The range-topping M Competition versions of the BMW X3 and X4 have gained a revised powertrain that offers extra torque as part of the mid-life facelift of the wider model range for the two SUVs.
BMW has made a series of changes to the wider BMW X3 and BMW X4 range, with design tweaks to both models that include a revamped larger kidney grille and new-look headlights. The facelifted version of both models will go on sale in the UK in September, with pricing starting at £43,370 for the X3 SUV and £49,010 for the more sweeping X4 coupe-SUV. Meanwhile, every engine in the standard X4 and X4 line-up is now electrified.
The X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition will also go on sale in September, priced from £85,100 and £86,860 respectively.
For the range-topping M Competition versoins, BMW has made tweaks to the in-line six-cylinder 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine used by the Porsche Macan Turbo rivals, which were first launched in 2019. Although peak power remains at 503bhp, the addition of the lightweight crankshaft used for the M3 and M4 models and a revamped cylinder head core has allowed BMW to increase the torque by 37lb ft to 479lb ft, on tap from 2750rpm to 5500rpm.
Both machines can achieve the 0-62mph sprint in 3.8secs, with a top speed of 155mph. The X3 M Competition has a fuel economy of 25.7-26.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 241-251g/km; on the more swooping X4 M Competition those improve to 26.1-26.4mph and 238-248g/km respectively.
The X3 and X4 M Competition both retain an eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox, along with a rear-biased all-wheel drive system.
Adaptive M Sport suspension is standards on both models, with electronically controlled dampers used increase ride comfort by reducing wheel and body movements. That combines with the M Servotronic steering and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and BMW has added an M Dynamics Mode that allows for extra wheel slip to enable on-track drifting.
The performance models also feature 21in wheels and M compound brakes as standard. BMW claims new forged allows save 2kg of weight per wheel.
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Driving the X3 is the best car experience ive done in my life. Super important is the petrol-engined 177bhp :o
Agree about the styling updates - unfortunately BMW seem to have a policy of making every new car considerably uglier and less easy to use than the car it replaces. Take the central console controls for instance - the previous model's were so much clearer and intuitive than these. And don't let me get started on that hideous digital dash. Utterly bizarre.
Funny that they don't use the slogan "The Ultimate Driving Machine" anymore, isn't it!
You'd have to be seriously lacking in the head department to want to buy an 'M' version of one of these. An M40i or M40d maybe, but not an X3M or X4M.
On to the LCI - did the central dash need upgrading....? Not really. Did the gear selector? Yes it did, and the new one looks good. But there's one area that wasn't addressed - the sports seats on the M-Sports versions. I've never sat in such uncomfortable car seats in my life as I did on a test drive of a 20 plate 30d. They really needed looking at.
As for the outside.....no ta. I think the X3 needs a complete modernisation project to bring the exterior design up to date.