Hi-po BMW X3 M, X4 M pricing announced

BMW Australia first high-performance medium SUV offerings – the X3 M and X4 M Competition – will blast into local showrooms in the third quarter priced from $157,900 plus on-road costs for the X3.

The X4 M adds $7000 to the asking price, checking in at $164,900. The pricing gives the pair an advantage over their main rival – Mercedes-AMG’s GLC63 S – which costs $165,395 for the wagon and $172,400 for the coupe.

Previously, the top-spec X3 and X4 were the warmed-over M40i, but stepping up to the full-fat M forces a $58,000 price jump for the X3 M and $55,000 for the X4 M.

As suspected, BMW’s local arm has foregone the entry-level M variant in favour of the more potent M Competition spec that boosts performance in a number of ways, including more grunt from the updated 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder petrol engine.

In Competition spec, the engine cranks out a considerable 375kW of power at 6250rpm and 600Nm of torque between 2600 and5950rpm. The engine is mated to an eight-speed auto transmission that channels power into BMW’s rear-biased xDrive all-paw system.

As a result, the hot SUV pair can sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds, 0.3s off the pace of the GLC63 S, which develops the same power but 100Nm more torque from its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.

In normal situations, the xDrive system is rear-drive only with the front axle engaged when traction becomes limited. Traction out of corners is aided by a limited-slip differential on the rear axle.

M-specific kit is found throughout both vehicles, including the M Sport exhaust with four 100mm-wide tailpipes, adaptive M suspension and variable-ratio steering systems, and M compound brakes with fixed four-piston callipers with 395mm drilled and vented discs up front, and single-pot grabbers and 370mm discs at the rear.

Distinguishing it from the rest of the X3 and X4 range, the M variant gets black double-bar kidney grille, larger front air intakes, aerodynamic side mirrors and gills, diffuser, rear spoiler and 21-inch V-spoke light alloy wheels finished in a Bicolour Jet Black hue.

Standard equipment on Australian examples extends to adaptive LED headlights, a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Navigation system Professional and DAB+ digital radio, head-up display, M Sport seats with electric adjustment, lumbar support and heating, extended Merino leather upholstery, aluminium carbon interior trim with pearl chrome highlights, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, panoramic glass sunroof, BMW Connected Drive suite of services and wireless charging, as well as high-gloss black roof rails and rear roller sunblinds for the X3 M.

Safety equipment includes BMW’s Driving Assistant Plus package with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane change warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, front cross-traffic warning, steering and lane control assist, side warning, parking assistant plus and tyre pressure monitoring.

Options include a heated steering wheel, acoustic glazing, seat ventilation, rear-seat heating, Apple CarPlay and gesture control.

All X3/X4 M Competition models come as standard with Alpine White paintwork, while five hues including Toronto Red and Donington Grey will be optional.

2019 BMW X3/X4 M pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs