New six-cylinder in-line engine with superlative performance.
The most powerful straight-six petrol engine ever to see action
in a BMW M car provides the muscle for stunning performance
attributes. The newly developed high-revving unit with M TwinPower
Turbo technology generates maximum output of 353 kW/480 hp from
its 3.0-litre displacement, together with peak torque von 600 Nm
(442 lb-ft). The version of the bi-turbo unit developed specially
for the BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition raises the
output figure by 22 kW/30 hp to 375 kW/510 hp.
Flawless distribution of power: M xDrive, Active M Differential.
The new high-performance engine teams up with 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, to channel its power 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. 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 deliver optimal traction, agility
and directional stability. The BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M both sprint
from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds, while their
Competition variants hit 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in just 4.1 seconds.
M-specific chassis technology provides sublime dynamics.
The combination of dynamism and precision for which BMW M cars
are renowned is underpinned by model-specific body strengthening
elements and sophisticated chassis technology tuned astutely to
marshal the engine’s power. With three settings selectable at the
touch of a button, the M-specific suspension’s electronically
controlled dampers enable both excellent everyday comfort and
extremely direct contact with the road, with low wheel and body
movements. The bespoke kinematics and elastokinematics of the
M-specific suspension – with its double-joint spring strut front
axle and five-link rear axle – deliver precise wheel location and
directional stability. Composed to also deliver precisely
controllable on-limit handling, the chassis technology package
rounds off with M-specific steering (including M Servotronic and
variable ratio) and powerful M compound brakes. Among the other
items on the standard specification list are 20-inch M light-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
and, needless to say, can also be switched off. Plus, the content
shown in the optional Head-Up Display can be specified via the
iDrive menu. The driver can store two overall set-up options –
configured as desired from the above parameters – in the iDrive
menu and select them as and when required using the two M buttons
on the steering wheel.
Signature M design elements for the exterior and interior.
M-specific design features optimise the supply of cooling air for
the BMW X3 M, BMW X4 M and Competition models, as well as their
aerodynamics. Inside the cars, the electrically adjustable sports
seats, Vernasca leather upholstery, M-specific cockpit, M leather
steering wheel and M gearshift selector lever create a sporty and
luxurious ambience.
The BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition bring further
exclusive accents to the exterior, in the form of High-gloss Black
for the BMW kidney grille surround, exterior mirror caps and
M gills, and the rear spoiler of the Sports Activity Coupe. Their
standard equipment also includes 21-inch M light-alloy wheels in
polished Black and an M Sport exhaust system. The expressive aura
of the interior, meanwhile, is enhanced by 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.
The optional M Carbon exterior package (expected to be available
from end of 2019), which features design elements in carbon
fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the front air intakes, the air
blades in the front apron, the rear diffuser and the exterior
mirror caps, adds further individual flourishes. On the BMW X4 M
and BMW X4 M Competition, these elements are joined by a CFRP rear spoiler.
Among the items fitted as standard in the BMW X3 M, BMW X4 M and
Competition models are LED headlights, the hi-fi speaker system
and the ConnectedDrive navigation package including the Navigation
system Professional. The options list for the BMW X3 and BMW X4
provides further scope for individualisation and includes
cutting-edge driver assistance systems and the digital services
from BMW Connected and BMW ConnectedDrive.