Although the SUV trend accelerated during the 1990s, BMW didn’t immediately come out with a model as it wanted to make sure that such a vehicle would still have not just BMW DNA but more importantly, the driving dynamics that the brand had been noted for.
Only when its engineers were able to do that did the carmaker introduce a model for the SUV segment but called it a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). This was the X5 which made its global debut in 1999 and began a new line of models with the all-wheel drive known as xDrive.
The driving dynamics of the X model, with advanced drivetrain and chassis technologies, make them completely credible as BMW models, And over the years, as with all its other models, BMW has developed its SAVs to deliver higher and higher performance. In recent years, they have also gained advanced driver assistance systems and intelligent in-car connectivity features.
Two of its latest high-performance SAVs are now available, having made their appearance at the Secret Garage @ M Town last night. They are the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition, priced at RM886,551 and RM904,276, respectively.
Style and speed
The new X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition possess the characteristic M design elements in the familiar form of X models. The front end has a distinctive apron with a large, hexagonal air intake to provide optimal ventilation for the front brakes under high thermal loads.
Adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistant, along with full-LED taillights provide the driver with powerful and widespread illumination while also making the vehicles visible to other road-users from a distance.
At each corner are 21-inch bicolour M light alloy wheels. On the roof, the X3 M Competition features a slim diffuser in high-gloss black and an M-specific roof spoiler, while the sleeker X4 M Competition has a black spoiler.
510 bhp/600 Nm from 3 litres
Powering the two M models is a 510 bhp/600 Nm M TwinPower Turbo straight-six petrol engine with a displacement of 3 litres. It can take the SAVs to 100 km/h from standstill in a claimed 4.1 seconds and reach a speed-limited maximum of 250 km/h.
Both models use the same M-engineered 8-speed Steptronic transmission with 3 Drivelogic modes – Efficient, Sport, and Sport Plus. There’s also an Active M Differential while the M Sport exhaust system – recognisable by its four black chrome tailpipes – adds a distinctive sound at going full throttle.
The M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system allows for conventional variable power distribution, or a Sport mode can be selected to have even more pronounced and dynamic rear-wheel bias.
The chassis has been upgraded with a high proportion of M-specific components for sportier driving characteristics, improving not just performance but handling and lateral dynamics as well. Some areas of upgrading include the strut brace, adaptive dampers, stiffer stabilisers. M Compound Brakes (made of composite materials to reduce weight) give even more powerful deceleration.
Spacious but still M sporty
Like the sedan models, BMW SAVs also have interiors that are sports-oriented, more so with the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition. The spacious cabins have an iconic M interior ambience that starts with entry sills bearing the M designation. Comfortable front seats with active seat ventilation and lumbar support are standard and there is a M leather steering wheel with shift paddles, red M Drive buttons, and a red Start/Stop button.
These are complemented by the redesigned M gear selector lever and the 3-level controls for the engine, damper and steering responses. Further M-specific highlights are ‘Carbon Fibre’ interior trim finishers, decorative seams in BMW M colours, M seatbelts, M pedals, along with a M-specific instrument cluster, and knee pads. The sculptured M Sport seats, with illuminated M badges below the semi-integrated head restraints, comes with premium Leather Merino upholstery.
As SAVs, the luggage capacity is a strong point and for the X3 M Competition, the volume can be expanded from 550 litres to 1,600 litres. The X4 M Competition offers no less than 525 litres but if the rear seats are not occupied and the backrests folded down, the volume can be increased to 1,430 litres.
Rear passengers in the X3 M Competition can have more comfort with adjustable backrests and also be less exposed to sunshine (or have more privacy) with roller sunblinds on the rear side windows, both exclusive features.
Advanced assistance and safety systems
Advanced assistance systems and intelligent in-car connectivity features make driving safer and more enjoyable. There’s a Head-Up Display with M-specific display variants, along with the Driving Assistant Plus, and Parking Assistant Plus featuring Surround View and Remote 3D Service.
The advanced infotainment system fitted as standard has a 10.25-inch display that can be operated via the iDrive controller, by touch, and the BMW Gesture Control. ConnectedDrive Services provide Concierge Service, Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call and Apple CarPlay.
The Harman Kardon surround-sound 9-channel system has 600W of amplifier power which delivers superior sound reproduction through 16 speakers. A charging pad is also present for wireless charging of compatible smartphones.
Book online with RM5,000
The X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition are available all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from this weekend. Customers can also book new models on at the BMW Shop Online (www.shop.bmw.com.my/) with a deposit of RM5,000. Those who use this booking channel could win a new BMW i8 Coupe.
As with other new BMWs, there is a 5-year warranty (no limit on mileage) and a programme of free scheduled service. BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline are also provided while all owners enjoy the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card. BMW Service Online makes it easy to contact the dealership to book service appointments or make queries.
