BMW unveils fiery X3M and X4M
INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH
BMW has unleashed vehicles to rival those by Mercedes-AMG and Porsche in the premium and medium sports SUV segment. The Mercedes-AMG GLC63 and Porsche’s Macan Turbo will now have to compete against the new BMW X3M and X4M.
The cars carry BMW’s signature 3.0l six-cylinder bi-turbo engine, derived from the current M3/M4. Beefed up with a forged crankshaft, fuel injection pressure raised from 200 bar to 350 bar, including track-developed oil and cooling systems, and other mechanical enhancements, they have outputs of 353kW/600Nm in basic form a notable hike over the 317kW and 550Nm of the M4 sedan.
In an unprecedented move by BMW, the new SUV slammers debut in two versions Standard and Competition, the latter’s performance output raised by 22kW to 375kW.
Both versions are mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, with a set of adjustability measures to fine-tune the transmission to the driver’s preferences, from sharp responses to relaxed and docile.
A new M xDrive all-wheeldrive system derived from that used in the current BMW M5 is attached to a chassis with adaptive dampers.
It has a rear bias and offers two AWD driving modes. Performance claims are 4.2 seconds from 0-100 km/h for basic models, while the Competition will do it in 4.1 seconds. Stronger M compound brakes hidden inside 21-inch M light-alloy wheels provide stopping power.
The cabins of the X3M and X4M are luxuriously sporty and include electrically adjustable leather sports seats, M-specific cockpits, M leather steering wheels, M gearshift selector levers, LED headlights and ConnectedDrive navigation.
The M Sport seats have extended merino leather upholstery, the door sill plates are model-specific and a model nameplate takes pride of place on the centre console.
Exclusive elements to differentiate the cars from regular variants include high-gloss black accenters for the kidney grille surrounds, exterior mirror caps, M gills and a special rear spoiler for the X4M.
An M Sport exhaust with four ports and a significantly wilder battle cry comes as standard.