Updated BMW X3 M and X4 M revealed

• Styling update to match facelift for regular X3 and X4 models
• Increased pulling power brings 0-62mph down to 3.8 seconds
• First UK deliveries in September; prices start at £85,100

BMW has unveiled updated versions of the high-performance BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition SUVs, with prices starting at £85,100 and £86,860 respectively. BMW plans to make first deliveries to UK customers in September.

Key changes to the cars for 2021 include the revised styling, most noticeably at the front. The gloss black kidney grilles are familiar from the outgoing models but they’ve been made larger. They’re joined by redesigned front bumpers that look much more aggressive, incorporating large vertical side air vents finished in black that are angled towards the cars’ central air intakes.

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Round at the back, both cars feature new gloss black ‘aprons’ and full LED lights. The rear lights of the X3 M have a black surround and are narrower than before, while the coupe-SUV shape of the X4 M allows for a boot-lid spoiler finished in gloss black.

2021 BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M: engines and performance 

Both cars use the same turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine as before and peak power remains at 503bhp. BMW has increased pulling power, or torque as it’s technically known, from 600Nm to 650Nm as part of the update, bringing down the cars’ 0-62mph times from 4.1 seconds to 3.8 seconds. The top speed of both is electronically limited to 155mph but can be raised to 180mph as part of the optional M Driver’s Pack.

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The cars use an automatic eight-speed M Steptronic gearbox that has a manual mode, which is operated via shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. BMW’s ‘M xDrive’ four-wheel-drive system is also standard. It’s intended to combine the security of extra traction with the character of a rear-wheel-drive car; it only sends power to the front wheels when it detects the rear wheels are breaking traction.

Interior and equipment

The interiors of the new cars feature redesigned M Sports seats, new upholstery and trim, and the central control island that we’ve already seen in the latest BMW M3 and M4. Merino leather upholstery is available in black, orange and grey, while black and beige leather with Alcantara is available as an option. Interior trim is now finished in carbon fibre as standard.

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The X3 M and X4 M are available in black and grey metallic paints, as well as the new ‘Marina Bay Blue’ and ‘Sao Paulo Yellow’ metallic paints you see in our pictures. ‘BMW Individual’ paints have been added to the options list to give buyers even more choice, including some matt finishes. Forged ‘Star Spoke’ alloy wheels finished in black are a newly introduced option too, saving 2kg per wheel.

The BMW Live Cockpit Pro infotainment system comes as standard on both cars, running on two 12.3-inch screens; one is for the digital dials behind the steering wheel and the other is the touchscreen infotainment display. The X3 M and X4 M now come with Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay. 

As you’d expect of the flagship models, both have all the driver assistance systems of the regular X3 and X4 and much of the software can be updated wirelessly thanks to over-the-air connectivity. Driver Assistant Pro is available as an option for the first time, which includes active cruise control, as well as Parking Assistant Plus, which can create a 360-degree view of the car and its surroundings from various angles to help with parking.

Like the sound of these cars? Why not read our review of the new BMW M3 Competition.