BMW unveiled the 2020 X3 M and X4 M crossovers back in February, announcing two separate levels of muscle, with the regular models putting down 473 HP and 598 Nm of torque with the help of a new twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine.

Opt for the X3 M and X4 M Competition and that engine will feed you 503 HP, plus the same amount of torque as before. In standard form, the two crossovers can hit 96 km/h in 4.1 seconds, before maxing out at 280 km/h.


The Competition versions are slightly quicker to 60 (needing 0.1 seconds less). As for top speed, you can bump that up too using the optional M Driver’s Package, maxing out at 284 km/h. Not that big of a difference, we know.

Both the new X3 M and X4 M feature multiple suspension mods, such as the custom swivel bearings, torque arms and wishbones up front, and the custom bushings and thicker anti-roll bars at the rear. Their chassis was also strengthened, using a strut tower brace up front, to go with a new A-strut by the firewall. At the rear, there is a large rear brace and additional mods that are meant to further increase torsional stiffness.


The Bavarian carmaker went with a high-performance braking system in order to make sure you get plenty of stopping power to go with all that muscle under the hood. The brakes have drilled and ventilated discs, measuring 15.6 inches (395 mm) at the front and 14.6 inches (370 mm) at the rear.

Moving on to styling, there are obviously plenty of M bits that help differentiate these two flagship models from regular X3 and X4 crossovers. There’s no mistaking the chunkier front fascia with larger air intakes and a black grille. Then there are the new mirror caps, rear diffuser, quad-tailpipe exhaust system, larger 20-inch wheels and additional body-colored components.


With the Competition variants, you gain high-gloss black accents, 21-inch wheels and an M Sport exhaust with black chrome tailpipes. Buyers who aren’t in a hurry will also be able to order the optional M Carbon exterior package (later this year), which will cut down on some of the weight in components such as the rear diffuser and mirror caps.

Last but not least, we have the interior, where occupants are surrounded by Vernasca leather sport seats, aluminum carbon trim and other M-specific touches (gauge cluster, shifter etc). In the Competition variants, you get standard M Sport seats with extended Merino leather instead of Vernasca.


In the end, regardless of which version you choose, the following features will come standard: adaptive LED headlights, sat-nav, Harman Kardon audio system, Active Guard, Active Protection, Active Driving Assistant and Frontal Collision Warning with City collision mitigation.