BMW Motorsports is bringing high performance to the X3 SUV and the X4 Coupe/SUV. BMW revealed the X3 and X4 are getting an M and M-Competition variants.
This comes as disappointing news to M Performance fans. However, it’s not that shocking, considering BMW has been talking about these vehicles since September 2018.
And, they are not the first SUVs to become M-powered. The X5 and X6 models received their M badges in 2009. The SUV is such a dominant product worldwide that we’re wondering why there’s no M version for every X-series BMW by now.
BMW calls them SAV / SAC, which stands for “Sports Activity Vehicle / Coupe”. It’s a term that signifies the company’s change of direction from utility vehicles to sports vehicles with AWD and high center of gravity.
The most powerful inline-6 by BMW
The M versions of the X3 and X4 will debut BMW’s most powerful inline-6 engine yet.
It’s a 3.0-liter, BMW M Turbocharged 6-cylinder engine. The engine features forged pistons and a lightweight crankshaft. They provide great throttle response allow it to rev up to 7200 RPM.
- The M versions use a twin-scroll turbocharger and produce 473 horsepower and 443 lbs/ft.
- The M Competition versions use two turbochargers, connected in series, boosting power to 510 hp and 443 lbs/ft.
The X4 with the M Competition package achieve a 0-62 mph acceleration in as little as 4.1 seconds. The SUVs are electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph. The optional M Driver’s package boosts this to 177 mph for the competition package.
They are not the fastest SUVs out there with the Urus and Trackhawk Jeep reaching mid-3-second results. However, they are plenty fast and take a firm position in the top 10.
Intelligent AWD performance
The torque is sent through an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission and to the M xDrive.
It’s an all-wheel-drive system with active central and rear differentials. The vehicle favors the rear wheels and only sends power to the front axle if they reach their traction limit. The rear differential can lock up in a full gradient of 0 to 100%.
M xDrive provides excellent traction control and maximizes the useful power delivered to the ground. Of course, if you want to lose traction and go drifting, the settings are fully adjustable.
The M versions ride on 20-inch M wheels. The M Competition models go up in size to 21-inches. Tires are 255/40 ZR21 at the front and 265/40 ZR21 at the rear.
The X3 M and X4 M offer refined vehicle dynamics and increased stability. The SUV performs exceptionally on high-speed corners of the track and on rugged terrains in the open country.
The active electromagnetic dampers allow each wheel to achieve maximum contact with the ground.
A five-link suspension fixes the rear wheels, allowing them to travel only vertically. At the front, there is a double wishbone suspension and a special M-specific brace that links the strut towers together.
Proper M styling
The vehicles, especially with the M Competition package look sufficiently sporty and aggressive.
The M Competition comes with a myriad of carbon fiber aerodynamic surfaces on the front end. The rear end features carbon fiber spoilers and four 100mm exhaust tailpipes.
Of course, M badges can be found all around – inside and out.
M Sports seats in Merino leather come standard in the Competition package and are optional for the M variant. All models come with knee pads on the center console for those high-G turns.
The steering wheel, instrument cluster, and drive selector lever are specific to M Performance and allow you to take full control of the vehicle.
Overall, the X3 M and X4 M offer the typical BMW luxury with a plethora of options to choose from, if you have the budget.
SUV is king
Performance SUVs are the final nail in the coffin of the passenger car. Sedans and wagons are steadily disappearing from the streets. US manufacturers are discontinuing historic models.
Edmunds published a report on the US auto industry and trends for 2019 in December. The report concludes that new car sales will drop by a 3rd of a percent in 2019 compared to 2018.
However, sales of light trucks, which include SUV, vans, and pickups, will actually increase by 6.8%, occupying 69% of the whole American market.
The fact of the matter is – SUVs and crossovers offer unrivaled versatility. Consumers are predominantly looking into SUVs because they satisfy most of their needs. If you only have one car that needs to serve your entire family, that’s what you’d choose.
An SUV can do school runs, daily commute and long trips with plenty of space for luggage and family members. Most of them are packed with comfort features. The modern powertrains and aero improvements make most SUVs just as efficient as passenger cars.
Even 2WD models will offer some off-road capabilities, though you need to pick wisely if you plan on going camping often.
With legendary sports car manufacturers, like Lamborghini, entering the SUV market, it becomes apparent that all borders are already crossed.