BMW WILL ADD TO ITS portfolio of high performance versions when it launches updated versions of its potent X3 M and X4 M Competition to the local market at the end of this year.
The two new models will strengthen BMW M’s presence in Australia, which is one of the leading markets in the world for share of high-performance vehicle sales in the overall model mix.
The refreshed BMW X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition bring new design features drawn from the updated X3 and X4 – which also had their world premiere today – along with BMW M-specific changes and a progressive new operating concept.
The new models also offer increased pulling power. The most powerful BMW in-line six-cylinder petrol engine with a peak output of 375kW – which is also found under the bonnet of the all-new BMW M3 and M4 Competition – now has maximum torque of 650Nm.
This marks an increase of 50Nm on the previous generation models and enables both models to achieve the standard sprint in just 3.8-seconds, which is a 0.3 second improvement on the first-generation variants.
Pricing and accompanying specifications for the X3 M and X4 M Competition will be revealed ahead of their local launch at the end of 2021.
High-revving BMW M TwinPower Turbo with motorsport-derived technology
The BMW M TwinPower in-line six-cylinder engine of the BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M Competition now integrates a key feature from the engine of the new BMW M3 and M4 Competition models – a lightweight, forged crankshaft.
An extremely torsion-resistant design enables transmission of the particularly high torque, while its low weight and reduced rotating masses contribute to more free-revving characteristics.
The in-line six-cylinder engine’s racetrack-proven cooling system is designed to enable an exceptionally high level of output and includes two laterally positioned radiators in addition to the central unit. There is also an additional engine oil cooler and a separate transmission oil cooler.
BMW M has also designed a motorsport-inspired oil supply system, with two separate chambers and an integrated suction channel in a weight-optimised oil pan. This guarantees steady oil supply at all times, even during extreme longitudinal and lateral acceleration.
M Sport exhaust and eight-speed M Steptronic transmission
The BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M Competition come standard with the M Sport exhaust, which produces a booming soundtrack under high engine speeds and loads.
In addition, the infinitely variable flaps of the M Sport exhaust system allow for a highly varied sound production depending on the desired outcome.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. In addition to fully automatic gear changes, it also enables manual shifting with sequential selection of the drive position.
Gear selection is actuated by either the steering wheel mounted shift paddles or via the new M gear selector in the centre console.
In manual mode, multiple downshifts can be made to the lowest possible gear to maximise engine braking capabilities. When accelerating, no forced upshift is triggered even when the engine is at high revs.
M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with rear-wheel orientation
The M xDrive all-wheel drive system further contributes to the high agility of the BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M Competition, combining the traction benefits of all-wheel-drive with the signature driving feeling of classic rear-wheel-drive BMWs.
The electronically controlled M xDrive – which is networked with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system – only directs part of the drive torque to the front axle when the rear wheels reach the limits of their power transmission capabilities.
At the touch of a button, the driver can influence not only how the driving stability control works but also the distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels.
The centrally-controlled interaction of the M xDrive all-wheel drive system with the Active M Differential ensures loss-free transmission of engine power.
Superior driving dynamics in hallmark M style
The BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition provide an exceptional level of driving dynamics potential.
Outstanding values in the areas of longitudinal and lateral acceleration (we think that means “forwards and sideways”), handling and deceleration go hand-in-hand with a high level of driving stability, neutral self-steering response and comfort characteristics that enhance suitability for everyday use.
M Adaptive Suspension, which is standard on BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition models for Australia, are set-up specifically for each car. The system features electronically controlled dampers that deliver both a high level of day-to-day comfort and extremely direct road contact with minimised wheel and body movement.
Damping forces are ideally suited to cope with every situation on the road and are set individually for each wheel at continuously varying levels by means of electromagnetically controlled valves within each damper.
Driving precision and response are further sharpened based on an extensive package of body and suspension reinforcements, including the M specific strut package.
A specifically-calibrated DSC system also contributes to a typical M driving experience.
In M Dynamic Mode, this system allows additional wheel slip to generate the self-steering response that is typical of M, enabling controlled drift manoeuvres when used, for example, on the racetrack.
M compound brake system and 21-inch wheels as standard
The performance characteristics of the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M Competition are complemented by powerful M compound brakes. The brake callipers feature the M logo and are finished in blue as standard or in high-gloss black or red upon request.
Wheel and tyre packages are geared for maximum performance, with 21-inch wheels with mixed tyres in 255/40 ZR21 at the front and 265/40 ZR21 at the rear. New M forged wheels in Style 892M Star Spoke Jet Black burnished contribute to a weight saving of two kilograms per wheel.
Alternatively, the well-known M light alloy wheel 765M V-Spoke is also available in Jet Black burnished.
Larger BMW kidney grille and a more striking front section
The new BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition have enlarged BMW kidney grilles in a one-piece frame and headlight units that are 10mm narrower, which are drawn from the updated BMW X3 and BMW X4.
An iCam is positioned in the centre piece of the one-piece frame, simultaneously providing visual separation of the BMW kidney grille. As with all M models, high-gloss black double kidney bars provide more aggression to the front compared with series models.
The highly advanced BMW Laserlight, which has a range of up to 650 metres, will be fitted as standard to Australian-delivered vehicles.
