re also built for everyday usability and long distance comfort, thanks to adaptive M suspension with specific set-up and electronically controlled dampers.
Like the regular X3 and X4, there are some significant design changes to the exterior, including a larger kidney grille and a more striking front section.
There’s also a fresh front apron and vertically arranged, elongated side air intakes, while the lower section of the rear apron is M specific and finished in high-gloss black.
The large diffuser is flanked on the right and left by the tailpipe pairs of the M sports exhaust system, which are finished in black chrome.
Inside the uprated cabin you now get BMW’s fully-connected ‘Live Cockpit Professional’ system with intelligent networking as well as a Harman Kardon surround sound system as standard.
The BMW Operating System 7 now also includes Remote Software Upgrade, ensuring that your all-important tech is bang up to date.
The BMW X3 M Competition is priced from £85,100 while the BMW X4 M Competition starts at £86,860. UK customer deliveries are expected from September 2021.
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