BMW X3 M and X4 M

BMW X3/4 M-Cars: All the Details

A decade after BMW revealed its first M-Division SUVs, the company has now expanded its portfolio of very quick gravel travellers.

Details of the X3 and X4 M SUVs have finally been made public, ahead of their scheduled debut at the Geneva auto show, in March. Although the SUV configuration might still be bothersome to true BMW M-Division traditionalists, the technical expertise that Munich’s finest mechanical engineers have applied to these cars are deeply impressive.

Both the X3 and X4 M-cars will be powered by the familiar BMW 3-litre in-line six, boosted by a twin-turbocharged set-up. Interestingly, two grades of the 3-litre turbo will be available, either a ‘standard’ 353 kW/600 Nm configuration, or an even more potent Competition option, surging peak power to 375 kW.

Power is predictably sent to all four wheels, via an eight-speed automatic transmission – with no dual-clutch drivetrain option. Those power numbers and all-wheel traction combine to deliver very keen acceleration numbers: 0-100kph in 4.2 seconds (4.1 sec for the Competition derivatives) and a top speed of 280 kph for X3/4 Ms with the optional Drivers’ Package.

If you require an additional 5 kph of top end, paring a Driver’s Package delimiter to the any of the Competition X3/4 M models will raise maximum speed potential to 285 kph. A dual-branch exhaust system with active flaps and 100 mm piping diameter should guarantee that these six-cylinder M-Division SUVs sound the part too. Selectable transmission shift patterns, suspension settings and styling trinkets are all familiar M-Division fare.

Technology abounds, with BMW’s engineers calculating that the cornering performance and higher SUV centre of gravity would possibly render lubrication issues, and therefore the sump is separated in two chambers, enabling a suction channel in between for optimal oil circulation. The X3/4 M cylinder heads also feature intricate 3D printed shapes, which allow for incredible geometric precision, optimising pre-combustion swirl and efficiency.

Following the trend in high-performance automotive marketing, BMW will first debut the more powerful Competition models, which should arrive in South African during the third quarter of this year. The ‘less powerful’ 353 kW options will follow later.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/bmw-x34-m-cars-all-the-details/46120/

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BMW’s first-ever X3 M and X4 M have mega power

As promised, BMW has unleashed the first proper M versions of its mid-sized X3 and X4 crossovers and to mark the occasion, the performance division has gifted them its most powerful six-cylinder engine ever.

Let’s get straight to the juicy bits then.

In standard guise the X3 M and X4 M thump out 353kW at 6250rpm and 600Nm between 2600 and 5600rpm. But opt for the Competition models and you get 375kW at the same revs and an identical torque output as the standard model, albeit with a flatter torque curve that stretches to 5950rpm.

Performance is practically in supercar territory, with the normal version sprinting from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds, according to claims, and the Competition doing its thing in 4.1 seconds. Top speeds are the usual 250km/h deal, but they can be optionally lifted to 280km/h and 285km/h respectively. The Competition models also get a more vocal M Sport exhaust system.

Transmission follows in the footsteps of the latest M5, with power going to all four wheels through an eight-speed M Steptronic torque converter automatic gearbox and M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with Active M Differential, the system having a rear-axle bias and offering two driving modes. Unlike the M5, however, there is no rear-wheel-drive mode for drifting, which is probably a good thing considering that this is a crossover.

The pair come with all the M specific chassis tuning that you would expect, and adaptive dampers are standard too, while the package also includes M Servotronic variable-ratio steering and M compound brakes.

The engine, transmission, suspension, traction control and steering characteristics are all easily adjusted at the touch of a button and the driver can store two individual set-up options for easy access at a later stage.

Cabin furniture includes sports seats with integrated headrests as well as an M specific steering wheel and gear knob.

M Styling applies to the exterior too, and standard models are fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels, while Competition versions are further distinguished by high-gloss black treatment for the grille, mirror caps and gills, and polished black treatment for the wheels, which are upsized to 21-inches.

The X3 M and X4 M are expected to reach South African shores during the third-quarter of 2019, with pricing to be confirmed nearer to launch.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...t-ever-x3-m-and-x4-m-have-mega-power-19272889
 
5 Rivals the X3 M Has To Beat

BMW has added another pair of full-blown M models to its SUV portfolio. Following in the wide tracks of the monstrous X5 M and X6 M, come the X3 M and X4 M. While the concept of a performance SUV is not a new one, there has been a proliferation of executive class-sized tar-shredders; the segment now boasts entries from several manufacturers.