BMW M has also designed the M specific front apron to be even more expressive on the new X3 M and X4 M Competition models.
One particularly striking feature is the new, vertically arranged and elongated side air intakes. These are angled down towards the spoiler lip in a bend towards the centre of the vehicle where they follow the hexagonal shape of the central air intake.
They are framed by trim elements in high-gloss black, which is also used for the caps of the aerodynamically optimised M exterior mirrors and the characteristic M gills integrated in the air breathers. That finish is also applied to the X4 M Competition-exclusive rear spoiler.
Distinctive rear aprons in a new design and new paint finishes
The BMW X3 M Competition has full-LED rear lights derived from the refreshed BMW X3 with a black surround and narrower illuminated graphics. The lower section of the rear apron is M specific and finished in high-gloss black.
Large diffusers on both the new BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition are flanked on the right and left by the tailpipe pairs of the M Sport exhaust system, which are finished in menacing black chrome.
The new rear apron of the BMW X4 M Competition features a wide, offset insert in the shape of an anvil. As with the lateral air curtain panels, which also accommodate the new vertical reflectors, this section is finished in high-gloss black, ensuring a particularly powerful overall impression.
In addition to M Carbon Black metallic and M Brooklyn Grey metallic, there are two new paint finishes reserved exclusively for the M Competition models – M Marina Bay Blue metallic and M Sao Paolo Yellow.
A wide range of BMW Individual paint finishes are available for the first time such as the matt finish Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic.
Honed M interior with new accents
The BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M Competition feature highly supportive M sports seats with electrically adjustable headrests and illuminated M logo as standard.
In addition to the extended Merino leather upholstery in four colour combinations, the BMW Individual extended Merino leather upholstery in Tartufo is also available as an option. The air vents have new galvanised trim, and available interior trims include Carbon Fibre, dark Rhombicle aluminium and piano finish Black.
The M leather steering wheel with multifunction features contrast stitching in the BMW M colours and an open 6 o’clock spoke.
Control island from the new BMW M3 and M4 models
Originating from the new BMW M3 and M4 models, the newly designed control island on the centre console includes two new buttons in addition to the specific M gear selector with Drivelogic rocker switch, the BMW iDrive Controller and engine start button.
The set-up button provides direct access to all settings options for the engine and suspension. It is used to access a menu in the Control Display that lists the current vehicle settings. Two individually configured variants of the M set-up can be permanently stored and retrieved at any time using the two M buttons on the steering wheel.
The M Mode button can be used to influence the activities of the driver assistance systems as well as the displays in the instrument cluster and in the Head-Up Display at the touch of a button.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional with intelligent networking
The new BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M Competition come equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Professional including Connected Drive as standard.
Intelligent networking including innovative digital services based on BMW Operating System 7 – such as BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and Remote Software Upgrade – enable seamless interaction between driver and vehicle.
Intuitive multi-modal operation has also been further optimised. Depending on the situation, the driver has a choice between touch operation on the Control Display, the tried-and-tested BMW iDrive Controller, the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel and voice control.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional offers a fully digital display network, with the high-resolution instrument cluster and the centre-mounted Control Display each having a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches.
The fully digital instrument display offers, among other aspects, the M View with specific displays adopted from the BMW M8 Competition models. M specific display content is also available with the BMW M Head-Up Display.
Smartphone integration and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
Another prominent standard feature is optimised smartphone integration. Android Auto can now also be used with the vehicle’s operating system in addition to Apple CarPlay.
Here, the driver can view important information from the apps on the Control Display and also – via intelligently processed form – in the instrument cluster and the Head-Up Display.
The capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant are expanding on an ongoing basis. With the digital companion, naturally spoken instructions can now be used to regulate the air conditioning, open and close the windows or change the driving experience switch modes.
It can also access the new News app, which reads out the latest news to passengers and learn routines that increase comfort and driving pleasure in certain situations.
Remote Software Upgrade keeps X3 M and X4 M Competition up to date
BMW Operating System 7 now also includes Remote Software Upgrade. This ensures that the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M Competition always remain up to date with the latest software.
The upgrades can include different content from new services to improved vehicle features and can be loaded “over-the-air”. It is also possible via the BMW Connected Drive Store to integrate additional vehicle functions in the vehicle at a later date, such as the new BMW Drive Recorder, which records video images around the vehicle.
Driving Assistant Professional available for the first time
Availability of Driving Assistant Professional system is a first for the two high performance models.
Fitted as standard for local offerings, Driving Assistant Professional includes Active Cruise Control with improved functionality in the city, emergency lane assistant and the improved steering/lane guidance assistant.
The 3D environment visualisation in the instrument cluster provides an overview of which Driving Assistant Professional assistance systems are activated and what functions they offer.
Parking Assistant Plus now also includes the reverse assistant, which helps retrace a completed line in reverse. Parking Assistant Plus uses Park View, Panorama View and 3D Top View to create a 360-degree image of the vehicle and its surroundings from various perspectives.
Meanwhile, the driver can have a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle and its surroundings transmitted to their smartphone by means of Remote 3D View.
Once we have tested and assessed the new BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.