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BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition models show face.

The face-lifted BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition models
The face-lifted BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition models

Quick Facts

  • Engine: 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine
  • Power/Torque: 375 kW/650 Nm 
  • 0-100: 3.8s
  • Transmission: 8‑speed M Steptronic transmission

BMW has revealed the face-lifted X3 M Competition and the X4 M Competition models two years after they made their first appearance. The models have been given some cosmetics changes while power has been slightly increased which now sees both models sprinting from a standstill to 100 in a faster time. 

The most powerful BMW in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine with a peak output of 375 kW – now also used in other BMW M models – has a maximum torque which has been increased by 50 Nm to 650 Nm, enabling a 0.3-second improvement in the time required for the standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h to 3.8 seconds. This puts the BMW X3 M Competition and the BMW X4 M Competition on par with high-performance sports cars. The top speed is electronically cut off at 250 km/h. This limit is raised to 285 km/h in conjunction with the optional M Driver’s Package.

The face-lifted BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition
The face-lifted BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition receive some cosmetic changes.

Exterior Enhancements

The new BMW X3 M Competition and the new BMW X4 M Competition have received the enlarged BMW kidney grille with its new one-piece frame and headlights that are around ten millimetres flatter, drawn from the likewise refreshed BMW X3 and BMW X4. A black bar in which the iCam is positioned provides visual separation of the BMW kidney grille, the frame of which is also finished in high-gloss black, as are the typical M double kidney bars. The radiator grille also features a vehicle-specific logo: X3 M or X4 M. 

In addition to the standard adaptive LED headlights with Matrix function, the BMW Laser Light with a range of up to 650 metres is now also available as an optional extra. BMW M GmbH has designed the M specific front apron to be even more expressive. One particularly striking feature is the new, vertically arranged and elongated side air intakes: these are angled down towards the spoiler lip in a bend towards the centre of the vehicle, where they follow the hexagonal shape of the central air intake. They are framed by trim elements in high-gloss black, which is also used for the caps of the aerodynamically optimised M exterior mirrors and the characteristic M gills integrated into the air breathers, as well as the rear spoiler on the BMW X4 M Competition.

The facelifted BMW X3 M Competition
The face-lifted BMW X3 M Competition looks really good at the rear and features full-LED‑ rear lights

The face-lifted BMW X3 M Competition has the full-LED‑ rear lights of the refreshed BMW X3 with a black surround and narrower illuminated graphics. The lower section of the rear apron is M specific and finished in high-gloss black. The large diffuser is flanked on the right and left by the tailpipe pairs of the M sports exhaust system, which are finished in black chrome. 

The facelifted BMW X4 M Competition
The face-lifted BMW X4 M Competition in the M Sao Paulo Yellow colour.

The new rear apron of the face-lifted BMW X4 M Competition features a wide, offset insert in the shape of an anvil. Like the lateral air-curtain panels, which also accommodate the now vertical reflectors, this is finished in high-gloss black, ensuring a particularly powerful overall impression. The two pairs of tailpipes in black chrome also frame the diffuser on the BMW X4 M Competition. In addition to M Carbon Black metallic and M Brooklyn Grey metallic, there are two new paint finishes reserved exclusively for the M Competition models of the X3 and X4 series in Germany, namely M Marina Bay Blue metallic and M Sao Paulo Yellow. In addition, a wide range of BMW Individual paint finishes is available for the first time such as the matt finish Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic.

The face-lifted BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition interior
The face-lifted BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition interior

Interior
The BMW X3 M Competition and the BMW X4 M Competition feature M sports seats with electrically adjustable headrests and illuminated M logo as standard. In addition to the extended Merino leather upholstery in four colour combinations, the BMW Individual extended Merino leather upholstery in Tartufo is also available as an option. The air vents have new galvanised trim, the interior trims are now finished in dark Rhombicle aluminium as standard, and the new open-pore ash variant is available as an option. The M leather steering wheel with multifunction features contrast stitching in the BMW M colours and an open 6 o'clock spoke.

The face-lifted BMW X3 M Competition and the new BMW X4 M Competition will also come equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Professional including Connected Drive, A Harman Kardon surround sound system for a superb audio experience as standard while the BMW Head‑Up Display will be optional.

The face-lifted BMW X3 M Competition looks menacing
The face-lifted BMW X3 M Competition looks menacing

M sports exhaust and 8-speed M Steptronic transmission.
The standard M sports exhaust system in the BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition enriches the engine sound characteristic of BMW M automobiles with the addition of a distinctly sonorous quality, especially when under intense load and at high engine speeds, thereby giving the sound even more of a motor racing touch for a particularly emotional driving experience – while fully retaining day-to-day practicality. The infinitely variable flaps of the M sports exhaust system allow for highly varied sound production. 

The face-lifted BMW X4 M Competition
The face-lifted BMW X4 M Competition

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an 8‑speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. In addition to fully automatic gear changes, it also enables manual shifting with a sequential selection of the drive position. In addition to the new M gear selector in the centre console, shift paddles on the steering wheel are also available for this purpose. In manual mode, multiple downshifts can be made to the lowest possible gear so as to be able to harness the engine drag torque for braking purposes. When accelerating, no forced upshift is triggered even when the engine is revved up.

The face-lifted BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition models are expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2021. 

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