The BMW X3M (left) and BMW X4M will each have 480hp.
Fast SUV lovers, rejoice: BMW is expanding its mid-sized SUV range with the addition of the X3 M and X4 M performance versions.
The new M versions will have some serious firepower. The newly developed high-revving 3-litre, 6-cylinder unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology pumps out 480hp with peak torque of 600Nm.
Also new is the launch alongside the BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M of their Competition siblings.
The Competition version of the bi-turbo unit raises the output figure by 30hp to 510 hp.
The X3 M and X4 M beat the 362hp of Mercedes-Benz’s GLC43 AMG and GLE43 AMG, but lose to the GLC63 S AMG with its 503hp.
For comparison, Audi’s current performance SUV, the SQ5, musters only 349hp.
The new engine teams is paired with BMW’s eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and uses the new M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which debuted in the BMW M5, to put power down to the road.
The M xDrive system has a rear-wheel bias and offers BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M owners two AWD driving modes.
Meanwhile, 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.
The BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M both sprint 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.
Inside, both cars get electrically adjustable sports seats, Vernasca leather upholstery, M-specific cockpit, M leather steering wheel and M gearshift selector lever
Styling cues to separate the two from the garden-variety brethren include gloss black for the BMW kidney grille surround, exterior mirror caps and M gills, and the rear spoiler.
Standard equipment also includes 21-inch M light-alloy wheels in polished Black and an M Sport exhaust system. You can also get M Sport seats with extended Merino leather upholstery, model-specific door sill plates and a model nameplate on the centre console.
Options for the Competition models include special bi-colour leather upholstery variants with Alcantara applications.
