The new high-revving 3.0-litre (2,993cc) turbocharged engine is not only more powerful, but also more robust than before, and is able to provide 480hp at 6,250rpm and 600Nm of torque from 2,600 to 5,600rpm.
The twin-turbo unit for the Competition models, however, punches out 510hp (+30hp) at 6,250rpm with 600Nm too but its availability can be found over a broader engine speed range that extends from 2,600rpm to a higher 5,950rpm (+350rpm).
Both engines will be paired to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic to manage power delivery to the M xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with rear-wheel bias found in the venerable M5.
The centrally controlled interaction between the AWD system and the Active M Differential at the rear axle allows the engine's power to be split between the four wheels as required for optimal traction, agility and directional stability.
This will allow the X3 M and X4 M - rolling on staggered front 20-inch x 9J and rear 10J M light-alloys with front 255/45 and rear 265/45 tyres, to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 4.2 seconds, while its Competition counterparts shaves off 0.1 seconds to bring it down to 4.1 seconds on 21-inch alloys.
Regardless of power output, top speed has (as usual) been electronically limited to 250kph, but opt for the M Driver’s Package as an added extra and 285kph will be new speed limit.
With three settings selectable at the touch of a button, the M-specific suspension’s electronically controlled dampers is able to provide everyday comfort and stiffen up for an extremely direct road contact with low wheel and body movements.
The German automaker says that its bespoke kinematics and elastokinematics of its M suspension - sporting double-joint spring struts on the front axle and five-link for the rear axle, helps in delivering 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 specifications list for the X3 M, BMW X4 M and Competition models are LED headlights, hi-fi speaker system and the ConnectedDrive navigation package with Navigation system Professional.
Like the damper control systems and M xDrive modes, the engine and transmission characteristics and steering setup can be adjusted at the touch of a button.
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system allows controlled wheel slip in M Dynamic Mode and, can also be disengaged.
Additionally, the content shown in the optional Head-Up Display can be specified via the iDrive menu, where the driver is able to store two overall set-up options – configured as desired within its parameters, in the iDrive menu and select them as and when required using the two M buttons on the steering wheel.
Enter the Competition variants and both sport activity vehicles (SAVs) get slapped with exclusive exterior high-gloss black accoutrements that includes the FRONT kidney grille surround, exterior mirror caps and M gills, and the rear spoiler of the SAVs.
Not to mention, the wheels get upsized to 21-inch x 9.5J (front) and 10J (rear) M light-alloys in polished Black before the rear lets loose the engine's rumble with an M Sport exhaust system.
Inside, the cabin is enhanced by the M Sport seats with extended Merino leather upholstery, model-specific door sill plates and a model nameplate on the centre console. Added 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 August), features design elements in carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the front air intakes, air blades on the front apron, rear diffuser and exterior mirror caps. Both the standard X4 M and up-tuned Competition variant receive a CFRP rear spoiler.
BMW X3 M Competition
BMW X4 M Competition
