In-Depth Photos of the New 2020 BMW X3 M and X4 M

The Editors

February 12, 2019 at 5:58 PM

<p>We recently sat down with an automotive consultant in Europe, reflecting on the discrepancy between the wishes of politicians and bureaucrats and those of automotive customers. While the former two groups want customers to go for downsizing, electrification, and altogether responsible choices, the premium customer has three very different wishes. He or she wants (a) an SUV, (b) all-wheel drive, and (c) ultra-high performance. We wondered: Will humankind ever grow up?</p>

17. BMW X3 M Competition / X4 M Competition – 503 HP

<p>At 473 horsepower, they are positioned well above the current range toppers, the 355-hp X3 and X4 M40i.</p>

<p>And because too much is not enough, BMW is giving us Competition versions as well.</p>

<p>Rated at 503 horsepower, they are available right from the beginning.</p>

<p>But it’s bored out and comes with a shorter stroke, and the M division has touched simply everything to turn it into a loud and high-revving powerhouse.</p>

<p>Both models redline at 7300 rpm, and the maximum torque of 442 lb-ft is served up from 2600 to 5600 rpm (5950 for the Competition version).</p>

<p>Force fed by two monoscroll turbochargers, the S58 is fitted with BMW’s Valvetronic valvetrain, a double-Vanos camshaft, and a forged crankshaft.</p>

<p>It sends its power through a ZF-supplied eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts so quickly, you won’t miss a dual-clutch box (but perhaps a manual).</p>

<p>Zero to 60 mph happens in 4.1 seconds (4.0 for the Competition), and top speed is governed at 155 mph but can be raised to 174 mph on the regular models and 177 mph on the Competition models.</p>

<p>Fuel consumption is unknown so far, but BMW M promises very reasonable figures.</p>

<p>But it’s not just up to the engine to equalize the nearly two tons of weight.</p>

<p>The other half of the job falls to the chassis and suspension, which have been significantly upgraded from the M40i models. An array of struts and stabilizer bars and specific elastokinematics, in conjunction with special dampers and a special power-steering unit, makes the true M models stiffer and helps them handle with more precision.</p>

<p>The heavily rear-biased all-wheel-drive powertrain leans on the M5's system.</p>

<p>Add to that the electronically controlled active rear differential, and you have a two-ton SUV that handles like a sports car and loves to hang out its tail.</p>

<p>High-performance brakes are standard, and the models are fitted with mixed tires: 255/45 front and 265/45 rear rubber is standard.</p>

<p>Twenty-inch wheels are fitted, with 21-inch wheels optional.</p>

<p>And we would consider going for them, just as we might go for the pretty carbon-fiber appearance package. Because, why not.</p>

<p>It'll help set the X3 M and X4 M even further apart from their more profane siblings. Maybe we are just a stand-in for the typical premium customer, right?</p>

<p>Of course, we'd look at the competition, too. There's the wild <a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a19049210/2018-alfa-romeo-stelvio-quadrifoglio-first-drive-review/" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio</a>, the razor-sharp <a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.caranddriver.com/porsche/macan-turbo" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Porsche Macan Turbo;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Porsche Macan Turbo</a>, and the V-8–powered <a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a22759294/2018-mercedes-amg-glc63-suv-by-the-numbers/" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mercedes-AMG GLC63;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Mercedes-AMG GLC63</a>.</p>

<p>But these new BMW M models may be the most perfect combination of virtues. U.S. pricing starts at $69,900 for the X3 M and $73,400 for the X4 M; the Competition models will set you back another $7000.</p>

<p>Made in the United States, they will be at dealerships starting in mid-July.</p>

We recently sat down with an automotive consultant in Europe, reflecting on the discrepancy between the wishes of politicians and bureaucrats and those of automotive customers. While the former two groups want customers to go for downsizing, electrification, and altogether responsible choices, the premium customer has three very different wishes. He or she wants (a) an SUV, (b) all-wheel drive, and (c) ultra-high performance. We wondered: Will humankind ever grow up?

BMW

Full specs, pricing, and an on-sale date for the first ever M versions of the X3 and the X4, which make their debut at Geneva next month.

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In-Depth Photos of the New 2020 BMW X3 M and X4 M

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