Surprise! BMW Releases M Competition Models for X3 & X4
Characteristic BMW X model proportions, trademark M design features
The exterior design of the first-ever BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M takes the muscular proportions shared by all BMW X models, adds a long wheelbase, short overhangs, slightly hexagonal wheel arches, crisp lines and clean-cut surface contouring, and completes the picture with a sprinkling of tell-tale M features. Alongside the large air intakes and aerodynamically optimized front bumper, both models also sport a BMW kidney grill with black double bars. On the Competition models, the BMW kidney grill’s surround is finished in High-gloss Black.
The signature M gills are integrated into the Air Breathers on the front fenders. The exterior mirrors’ special M design brings a reduction in aerodynamic drag. A model-specific rear diffuser, flanked by a pair of exhaust tailpipes on either side, distinguishes the individually designed rear bumpers of both new M models.
Atop the first-ever BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M models’ rear hatch is an M-specific roof spoiler. The exterior color palette for the four high-performance models set them apart from the standard versions of the BMW X3 and BMW X4. The front and rear bumpers, the wheel arches and the edges of the side skirts are painted in body color, replacing the usual black bordering.
There is a choice of seven exterior colors for the firs-ever BMW X3 M, BMW X4 M and Competition models, including the new shade Toronto Red metallic and – also exclusive to M cars – Donington Grey metallic. The BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition models come with a number of distinctive design features to bring out their exclusive character, including a High-gloss Black finish for the BMW kidney grill surround, exterior mirror caps and M gills (and the rear spoiler of the Sports Activity Coupe).
Standard equipment on the Competition models includes 21-inch M light-alloy wheels in polished Black and an M Sport exhaust system with tailpipes in Black Chrome, along with specially designed door sill plates and model badging. The optional M Carbon exterior package (expected to be available from August 2019), will feature design elements in carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the front air intakes, the air blades in the front apron, the rear diffuser and the exterior mirror caps. On the BMW X4 M and BMW X4 M Competition, these elements will be joined by a CFRP rear spoiler.
M-style cockpit design, versatile interior
Standard interior appointments for the first-ever BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M includes sports seats, Vernasca leather upholstery in a choice of Black or Oyster with an embossed M logo at the top of the backrests, and interior trim strips in Aluminum carbon structure. The BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition, on the other hand, come as standard with M Sport seats in extended Merino leather upholstery that can be specified in either Black or bi-color choices in Sakhir Orange/Black or Adelaide Grey. These are optionally available for the BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M, too. All models are fitted with knee pads on the sides of the center console as standard. Highlights on the list of optional extras include BMW Individual extended Merino leather upholstery in Ivory White and Tartufo (only in conjunction with the M Sport seats) and Carbon Fiber interior trim strips. Extended Merino leather upholstery in the new Midrand Beige/Black color choice with Alcantara applications is available exclusively for the BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition models.
The unmistakable M-style cockpit design additionally includes an M-specific instrument cluster, an M leather steering wheel and a restyled M selector lever. The BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition bring further exclusive touches to the interior with their M Sport seats and the model nameplate on the center console. Although the interior appears firmly focused on a sporty driving experience, it still retains the versatility for which BMW X models are known. Both models come as standard with a 40:20:40 split-folding rear backrest, enabling luggage capacity to be increased when needed.
Extensive standard equipment and options
Like the interior design of the first-ever BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M, their equipment and appointments create an ideal environment in which to experience outstanding performance with satisfying intensity. The design of the instrument cluster and center console controls for the powertrain and suspension functions help to ensure precisely controllable handling in even highly dynamic driving situations.
Standard specification also includes Adaptive Full LED lights, Harman Kardon surround sound audio system, SiriusXM Satellite radio with 1 year subscription, Navigation with Apple Car Play compatibility, Comfort Access keyless entry, and a full array of advanced driver assist systems including Active Guard, Active Protection Active Driving Assistant and Frontal Collision Warning with City collision mitigation.
