BMW’s performance division, BMW M has succeeded in breaching the 500-horsepower mark in the compact SUV market with the new X3 M and X4 M.

The caveat though is that they’re on the special “M Competition” models. Opting for the “regular” M models though still produces stunning performance from its high-revving M TwinPower Turbo engine. In this guise, it makes 480 horsepower and 600 Nm from a displacement of 3.0-liters. Go for the the M Competition though, and that output goes up to 510 horsepower thanks to a special version of the twin-turbo engine.



Power is coursed through an 8-speed automatic and keeping the X3 M and X4 M pointed in the right direction is the job of the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. Introduced in the M5, the M xDrive has rear-wheel drive bias, and in the application of these SUVs, two AWD driving modes. The X3 M and X4 M sprint to the 100 km/h mark in 4.2 seconds, while the Competition models drop the times by 0.1 seconds.

The suspension’s also been retuned for BMW M duty. The body has been strengthened and the chassis tweaked including the application of electronically controlled dampers. It also rides on 20-inch light alloy wheels.

The best part? The driver can actually store his or her preferred settings accessible at any time through the M buttons on the steering wheel.



Like all other M models, the X3 M and X4 M feature a re-sculpted exterior that promotes better aerodynamics and more efficient cooling. Inside, it has electrically-adjustable sport seats, standard Vernasca leather, and M-specific bits.

The M Competition can be distinguished with the high-gloss kidney grille surrounds, mirror caps, “gills,” and rear spoiler. It also sports larger 21-inch wheels and a M Sport exhaust system. Inside, it gets Merino leather and options for Alcantara applications.