The New BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M Competition Models

Available to order now, the new BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M Competition models are here. A newly developed 510hp six-cylinder engine that utilises new 3D printing technology in its construction sees a 0-62mph sprint possible in just 4.1 seconds. ​

For the first time, BMW M is expanding its high-performance line-up to include the X3 M and X4 M Competition models, and both will herald the arrival of a newly developed six-cylinder engine where 3D printing has been utilised in its production.

The X3 M Competition, a midsize SUV, and the X4 M Competition, a Sports Activity Coupe, will be powered by the high-revving unit that features track-proven cooling and oil supply systems as well as the latest M TwinPower Turbo technology update. Generating 510hp, the 3.0-litre in-line petrol engine has a peak torque of 600Nm while,a dual-branch exhaust system helps to deliver an intoxicating soundtrack.

The ongoing development of M TwinPower Turbo technology, coupled with the inclusion of two particulate filters and four catalytic converters, ensures the high-performance, lightweight unit can claim remarkable efficiency and exceptionally low emissions for an engine of this size.

In the BMW X3 M Competition combined fuel consumption is 26.9mpg* with CO2emissions of 239g/km while the X4 M Competition returns 26.7mpg* and CO2 emissions also at 239g/km.

The use of cutting-edge technology is at the very heart of the engine. Indeed, the cylinder head has a core manufactured using 3D printing. This additional manufacturing process enables geometric forms to be created that are beyond the capability of conventional metal casting techniques. 3D printing technology has cut the weight of the new engine’s cylinder head core and allowed its coolant ducts to be routed in a way that optimises temperature management.

The six-cylinder in-line engine serves up its peak torque between 2,600 and 5,950 rpm. It generates maximum output at 6,250 rpm and sustains its power delivery until the 7,300 rpm ‘red line’. The BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M Competition accelerate from zero to 62mph in 4.1 seconds, while top speed is electronically governed at 155mph. If the optional M Driver’s Package is specified (available from August 2019), this rises to 174mph and the customer receives the chance to participate in an M Intensive Training in the UK or throughout the world to hone their driving skills.​

The new high-performance engine links up with the latest upgrade of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. As well as fully automated gear changes, it also enables manual shifts with sequential gear selection. Fitted as standard along with the newly designed selector lever are gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. Manual mode allows the driver to shift down several times to the lowest gear possible in order to utilise the engine braking effect.

The driver can use the selector lever’s Drivelogic switch to adjust the transmission’s shift characteristics in both automatic and manual modes. Drivelogic mode 1 aids efficient driving with smooth gear changes, while switching to mode 2 is for sportier driving with shorter shift times. The third mode makes gear changes even sharper.

Both cars feature the new M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which sends power to all four wheels for maximum traction but, unlike many other similar systems, it possesses the dynamic qualities of classical rear-wheel drive. The electronically controlled M xDrive, which works in tandem with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system, only shifts drive to the front axle when the rear wheels start to lose optimum traction.

An ergonomically efficient cockpit design, sports seats and a wealth of model-specific design details give the cabins of the BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition models a sporty yet luxurious feel while the M-style design of the displays and controls makes it easier for drivers to stay focused on the job in hand.

Standard specification for the BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition includes heated M seats in Full Merino leather, with upper sections embossed with the M logo and electric adjustment for both front seats and Lumbar support for the driver’s seat and front passenger seat as standard.

Customers can select from Black Merino leather, Adelaide Grey with Sakhir Orange highlights, Sakhir Orange, BMW Individual Ivory White or Tartufo at no additional cost. The exclusive Midrand Beige with Alcantara seat can be optionally selected, as can Carbon Fibre interior trims.

A separate control panel on the centre console and two M Drive buttons on the steering wheel allow drivers to choose their desired chassis set-up. These buttons allow the DSC mode, the engine’s performance characteristics, the settings for the electronically controlled dampers and the steering set-up to be selected independently. The shift program for the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic is engaged by means of a button on the selector lever. Drivers can use the iDrive menu to select an M xDrive mode with the DSC system deactivated. The iDrive menu also allows them to vary the content in the BMW Head-Up Display. 

Drivers can use this array of settings to configure two detailed overall set-ups for their car and store them permanently. This means they always have their ideal set-ups on hand. The desired set-up can be activated instantly and at any time by pressing one of the two red M Drive buttons on the steering wheel. 

BMW Icon Adaptive LED Headlights with variable light distribution, cornering lights and BMW Selective Beam for non-dazzling high beam are standard features on these vehicles. Atmospheric interior illumination is provided by the standard ambient lighting that offers a choice of six colours and can be activated via the iDrive menu.

Optionally available is the Comfort Package which combines a number of options that enhance the driver’s and passengers’ comfort levels. Options include Extended Storage ,Steering Wheel Heating , Manual backrest adjustment for the rear seats and Comfort Access.

Standard equipment comprises Active Guard, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking and Driving Assistant which includes Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info display, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Prevention, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning.  

Driving Assistant Plus is optional and additional elements of this feature include the Steering and lane control assistant, the Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection, the evasion aid and the Crossroads warning, Wrong-way warning and Front Cross Traffic Alert. 

Parking Assistant is featured as standard and includes front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC) and adds a rear-view camera. Furthermore, the system could take over steering, acceleration and braking inputs when the parking assistant system is engaged. It works for both parallel and bay parking manoeuvres. An even broader functionality is provided by the optional Parking Assist Plus with Surround View, Panorama View and 3D Top View functions, while the Remote 3D View function transmits a three-dimensional live image of the vehicle to the driver’s smartphone via the BMW Connected App.