KUALA LUMPUR: Launching alongside the BMW M8 Coupé and M8 Gran Coupé, BMW Malaysia surprised everyone with the announcment of two new X range vehicles.
The BMW X3 M Competition (RM 886,551.58) and BMW X4 M Competition (RM 904,276.60) further expands the BMW X portfolio of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupés (SAC) respectively, bringing speed and performance to the segment with the new BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine that is capable of 375kW/510 hp.
The newly-developed 3.0L M TwinPower Turbo straight-six petrol engine has a peak torque of 600Nm at 2,600 – 5,950 rpm, able to generate a top speed of 250km/h (limited) and is capable of achieving a century sprint in 4.1 seconds. They consume 10.6 litres of fuel per 100km of travel and records a carbon emission of 244g/km.
Its eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic is capable of performing automatic or manual gear changes via the gear selector lever or the shift paddles on the steering wheel. Three Drivelogic modes are available: Efficient, Sport, and Sport Plus – for short shift times.
The strut brace in the engine compartment increases stiffness of the front section when subjected to strong lateral acceleration. This is complemented by adaptive dampers, stiffer stabilisers, along with the Active M Differential and M Compound Brakes that are made of composite materials to reduce weight.
The M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive also allows for conventional variable power distribution, or a Sport mode with even more pronounced and dynamic rear-wheel bias.
"For over two decades, the BMW X range has been unrivalled in the high-performance mid-size segments, having pioneered some of the most advanced four-wheel drive technology in the industry," BMW Group Malaysia managing director Harald Hoelzl said, adding they were thrilled introduce two additions not just to the BMW X family but also the high-performance model line-up – the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition.
"At BMW Malaysia, we are also setting new benchmarks for precision and agility in the BMW M portfolio with the new models; both bearing not just the Most Powerful Letter in the World, but running on the iconic Motorsports DNA of the M as well," Hoelzl added.
In addition to power, the two are also equipped with advanced driver assistance systems and intelligent in-car connectivity features. This includes the Driving Assistant Plus that offers optimal support during sporty driving.
The two appear with the characteristically M design elements with the sporty aesthetics of the BMW X.
The front section of the vehicles are made up of the distinctive front apron and large, hexagonal air intake – built for optimal ventilation for the front brakes under high thermal loads. They also feature adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistant, along with full-LED taillights as standard.
A long bonnet and wheelbase, steeply-raked windscreen, slightly rectangular wheel arches, and four black chrome tailpipes M Sport exhaust system are all geared towards sportiness. They also run on 21-inch bicolour M light alloy wheels and are equipped with Adaptive M suspension. Black kidney grille surrounds, side gills and wing mirror caps are also standard to the models.
Individually, the BMW X3 M Competition features a slim diffuser in high-gloss Black and an M-specific roof spoiler while the BMW X4 M Competition has a black aerodynamic spoiler at the rear.
Front passengers seats have active seat ventilation and lumbar support, along with the M leather steering wheel with shift paddles, red M Drive buttons, and a red Start/Stop button.
These are further complemented by the redesigned M gear selector lever and the three-level controls for the engine, damper and steering responses. Further M-specific highlights include interior trim finishers 'Carbon Fibre', decorative seams in BMW M colours, M seatbelts, M pedals, along with a M-specific instrument cluster, and knee pads.
Its M Sport seats comes with illuminated M badge below the semi-integrated head restraint, furnished with premium Leather Merino upholstery. Luggage capacity of the BMW X3 M Competition is a boot space of 550 litres that can be increased to 1,600 litres. The BMW X4 M Competition, on the other hand, offers up to 1,430 litres of space with the rear seats folded, from 525 litres.
Exclusively available in the BMW X3 M Competition are seat backrest adjustment for rear seat passengers as well as roller sunblind for rear side windows.
Both BMW M models come with advanced assistance systems and intelligent in-car connectivity features, including the Head-Up Display with M-specific display variants, along with the Parking Assistant Plus featuring Surround View and Remote 3D Service.
The advanced infotainment systems available within are of the 10.25-inch Control Display variety that can be operated via the iDrive controller, by touch, and the BMW Gesture Control. ConnectedDrive Services available as standard to both BMW M models equip owners with Concierge Service, Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call and Apple CarPlay.
They also come with intelligent assistance systems such as the Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus. The Comfort Access system also offers both convenience and safety with automatic tailgate operation of the new SAV and SAC.
The interior also sports the Harman Kardon surround-sound system with 600W amplifier power, nine channels and 16 speakers, and wireless smartphone charging feature.
Colours offered include Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Donington Grey, Phytonic Blue, Sophisto Grey and the new Toronto Red. Depending on the selected exterior offering, the models can be furnished with Leather Merino interior upholstery in Black, Sakhir Orange or Adelaide Grey.