By Otsile Kadiege

After launching back in 2019, German automaker BMW has revealed the updated LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) versions of the high-performance Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupe – the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition. The updates are not only cosmetic but also features new technology and mechanical improvements.

Restyled exterior

The high-performance duo boasts a larger single-frame grille with signature M double kidney bars coated in gloss black. The grille is flanked by flatter headlights which come with adaptive LED headlights with Matrix function as standard and the BMW Laser Light with a range of up to 650m is now also available as an optional extra. Its front apron is even more expressive thanks to vertically arranged and elongated side air intakes.

The side profile remains unchanged, however, one new feature worth noting is the M forged wheel 892M Star Spoke in Jet Black burnished, which saves 2 kilograms of weight per wheel. As an alternative, the well-known M light alloy wheel 765M V-Spoke is likewise available in Jet Black burnished.

At the rear, the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition are fitted with full-LED rear lights 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. 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, namely M Marina Bay Blue metallic and M Sao Paulo Yellow.

Interior

As standard, the duo are fitted with BMW Live Cockpit Professional which offers dual 12.3-ich screens with new M graphics, BMW iDrive 7 with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a Harmon Kardon surround sound system.  The newly designed control island on the centre console includes two new buttons in addition to the specific M gear selector with Drivelogic rocker switch, the BMW Controller and the red engine start button, which is now positioned here. The set-up button provides direct access to all settings options for the engine and suspension

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.

Power and performance

Both the BMW X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition are powered by a high-revving 3-litre straight-six engine with  forged lightweight crankshaft. The engine produces 375 kW and 650 Nm (50 Nm more than the prefacelift). Power is sent the rear-bias M xDrive AWD system via an 8-speed automatic transmission which allows the pair to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h or 285 km/h with the M Driver’s package.

Availability

 The market launch of the new models is due to start in August 2021.