BMW will be expanding its high-performance SUV line-up with the all-new X3 M and X4 M.
In addition to these already blistering variants, BMW will also be launching Competition variants of both models, featuring even more power.
These mid-size SUVs will feature the most powerful version of BMW’s straight-six petrol engine yet. In standard guise it delivers 353kW and 600Nm of torque. In the Competition models it produces 375kW. The standard car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, while their Competition variants hit 100 km/h from rest in just 4.1 seconds.
The engine is mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and uses the new M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which made its debut in the BMW M5.
The M xDrive system has a rear-wheel bias and offers owners two AWD driving modes. The centrally controlled interaction between M xDrive and the Active M Differential at the rear axle allows the all-wheel-drive system to split the engine’s power between the four wheels as required.
To keep the vehicles composed with all that power on tap, BMW included model-specific body strengthening elements and sophisticated chassis technology. The dampers can be controlled at the touch of a button and offer three settings. It also has M-specific steering, brakes and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Like the damper control systems and M xDrive modes, the engine and transmission characteristics and steering set-up can be adjusted at the touch of a button. The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system allows controlled wheel slip in M Dynamic Mode, but if you’re feeling particularly brave, you can switch it all off.
For the record, we drove a standard X4 M40d around a track in the USA and it was already superb. If BMW simply dials it up a few notches, we reckon these models might just be the new segment leaders as far as handling is concerned.
Design wise, there are a number of M-specific features. On the inside they feature sports seats, Vernasca leather seats, M-specific cockpit, M leather steering wheel and M gearshift selector lever create a sporty and luxurious ambience.
The exterior features high-gloss black kidney grille surrounds, exterior mirror caps and M gills, and the rear spoiler of the Sports Activity Coupe. Naturally, the four exhaust pipes are standard, as is the case with every other M car. Options for the Competition models include special bi-colour leather upholstery variants with Alcantara applications.
The all-new BMW X3 M Competition and the all-new BMW X4 M Competition will be offered from launch in South Africa in the third quarter of 2019 whilst the all-new BMW X3 M and the all-new BMW X4 M will be available at a later stage. Pricing and local specifications will be confirmed in due course.