BMW X3 M and X4 M now on sale

BMW Australia has announced pricing and specs for the BMW X3 M and X4 M mid-size performance SUVs, ahead of first local deliveries in August.

The headline news is an entry price of $157,900 plus on-road costs for the BMW X3 M Competition wagon and a $164,900 plus ORCs price tag for the BMW X4 M Competition fastback.

That makes the first X3- and X4-based M models $58,000 and $55,000 more expensive than the X3 M40i ($99,900) and X4 M40i ($109,900) on which they’re based.

But it also means both models undercut their most direct rivals – the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S wagon ($165,395) and ‘Coupe’ ($172,400) -- by about $7000.

First revealed in February, BMW’s newest M models are powered by a new-generation 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol six that delivers 375kW/600Nm in top-shelf Competition spec – the only version of the X3 M and X4 M so far confirmed for Australia.

Both Competition models are claimed to hit 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. For the record, the standard X3 M and X4 M offer lower outputs of 353kW/600Nm and are 0.1sec slower to 100km/h (4.2sec).

In comparison, the upgraded twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 in the facelifted Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S will match the 375kW power output of the X3 and X4 M Competition, but trump it for torque (700Nm) and 0-100km/h acceleration – just 3.8sec.

Australian fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures are yet to be announced, as is the availability of European options like the optional M Driver’s Package with 285km/h top speed and a carbon fibre reinforced (CFRP) front strut tower brace.

Both BMW SUVs come with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission, BMW M’s rear-biassed xDrive all-wheel drive system with 4WD and 4WD Sport modes, Active M Differential and M Sport exhaust with four 100mm-diameter black chrome tailpipes.

Chassis-wise, the double-joint spring-strut front and five-link rear suspension is fitted with electromagnetic M Adaptive dampers, specific anti-roll bars and bespoke kinematics, while the M Servotronic electromechanical, variable-ratio steering also offers Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes.

Slowing it all down is the M Compound Brake system, with drilled and inner-vented 395mm discs and four-piston callipers up front, plus a 370mm rotor at rear, within Bicolour Jet Black 21-inch M alloy wheels and huge 255/40 front and 265/40 performance tyres.

Standard tech features for both Competition models in Australia includes a 10.25-inch touch-screen with Navigation system Professional, Comfort Access, Panorama glass sunroof, BMW M Head Up Display, Driving Assistant Plus with semi-autonomous functionality and Parking Assistant Plus.

The X3 and X4 M Competition models both wear a unique body kit with chunkier front and rear bumpers, wheel-arch surrounds and side skirts – all in Alpine White paint as standard.

Optional will be five metallic paint finishes, including the new Toronto Red, M-exclusive Donington Grey and Sunstone Metallic from the BMW Individual catalogue.

Inside, the M-specific seats with integrated head restraints and illuminated ‘M’ logos can be trimmed in either premium extended Merino leather or a Merino/Alcantara combination – finished in a Bicolour Black / Midrand Beige combination with Midrand beige stitching. Sakhir Orange, Adelaide Grey and Black are offered at no extra cost, as are a range of interior trim options.

Extra-cost options will include steering wheel heating ($500), acoustic glazing ($500), sun protection glazing ($800), front and rear seat heating ($700), active seat ventilation ($1600), TV function ($2250), Apple CarPlay ($623) and BMW Gesture Control ($450).

“The all new BMW X3 M and X4 M twins will rightly be seen as brand halos in this market,” said BMW Group Australia CEO, Vikram Pawah.

“BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicles continue to increase in popularity here, and Aussies have always loved high performance.

“With the X3 M and X4 M, the BMW M engineers have demonstrated their confidence in the platform by introducing the next generation of BMW M engine under the bonnet. It’s the first time M has done this in a Sports Activity Vehicle, and it is equally at home on road or race track.”