BMW reveal first-ever BMW X3 M and X4 M
BMW lifted the covers off the first ever BMW X3 M and X4 M models this week, and to say that the world is excited would be an understatement.
“Our philosophy from the start was to deliver an M3 and M4 driving experience, but with the added assurance of four-wheel drive and a slightly higher seating position,” said Lars Beulke, BMW M product manager. “We originally referred to them internally as the M3X and M4X.”
The new models will follow suit with the new BMW M5, being available in regular and Competition derivatives. Power is supplied by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo engine, producing 353kW of power in the regular models and 375kW of power in Competition guise. Unlike the M5, there isn’t a pure rear-wheel drive mode, with traction taking precedence over sideways action.
An eight-speed automatic transmission sends the power to each corner of the car thanks to the variable M xDrive four-wheel drive system. There’s also a clever torque vectoring system and electronic rear differential to maximise the SUV’s dynamics both on and off-road, and while throwing an X3 M around in the dirt may seem slightly irrational, Beulke said both the X3 M and X4 M perform “remarkably well” away from Tarmac.
The quickest model of the two is the X4 M Competition, with it’s impressive 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.1-seconds earning it this title. It will continue all the way up to its electronically limited top-speed of 250km/h. If that’s just too slow for you, then the optional M Drivers package will bump this number up to a rapid 285km/h.
The design of the BMW X3 M and X4 M is congruent with the styling we’ve seen on previous pure-M models. Up front there is a larger, more aggressively styled bumper with a massive lower grille to suck air into the engine bay. There’s also a kidney grille with exclusive M badging, finished off with M Sport side mirrors and larger side vents. The rear of the X3 M features a larger spoiler, while the X4 M has a lip-styled spoiler. Both models, however, feature redesigned bumpers that house four signature round tailpipes.
The interiors are just as impressive, with both models featuring the latest version of BMW iDrive, complete with the digital instrument cluster, M Sport steering and premium materials all around. While a louder M Sport exhaust will come standard, there’s an optional carbon fibre package available on the Competition models.
The new BMW X3 M and X4 M can be expected to arrive in South Africa by the third-quarter of 2019.
