2019 BMW X3 M and X4 M unveiled

BMW has officially revealed the newest members of the M family, the mid-sized X3 M and X4 M SUVs, with power figures that outgun some of M Division’s finest, and styling that seems to lean towards the subtle side.

With a new 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six, the BMW X3 M and X4 M both produce 353kW and 600Nm, more than any other six-equipped M car.

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BMW says they’ll hit 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds, but that there will also be Competition variants with an extra few kiloWatts (for a total of 375kW) allowing a 4.1 second 0-100km/h sprint.

Helping this is a slightly wider torque band in the Competition models. In standard spec, the X3 M and its X4 companion reach peak torque between 2600 and 5600rpm, while the Competition’s peak torque drops off only after 5950rpm.

Peak power delivery arrives at a high 6250rpm, and carries through to the 7200rpm redline in both versions of X3 and X4 M.

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Interestingly, BMW says the core of its cylinder head in the new engine has a 3D-printed core, which allows a more complex construction than conventional manufacturing.

“3D printing technology has cut the weight of the new engine’s cylinder head core and allowed its coolant ducts to be routed in a way that optimises temperature management.”

The engine sends power to all four wheels with a rear-bias as in the BMW M5, via an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. BMW says the gearbox give drivers enough control in manual mode that it’ll allow the tacho to reach redline and won’t automatically upshift once it’s there.

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Both versions of each model come with BMW M-tuned adaptive dampers as standard, and while BMW doesn’t specify, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Competition variant has a slightly stiffer bias.

M Division has stiffened up the chassis of each with elements like engine bay bracing made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, while the Competition versions gain extra custom custom-made swivel bearings, torque arms, wishbones, and model-specific anti-roll bars.

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While BMW’s M cars are rarely visually raucous, the X3 and X4 M models have remained relatively subtle with only small accents such as lip spoilers and their badging to give the game away. An optional M Carbon exterior package will be available about mid-year for those who wish to change this.

Seven colours are to be available, ranging from the subtle M-exclusive Donington Grey, to brighter hues such as Toronto Red metallic.

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Inside, all the usual M car elements can be found, including an M steering wheel, carbon fibre trim, an M instrument cluster, and the new M1 and M2 buttons fitted to the wheel allowing easy access to customised drive settings.

Local pricing and availability for the X3 M and X4 M is yet to be confirmed by BMW Australia.