The new BMW X3 M and X4 M are available in two flavours: standard and Competition. Both are powered by the BMW's familiar twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline 6, but whereas the standard versions produce 353 kW and 600 Nm of torque, the Competition option's peak power output is 375 kW.

Power is predictably sent to all four wheels, via an 8-speed automatic transmission – with no dual-clutch drivetrain option. Those power numbers and all-wheel traction combine to deliver very keen acceleration numbers: 0-100 kph in 4.2 seconds (4.1 sec for the Competition derivatives) and a top speed of 280 kph for X3/X4 Ms with the optional Drivers’ Package. Setting aside the X4 M, which is a niche product that competes with other coupe-inspired executive-sized SUVs, for the moment, how does the upcoming X3 M compare with its rivals?

Audi SQ5

Seeing as there's no RSQ5, the SQ5 will have to do. Power comes from a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, pushing out 260 kW and 500 Nm. Power goes to a quattro setup and it'll hit 100 kph from 0 in a claimed 5.4 seconds.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S

The baby brute from Affalterbach boasts a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 motor with 375 kW and 700 Nm, giving it performance credentials of 0 to 100 kph in a blistering 3.8 seconds!

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

The about-to-be-launched F-Paced SVR has one of the biggest engines in the segment. It's a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with 405 kW and 680 Nm, and this is enough to slingshot the F-Pace SVR to 100 kph from 0 in just 4.3 seconds.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

The stylish Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is now available in SA and has the same 2.9-litre biturbo V6 (375 kW and 600 Nm) as the Giulia QV. Power goes to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and it'll hit 100 kph from a standstill in a claimed 3.8 seconds.

Porsche Macan

While the new Porsche Macan range is yet to feature a fiery Turbo version, we'll have to make do with the Macan S with its 3.0-litre V6 producing 260 kW and 480 Nm. With the Sport Chrono pack fitted, it'll hit 100 kph from standstill in a claimed 5.1 seconds.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/5-rivals-the-x3-m-has-to-beat/46122/
 
Manhart Performance Share BMW X4 M Package Already

The BMW X3 M and X4 M have only just been announced yet tuners like Manhart Performance are already sharing plans of creating enhanced versions.

For now, this is probably just a preview as no specs have been revealed or exactly what parts will be made available but you can expect the final product to look a lot like this, as it follows the usual Manhart Performance cues. The front end will get a new spoiler under the bumper along with gold accents around the air intakes, creating a mean look. The traditional double-spoke wheels will also be included in the pack along with other visual details.

At the back you will see a new boot lid spoiler, new diffuser for the rear bumper and trims for the quad exhausts. If the name is any indication, the Manhart MHX4 600 will probably be aiming for 600 PS (592 hp; 441 kW). That’s a rather big number considering the engine under the hood is only a 3-litre straight six.

The BMW X4 M Competition can already sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds so with an extra 88 hp (66 kW) under the bonnet this mid-size SUV could dip into the threes.

https://www.zero2turbo.com/2019/02/manhart-performance-share-bmw-x4-m-package-already.html

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LOOK: The first-ever BMW X3 M and X4 M break cover

BMW has unleashed the first proper M versions of its mid-sized X3 and X4 crossovers and to mark the occasion, the performance division has gifted them its most powerful six-cylinder engine ever. Let’s get straight to the juicy bits then.

In standard guise the X3 M and X4 M thump out 353kW at 6250rpm and 600Nm between 2600 and 5600rpm.

But opt for the Competition and you get 375kW at the same revs and an identical torque output as the standard model, albeit with a flatter torque curve that stretches to 5950rpm.

Performance is practically in supercar territory, with the normal version sprinting from 0-100km/* in 4.2 seconds, according to claims, and the Competition doing its thing in 4.1 seconds.

Top speeds are the usual 250km/* deal, but they can be optionally lifted to 280km/* and 285km/* respectively.

The Competition models also get a more vocal M Sport exhaust system.

Transmission follows in the footsteps of the latest M5, with power going to all four wheels through an eight-speed M Steptronic torque converter automatic gearbox and M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with Active M Differential, the system having a rear-axle bias and offering two driving modes.

Unlike the M5, however, there is no rear-wheel-drive mode for drifting, which is probably a good thing considering that this is a crossover.

The pair come with all the M specific chassis tuning that you would expect, and adaptive dampers are standard too, while the package also includes M Servotronic variable-ratio steering and M compound brakes.

