When BMW announced that it would be creating M models of its SUV range, purists were less than pleased. If they were unhappy then, then they’re not going to like these. BMW has just launched X4M Competition and X3M Competition derivatives.

Most powerful

In a complete turnaround, the engine fitted to the X4M Competition and X3M Competition is the most powerful straight-six petrol engine ever to see action in a BMW M car. The newly developed high-revving unit generates maximum output 375 kW from its 3,0-litre twin-turbocharged motor, with peak torque of 600 N.m. With this level of power The BMW X3M Competition and BMW X4M Competition both sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4,1 seconds.

This could well be the engine that will be used in the upcoming M3/M4 as we wrote about in this article.

This new motor is paired with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. Power is sent to all four wheels via a new M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. As with other models that feature the M xDrive system, these SUV sibling have a rear-wheel bias. Torque is split between M xDrive and the Active M differential at the rear axle allows.

Body control

To harness all that power the X4M Competition and X3M Competition have M-derived suspension set-ups. M-specific electronically controlled dampers, double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle M-specific steering and M compound brakes are all standard fare. Other standard features are 21-inch M light-alloy wheels.

Bespoke appearance

BMW X3 M, BMW X4 M and Competition models have bespoke exterior and interior treatment. High-gloss black is applied to the BMW kidney grille surrounds, exterior mirror caps and M gills, and the rear spoilers. Polished alloys and an M Sport exhaust system are also specific to these models. M Sport seats with extended Merino leather upholstery, model-specific door sill plates and a model nameplate on the centre console are all standard.

Among the items fitted as standard in the BMW X3 M, BMW X4 M and Competition models are LED headlights, the hi-fi speaker system and the ConnectedDrive navigation package including the Navigation system Professional.

Good news for local fans is that these two high-performance SUVs will debut in South African later this year.