A compact SUV with supercar rivalling performance also wears a supercar price tag.
As much as some car enthusiasts may lament, the segment of the sedan is slowly dying, replaced by the ever-popular SUV. When the sedans go, it takes with it the oft-worshiped performance sedans too.
Cars like the M3 might have not much long to live in this world. However, the X3 M Competition might be the car to pick up where the sports sedan will leave off. Even if it is a high-riding SUV, this M car still packs a mighty punch.
Before anything, the numbers alone in this super SUV would make the mouths of any car enthusiast water. 510 hp, 600 Nm of torque and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds is better than what you can find in a Porsche 911 991 Carrera S less than 10 years ago. And let us not forget that this is a family hauler on stilts that is capable of hauling the kids and the shopping, while still whooping the arse of Stuggart’s finest sports car.
This overwhelming performance figures is courtesy of a newly-developed 3.0 M TwinPower Turbo straight-six. Mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and driving all four wheels thanks to standard M xDrive all-wheel drive system, the X3M Competition is truly an all-weather performance machine.
It is also not just a straight line monster, with the X3 M Competition coming standard with a whole host of handling upgrades to ensure that this high-riding vehicle has sports car worthy handling. These upgrades include a front strut brace, adaptive dampers, stiffer stabilisers, along with the Active M Differential. Braking performance has also been upgraded thanks to M compound brakes that are both lighter and more powerful.
Teaser trailers of the X3 M Competition shows it power-sliding on a dirt tracks and rocky terrain. Something that is technically possible thanks to the dynamic rear wheel bias when on sport mode. But let’s be realistic here and say that those 21 inch wheels wrapped in performance rubber will resolutely remain on tarmac.
On the subject of those wheels, let’s turn our attention towards the styling of this SUV. Admittedly it may not be the prettiest SUV around, but then again neither are any of its other competitors. BMW did do a reasonably good job with all the addition of the M performance bits onto this SUV.
At the front, the kidney grille surrounds, the signature M side gills and the wing mirror caps are now black. Adaptive LED headlights and LED taillights are now standard. Speaking of the back, X3 M Competition features a slim diffuser in black and an M-specific roof spoiler. Not to mention the quad-pipes in black chrome that is part of the M Sport exhaust system.
Stepping into this M-fied SUV, the usual practicality that is expected of an SUV remains. A 550 litre cargo capacity that can be increased to 1600 litres with the seats folded down is more than enough for the daily shopping. Adjustable rear seats and standard rear roller sun blinds are a nice luxury touch.
The same tech available on the normal X3 is also found here on this near million ringgit super SUV, just that now it is embellished with some performance M touches, with lashings of carbon trim and M coloured stitching contrasting with the Merino leather upholstery.
The ubiquitous M steering wheel with the M buttons is undoubtably found in this M SUV. A red starter button, an M-specific instrument cluster and M sport seats with illuminated M badge within the seat further emphasises on this SUV’s M heritage.
Priced at RM 886,551.58, this new BMW X3 M Competition certainly doesn’t come cheap. However to think that this could be the future equivalent to the M3 today, maybe the future is not all that bad.
More information can be found in the press release below:
Kuala Lumpur, 14th August 2020 – BMW Malaysia today introduced the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition at the Secret Garage @ M Town, expanding the premium mid-size segment with M powered driving machines.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “For over two decades, the BMW X range has been unrivalled in the high-performance mid-size segments, having pioneered some of the most advanced four-wheel drive technology in the industry. Tonight, BMW Malaysia is thrilled to be introducing two additions not just to the BMW X family but also the high-performance model line-up – the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition.”
“At BMW Malaysia, we are also setting new benchmarks for precision and agility in the BMW M portfolio with the new models; both bearing not just the Most Powerful Letter in the World, but running on the iconic Motorsports DNA of the M as well,” Hoelzl added.
The First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition further expands the BMW X portfolio of powerful Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupés (SAC) respectively. Both bring a whole new level of speed and performance to the segment with the new BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine that is capable of 510 hp.
In addition to power, the new high-powered SAV and SAC are also equipped with advanced driver assistance systems and intelligent in-car connectivity features. This includes the Driving Assistant Plus that offers optimal support during sporty driving.
Symbiosis of style and speed.
The First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition both appear with the characteristically M design elements, complemented by the sporty aesthetics of the BMW X.
The powerful front section of the vehicles is made up of the distinctive front apron and large, hexagonal air intake – built to ensure optimal ventilation for the front brakes under high thermal loads. The new BMW M models also feature adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistant, along with full-LED taillights as standard.
A long bonnet and wheelbase, steeply-raked windscreen, and slightly rectangular wheel arches lend the new models an exceptionally sporty silhouette. The M Sport exhaust system – recognisable by its four black chrome tailpipes – adds an unmistakeable sound when going full throttle and at high revs. The new BMW M models also run on 21-inch bicolour M light alloy wheels and are equipped with Adaptive M suspension. Black kidney grille surrounds, side gills and wing mirror caps are also standard to the models.
