BMW X3 M and X4 M breaks cover with 473bhp

-    The duo is powered by a bi-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six producing 473bhp and 600Nm.

-    A more powerful Competition produces 503bhp. 

After nearly six months of just teasers, the all-new X3 and X4 tuned by the M powerhouse are here. The new X3 M and X4 M are BMW’s new pocket-rocket SUVs which, this time around, also get the hardcore Competition variants. 

Under the hood of the slightly masculine hood is a newly-developed high-revving unit with M TwinPower Turbo unit. This 3.0-litre straight-six produces 473bhp and 600Nm of raw power in the standard guise. But if you opt for the Competition guise, the output figure rises by 30bhp to a colossal 503bhp. All this firepower is kept in check by the M-spec xDrive all-wheel-drive system which also does duty in the BMW M5. The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission sends a rear-wheel biased power to active M-differential. As a result, the X3 M and X4 M can both sprint from 0 to 100kmph in 4.2 seconds, while their Competition variants hit the 100kmph mark from a standstill in a mere 4.1 seconds.

Similar to all BMW M cars, the pair comes with body strengthening elements and sophisticated chassis technology. The electronically controlled dampers are tuned for both track and everyday use claims BMW. The M-specific steering wheel and powerful M compound brakes send all the feedback to the driver about what the 20-inch M light-alloy wheels are doing at all times. There are M xDrive modes too which, when used cleverly, can send the crossovers into a controlled drift mode. 

In terms of design and features, both the X3 M and X4 M get massive air intakes up front and stylish body kit all around. On the inside, there’s Vernasca leather upholstery, M-specific cockpit, M leather steering wheel and M gearshift selector lever as well. The Competition guise brings additional exclusive accents to the duo such as gloss black finish on BMW kidney grille, mirror caps, M gills, and a rear spoiler. The Competition also sits on 21-inch wheels done in black along with a better sounding M Sport exhaust. The inside gets Merino leather upholstery with Alcantara trims. The optional M Carbon package will arrive later with carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRPF) bits all around the car.

Both the X3 M and X4 M are expected to arrive on Indian shores as well but the approximate date remains uncertain. The pair goes up against the likes of Mercedes-AMG GLC63 and GLC63 Coupe and upcoming Audi SQ3.