New BMW X3 M Competition Features
Blend together the off-road capabilities of a BMW X3 with power from the iconic BMW M division and you are left with a properly impressive performance SUV. Welcome to the awe-inspiring BMW X3 M Competition.
The distinctive SUV looks are sharper than ever thanks to BMW M enhancements, and it has all of the practicality, space and comfort provided by the regular X3, only with the levels of power and performance heightened beyond all expectation.
That power and performance is courtesy of a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre petrol engine and is teamed with xDrive all-wheel drive for superb acceleration and cornering stability.
Engines and Performance
Fitted to the X3 M Competition is a high-revving 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder engine which, thanks to upgrades such as a forged lightweight crankshaft and an additional oil cooler, is able to produce 503bhp, an almost outrageous figure in what is a mid-size luxury SUV.
That prodigious power is backed up by 479lb ft of torque, resulting in a barely-believable 0 to 62mph sprint time of 3.8 seconds. This is a seriously fast car.
An 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive are both equipped as standard, with the latter distinctly rear-biased for a classic rear-wheel drive experience. Torque is distributed to the front wheels only when the rear axle cannot put anymore power down on its own.
Chassis and Handling
BMW M know a thing or two about driving dynamics, and their expertise is obvious as soon as you turn a wheel in the X3 M Competition.
Standard adaptive M suspension is the star of the show, featuring electronically controlled dampers that allow the driver to select their ideal setup at the touch of a button. An M Specific strut package plus reinforced body and suspension components help to control body movement and enhance responsiveness.
Also included with the X3 M Competition is an M compound brake system, lightweight 21-inch M forged wheels and an M Sport exhaust for the full high performance package.
Technology and Drive Modes
One of the hallmarks of any BMW is the high level of technology on offer. In the X3 M Competition, that means configurable settings for just about everything, from the gauge cluster to the way the car gets down the road.
The M Steptronic transmission can be configured for particularly fast shifts or slower, more comfortable gear changes, while the throttle response and exhaust can be adjusted to your preferences too. There are also different settings for the dampers and steering response, all of which can be stored in your personalised "M1" and "M2" buttons so you can access different configurations quickly.
Perhaps the most impressive drive mode is M Dynamic Mode, which helps you perform controlled drift manoeuvres by allowing additional wheel slip in race track scenarios.
X3 M Competition Specification
M Competition
Key features:
- M Aerodynamics package
- M light alloy wheels
- M double-strut kidney grille with model designation
- M exterior mirror caps
- Adaptive LED headlights and LED tail lights
- Park Distance Control (PDC), front and rear
- M roof rails high-gloss Shadowline
- Automatic tailgate operation
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional with navigation and BMW Head-up display
- Automatic air conditioning with 3-zone control
- Sport seats in leather, electrically adjustable and heated
- M steering wheel with stitching in M colours and M1/M2 Setup buttons
- Harman Kardon surround-sound system
- Ambient interior lighting
- 8-speed M Steptronic Sport transmission with Drivelogic, shift paddles and M gear selector switch
- Adaptive suspension
- Active M differential
- M Compound brake
- Variable sport steering
- Cruise Control with brake function
Test drive the BMW X3 M Competition
Another fantastic addition to the BMW M range, and to the BMW X series. The X3 M Competition blends true BMW style, luxury, road presence and practicality with dominating M car power and chassis enhancements.
To experience the BMW X3 M Competition for yourself, book a test drive through your nearest Stratstone BMW Centre today.
