Two years after the launch of the first BMW M GmbH High Performance models for the BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle and the BMW X4 Sports Activity Coupé, the BMW M variants of the SAV and SAC for the mid-size segment are now undergoing a comprehensive refresh. In addition to new design features drawn from the BMW X3 and BMW X4, which have likewise been revised, along with M specific changes and a new operating concept, the new BMW X3 M Competitio and the new BMW X4 M Competition also offer increased pulling power. Further fine-tuning of the in-line 6-cylinder engine enables the BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition to deliver even sportier performance figures. From standstill, the two models now reach the 100 km/h mark in just 3.8 seconds: this undercuts the level of the predecessor models by 0.3 seconds, putting them on a par with high-performance sports cars. The maximum speed for all three models 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 maximum torque of the 375 kW/510 hp in-line 6-cylinder engine, which has been increased by 50 Nm to 650 Nm, enables a 0.3-second improvement in the standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h for example, which the BMW X3 M Competition and the BMW X4 M Competition now complete in 3.8 seconds. The market launch of the new models is due to start in August 2021.
The in-line 6-cylinder engine in the BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition now features the forged lightweight crankshaft of the BMW M3 and M4 models. Its extremely torsion-resistant design enables transmission of the particularly high torque, while its low weight and reduced rotating masses also benefit the engine’s revving power. The crankcase is extremely rigid due to a so-called closed-deck design, enabling high combustion pressure and optimised power output. The iron coating of the cylinder barrels applied by means of wire arc spraying reduces weight and friction loss, while the cylinder head also has a core that is manufactured by means of 3D-printing-. This additive manufacturing process allows geometric shapes to be created that cannot be realised using conventional metal casting methods. As a result of 3D printing technology, the cylinder head core has a reduced weight and a coolant duct layout which is optimised in terms of temperature management. M TwinPower Turbo Technology comprises two mono-scroll turbochargers that supply compressed air to cylinders one to three and four to six respectively. Here, the power output is further improved by means of compressors and indirect charge air cooling supplied by a low-temperature circuit.
BMW M GmbH previously developed the in-line 6-cylinder engine of the BMW X3 M Competition and the BMW X4 M Competition from scratch for the SAV and the SAC in 2019. The most powerful in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine built by BMW with an output of 375 kW/510 hp – now also used in other BMW M models – currently delivers a maximum torque level of 650 Nm in the very latest, further optimised version for the BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition, an increase from the previous 600 Nm, and this torque is available between 2,750 and 5,500 rpm. Peak output is reached at 6,250 rpm and is maintained up to the maximum engine speed of 7,200 rpm. The power unit features not only the high-revving characteristics typical of M and M TwinPower Turbo technology but also racetrack-proven cooling and oil supply concepts. The 3.0-litre engine offers unmistakable performance characteristics with typical M linear power delivery and a high level of revving power that runs right through to maximum engine speed. This power goes hand in hand with a striking sound. Sophisticated M TwinPower Turbo technology and the use of two petrol engine particulate filters and four catalytic converters help the high-performance engines achieve outstanding efficiency and an exemplary emissions response.
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 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 M Steptronic transmission is designed for spontaneous response and exceptionally fast gear changes. The torque converter lock-up clutch is already 100 per cent closed immediately after start-up. Using the Drivelogic rocker switch integrated in the gear selector, the driver can influence the transmission’s gearshift characteristics in both automatic and manual mode. Efficient driving with comfortable gearshifts is promoted in Drivelogic Mode 1, while switching to Mode 2 boosts sportiness by means of shortened shift times. In the Mode 3 the shift dynamic is further increased. In addition, the shift programme keeps the engine in the upper rev range so as to support extremely dynamic driving with maximum drive power on the race track.
The BMW X3 M Competition and the BMW X4 M Competition provide a level of driving dynamics potential that is exceptional in their vehicle segment. Outstanding values in the areas of longitudinal and lateral acceleration, handling and deceleration go hand in hand with a high level of driving stability, neutral self-steering response and comfort characteristics that enhance suitability for day-to-day use and lengthy trips. The basis for this combination of agility, dynamics and precision that is so typical of BMW M automobiles is suspension technology that perfectly matches the high engine output and the M xDrive all-wheel drive system. The SAV BMW X3 M Competition and the SAC BMW X4 M Competition feature the adaptive M suspension in a specific set-up as standard. Its electronically controlled dampers ensure both a high level of day-to-day comfort and extremely direct road contact, with limited wheel and body movement. The damping forces are ideally suited to cope with every situation on the road and set individually for each wheel at continuously varying levels by means of interior electromagnetically controlled valves. The basic characteristic of the dampers can be influenced at the touch of a button. There are three modes to choose from, each with its own map.