Individually, the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition features a slim diffuser in high-gloss Black and an M-specific roof spoiler. The First-Ever BMW X4 M Competition, on the other hand, features a black aerodynamic spoiler at the rear.
The power of M meets the agility of the BMW X.
Powering the new BMW M models to a powerful 375kW / 510hp is the newly-developed three-litre M TwinPower Turbo straight-six petrol engine. With a peak torque of 600Nm at 2,600 – 5,950 rpm, the new BMW M models generate a top speed of 250km/h (limited) and are capable of achieving the century sprint in merely 4.1 seconds. The new BMW M models consume 10.6 litres of fuel per 100km of travel and records a carbon emission of 244g/km.
Power is transmitted to the new high-powered BMW M models via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic – capable of performing automatic or manual gear changes via the gear selector lever or the shift paddles on the steering wheel. Three Drivelogic modes are available: Efficient, Sport, and Sport Plus – for extremely short shift times. The chassis of the new BMW M models have been upgraded with a high proportion of M-specific components for even sportier driving characteristics – improving not just performance but handling and lateral dynamics as well.
The strut brace in the engine compartment increases stiffness of the front section when subjected to strong lateral acceleration. This is complemented by adaptive dampers, stiffer stabilisers, along with the Active M Differential and M Compound Brakes that are made of composite materials to reduce weight and achieve even more powerful deceleration. The M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive also allows for conventional variable power distribution, or a Sport mode with even more pronounced and dynamic rear-wheel bias.
Designed for comfort – be it on the road or the tracks.
The cockpit of the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition welcomes passengers with an iconic M interior ambience that is equally sporty and elegant. Front passengers are greeted with entry sills bearing the M model designation and comfortable front seats with active seat ventilation and lumbar support. Special trim levels also reflect their superior performance, along with the M leather steering wheel with shift paddles, red M Drive buttons, and a red Start/Stop button.
These are complemented by the redesigned M gear selector lever and the three-level controls for the engine, damper and steering responses. Further M-specific highlights found in the new BMW M models include interior trim finishers ‘Carbon Fibre’, decorative seams in BMW M colours, M seatbelts, M pedals, along with a M-specific instrument cluster, and knee pads.
Comfort is offered to the new BMW M models via sculptural M Sport seats with illuminated M badge below the semi-integrated head restraint, furnished with premium Leather Merino upholstery. In terms of luggage capacity, the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition has a boot space of 550 litres that can be increased to 1,600 litres. The First-Ever BMW X4 M Competition, on the other hand, offers up to 1,430 litres of space with the rear seats folded, from 525 litres.
Exclusively available in the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition are seat backrest adjustment for rear seat passengers as well as roller sunblind for rear side windows.
Advanced assistance and safety systems.
Both BMW M models benefit from advanced assistance systems and intelligent in-car connectivity features, including the Head-Up Display with M-specific display variants, along with the Parking Assistant Plus featuring Surround View and Remote 3D Service.
The advanced infotainment systems available within the new BMW M models are the 10.25-inch Control Display that can be operated via the iDrive controller, by touch, and the BMW Gesture Control. ConnectedDrive Services available as standard to both BMW M models equip owners with Concierge Service, Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call and Apple CarPlay.
The new BMW M models come with intelligent assistance systems such as the Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus. The Comfort Access system also offers both convenience and safety with automatic tailgate operation of the new SAV and SAC.
The Harman Kardon surround-sound system with 600W amplifier power, nine channels and 16 speakers provide endless in-car entertainment. The wireless smartphone charging feature within the vehicles also allow for uninterrupted driving pleasure.
Colour offerings for the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition include Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Donington Grey, Phytonic Blue, Sophisto Grey and the new Toronto Red. Depending on the selected exterior offering, the new models can be furnished with exquisite Leather Merino interior upholstery in Black, Sakhir Orange or Adelaide Grey.
The First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from 14th August 2020. Customers can also book the new BMW M models on http://www.shop.bmw.com.my/ at RM5,000 each and be in the running to bring home a new BMW i8 Coupé.
Limited-Time, Special Programmes in Conjunction with Secret Garage @ M Town.
For a limited time only, BMW Group Malaysia is offering special programmes and campaigns for a range of BMW M models from 15th August to 30th September 2020. The Limited-Time M Town Special Support offers new owners of the BMW M2 Competition, BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M5 Sedan, BMW M850i xDrive Coupé an attractive price reduction of RM25,000, RM45,000, RM70,000 and RM75,000 respectively.
Dynamic financial programme.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM 10,118.00 and RM 10,318.00 respectively (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
Complete premium ownership experience.
Owners of the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
- ïBMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
- ïBMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
- ïThe BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card
- ïBMW Service Online
The retail pricing (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, and Free Scheduled Service Programme) for the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition are:
The First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition: RM 886,551.58
The First Ever BMW X4 M Competition: RM 904,276.60