The engine, transmission, suspension, traction control and steering characteristics are all easily adjusted at the touch of a button and the driver can store two individual set-up options for easy access at a later stage.

Cabin furniture includes sports seats with integrated headrests as well as an M specific steering wheel and gear knob.

M Styling applies to the exterior too, and standard models are fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels, while Competition versions are further distinguished by high-gloss black treatment for the grille, mirror caps and gills, and polished black treatment for the wheels, which are upsized to 21-inches.

The X3 M and X4 M are expected to reach South African shores during the third-quarter of 2019, with pricing to be confirmed nearer to launch.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/cars/bmw/look-the-first-ever-bmw-x3-m-and-x4-m-break-cover-19562841
 
BMW beef-up X3 M and X4 M with M Performance Parts

BMW's X3 M and X4 M are purposeful looking machines, but there will always be those for whom their styling treatment is a little too demure. Consequently, BMW has put together a catalogue of M Performance Parts for both models. The pieces, both inside and out, are strictly cosmetic.

Cast from carbon fibre, the M Performance Parts pack for these two SUVs comprises a radiator grille, air breathers, door sill finishers and M Performance overprints. The X3 M can be fitted with a roof edge spoiler while the X4 M gets a set of rear fins. M Performance lettering for the front, rear and side complete the look.

For added exclusivity optional LED M Performance door projectors light up the ground with the distinctive brand colours. The cabin builds on the carbon fibre theme with the new shift paddles that complement the Alcantara and leather sports steering wheel with carbon fibre inserts.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/bmw-beef-up-x3-m-and-x4-m-with-m-performance-parts/

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BMW X3 M Competition 2019 review

Should I buy one?

This isn’t the only car in its niche to stretch the limits of acceptability on hardcore temperament; and it doesn’t do that quite as far as either an Alfa Stelvio Quadrifoglio or a Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S.

But because it prizes handling precision and drivability over more lurid, dramatic and accessible performance appeal, the X3 M Competition ends up feeling short of a really outstanding selling point: like a car that isn’t as versatile, as broad-batted or as usable as some, or as downright rapid or exciting at everyday speeds as others.

It’s a predictably serious driver’s car, in other words; which is what we should expect of the M Division – even if that makes it feel unusual, and perhaps a bit misplaced, in a class of performance cars that some remain singularly unwilling to take at all seriously.

BMW X3 M Competition specification

Where Monticello, New Jersey Price £77,190 On sale now Engine 6 cyls in line, 2993cc, twin-turbocharged, petrol Power 503bhp at 5950-7200rpm Torque 443lb ft at 2600-5950rpm Gearbox 8-spd automatic Kerb weight 1970kg Top speed 155mph (limited) 0-62mph 4.1sec Fuel economy 24.4-24.8mpg (WLTP Combined) CO2 WLTP figures unavailable Rivals Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Jaguar F-Pace SVR

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/x3-m/first-drives/bmw-x3-m-competition-2019-review

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BMW X4 M Competition 2019 review

Should I buy one?

Like the X3 M, the X4 M is an effective but unusually serious and uncompromising driver’s car by fast SUV norms. That means it doesn’t have the breadth of ability of, say, the Jaguar F-Pace SVR or Macan and probably doesn’t do quite as much to extend the reach of the M Division model range to people who want a semi-luxurious everyday family car as some might expect.

The relative practicality limitations of the X4’s body design also erodes that sense of overarching convenience and usability a bit, and it’s questionable whether the added exterior style and desirability you get in return for giving that up is worth the trade.

If you feel differently, though, and you like what you see in this car, there’s every chance that you’ll enjoy the sporting driving experience you find at the X4 M's steering wheel. Neither four-wheel drive nor a high-rising body profile prevent it from feeling like a proper M car.

BMW X4 M Competition specification

Where New Jersey, US Price £80,110 On sale Now Engine 6cyls in-line, 2993cc, twin-turbo, petrol Power 503bhp at 5950-7200rpm Torque 442lb ft at 2600-5950rpm Gearbox 8-spd automatic Kerb weight 1970kg Top speed 155mph (limited) 0-62mph 4.1sec Fuel economy 24.6-24.8mpg (WLTP) CO2 tbc (WLTP) Rivals Porsche Macan Turbo, Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupé

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/x4-m/first-drives/bmw-x4-m-competition-2019-review

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Saw both the X3 and X4 on the N1 yesterday. Had some branding on, couldnt really make out. X4 looks much better from the back. Definately some press cars. Wasnt sure if they were M cars, but the lights made them very distinguishable
 
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