Now available in Competition guise, with 503 hp
BMW revealed its range toppers for the X3 and X4. And they now come in Competition guise as well.
X3 M and X4 M use the 3.0-liter inline-six worthy of 473 hp (480 PS) and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) which make the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint happen in no less than 4.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph (250 km/h) but it can go up to 174 mph (280 km/h) with the M Driver’s Package.
If that’s not enough, you can now opt for the Competition Package. That ups the power figure to 503 hp (510 PS) and shaves off 0.1 seconds from the 0-62 mph time to 4.1 seconds. By default, the top speed is still limited to 155 mph but the M Driver’s Package will allow you to reach 177 mph (305 km/h).
The engine’s resources are sent to the wheels through the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which bears the same features as in the actual M5. By playing with the M Dynamic modes you can choose how you want your SUV: laid-back, comfortable, or track-tackling sharp.
The chassis is, of course, stiffer, with the suspension components getting anti-roll bars and robust bushings and bearings. The X3 M and X4 M feature electronically controlled dampers which you adjust by selecting the desired driving mode: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The stopping power is also impressive: 15.6-inch (395 mm) discs for the front wheels and 14.6-inch (370 mm) ones for the rear axle.
As for the looks, both X3 M and X4 M feature redesigned front and rear fascias, 20-inch wheels (21 for the Competition pack), black trim on the outside, roof spoilers, and two new colors (for a total of seven) to choose from: Toronto Red and Donington Grey. Later on, a Carbon Package will be available.
Inside, you get Vernasca leather on the electronically controlled sports seats, M logos here and there, an M-specific steering wheel, aluminum and black trims for the dashboard and door sills, and an M-specific instrument cluster. The Competition Package comes with M Sport seats (otherwise optional) with Merino leather upholstery.
The BMW X3 M and X4 M already find themselves in a tough company: the 503-hp Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV already proved itself on the Nürburgring, a thunder that the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S stole afterward.
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