Optional packages include Driving Assistance Plus Package with Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Extended Collision Mitigation, Executive Package with heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, parking assistant plus, head-up display, wireless charging, WiFi hotspot and gesture control.
Instrument cluster and BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific features.
With their signature red needles and white illumination, the classic circular instruments in the black panel instrument cluster are a classic characteristic of BMW M models. M-specific display information also contributes to the cockpit’s racing flavor. The car’s speed is shown in digital form in the center of the speedometer display, while the rev counter features a pre-warning field which varies according to the engine warm-up status, a color Optimum Shift Indicator and the model designation. The shift program and gear selected are displayed in the center of the instrument cluster. The digital readouts in the 5.7-inch color display indicates the selected powertrain and chassis and the status of the driver assistance systems.
M-specific display content can be shown on the optional BMW Head-Up Display. This unit projects driving information onto the windscreen and into the driver’s immediate field of vision. Without having to look away from the road, the driver can view information such as the car’s speed on the digital indicator, the gear selected, alerts from the traffic sign recognition system, navigation instructions and a multi-color rev band indicator with shift lights.
M Drive mode controls
The M-specific approach to the control and operation of the car’s powertrain and chassis systems offers the driver a broad range of possibilities when it comes to configuring the vehicle settings precisely to suit their personal preferences. A control panel specific to the M models is situated on the center console next to the selector lever and iDrive Controller. These buttons allow the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) mode, the engine’s performance characteristics, the settings for the electronically controlled dampers and the M Servotronic steering set-up to be selected independently. Another button allows the driver to adjust the exhaust sound.
The shift program for the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic is engaged by means of a button on the selector lever. Drivers can use the iDrive menu to select an M xDrive mode with the DSC system deactivated. And the iDrive menu also allows them to vary the content in the BMW Head-Up Display.
Drivers can use these settings to configure two detailed overall set-ups for their car and store them permanently. This means they always have their ideal set-ups – e.g. for particularly sporty driving and relaxed cruising – on hand. The desired set-up can be activated instantly and at any time by pressing one of the two red M Drive buttons on the steering wheel. Starting the engine initiates a default vehicle configuration providing a harmonious balance of sportiness, comfort and efficiency.
M Sport seats: the perfect place to enjoy richly engaging driving experiences
Standard on the BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M are heated sports seats in Vernasca leather, whose upper sections are embossed with the M logo. M Sport seats in extended Merino leather upholstery are available as an option.
Fitted as standard in the BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition, their seat cushion and backrest side bolsters have an M-specific design. This optimizes lateral support during dynamic cornering. The semi-integrated head restraints are electrically adjustable for height and make a unique visual statement with their illuminated M logo.
Far-reaching line-up of driver assistance systems
The wide range of driver assistance systems available for the first-ever BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M offers important comfort and safety benefits. Standard equipment consists of Cruise Control with braking function along with Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, while Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and distance information and the Driving Assistant (including Speed Limit Info, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Prevention, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning) can be specified as options.
Driving Assistant Plus extends the helping hand even further. Additional elements of this package include the Steering and lane control assistant, the Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection, the evasion aid and the Crossroads warning, Wrong-way warning and Front Cross Traffic Alert.
For comfortable maneuvering into parking spaces: Parking Assistant Plus
The function of many other assistance systems that make life easier for the driver when maneuvering into parking spaces has been further enhanced. The first-ever BMW X3 M and X4 M are equipped with standard Park Distance Control (PDC), which brings sensors at the front and rear of the vehicle.
The Parking Assistant Plus in the BMW X3 M and X4 M enables automatic selection and use of parallel parking spaces. These parking spaces are detected by ultrasonic sensors as the vehicle passes them. The Parking Assistant function is activated at the touch of a button on the center console. The system then takes care of the acceleration, braking, steering and gear changes necessary to maneuver into the space.