BMW X3 M Competition (left) and BMW X4 M Competition (right).
The week of August 26, 2019 in Singapore is one marked by numerous new car debuts.
The BMW 1 Series, Volvo S60 and V60, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon were launched this week.
But before the workweek was over, two more models were unveiled: The BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition, which made their global debut in February of this year.
WHAT ARE THE X3 M AND X4 M COMPETITION MODELS?
The BMW X3 and X4 M Competition are the top-of-the-line and most powerful models in the X3 and X4 lineups. They are the first of their kind ever produced by BMW’s M division.
BMW’s M division is responsible for churning out hairier versions of otherwise tamer models.
HOW “HAIRY” ARE THESE SUVS ANYWAY?
Both the BMW X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition are driven by a newly developed twin-turbocharged 3-litre inline-6 engine.
Said motor kicks out 510hp at 6250rpm and 600Nm from 2600-5950rpm. These figures enable both cars to demolish the century sprint in 4.1 seconds.
Both the BMW X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition’s top speeds are electronically limited to 250km/h.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE X3 AND X4?
If you follow BMW’s naming convention, the odd-numbered models are more “practical” and “rational”, whereas the even-numbered ones are “sportier” and more “emotional”.
Hence, the X4 has a sportier design, with a “coupe-like” sloping roofline. It also has a fastback-style tailgate.
On the other hand, the X3 has a taller roofline and more conventional vertical tailgate.
WHAT CAN DRIVERS EXPECT?
Apart from the newly developed twin-turbocharged straight-6 engine, the BMW X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition are equipped with numerous M-specific components.
Many of these components are drivetrain, chassis and body-specific items designed to heighten the car’s performance, handling and roadholding abilities, and thus remain out of sight.
These include an additional oil cooler and transmission oil cooler, the latter for the 8-speed automatic gearbox.
There’s also M adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers and a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.
However, the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition models still provide a visual treat.
Exterior-wise, enthusiasts will spot things such as enlarged front air intakes, M compound brakes, staggered tyre sizes and quad-exhausts.
Inside, unique M dials, seats and the familiar M Drive buttons (marked M1 and M2) greet the driver. The M Drive buttons enable drivers to store their preferred chassis and drivetrain settings, which can be instantly recalled.
RIVALS TO CONSIDER
The BMW X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition are larger, quicker and more powerful than the latest Porsche Macan Turbo, which has a turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 delivering 440hp and 550Nm of torque.
Recall that the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition have turbocharged 3-litre inline-6 engines that deliver 510hp and 600Nm.
The Porsche Macan Turbo also does zero to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, which is 0.4 of a second slower. However, the Macan Turbo starts at $389,888 without COE.
Perhaps a closer competitor is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
It has a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 that pumps out 510hp and 600Nm, with a 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds, and is currently priced at $369,000.
