BMW X3 M

BMW X3 M – Overview

The F97 BMW X3 M in Malaysia is only offered with the highest-performance M Competition variant. Globally, the mid-size super SUV competes with the likes of Audi SQ5, Porsche Macan GTS and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63.
Priced from RM850,432, the BMW X3 M Competition is fully imported from Plant Spartanburg in the USA and not Germany. 

BMW X3 M – Exterior

The 2020 BMW X3 M Competition is based on the G01 BMW X3 that is now in its third generation. The BMW X3 M Competition was launched in Malaysia back in August 2020, alongside the BMW X4 M Competition, hence, the interior and key styling elements look rather outdated relative to the current BMW facelift styling (such as the 5, the 7 and even the all-new 2 Series).

Upfront is BMW M specific bumper designed for form and function (plenty of cooling), full body-coloured claddings, M specific side mirrors, rear roof spoiler and rear bumper with quad exhaust tips in black chrome. Roof rails are in gloss black, as with the window surrounds and double bars in the front grille.   

Unlike BMW M sedans with massively wider bodywork, the BMW X3 M Competition SAV maintains the same 1,897 mm width as the standard G01 BMW X3 models. The visually attractive double-spoke 765 M Bicolour black wheels measure 21 inches, with staggered sizing. The tyres on the 2020 BMW X3 M Competition are also regular tyres and not run-flats (RFT), something regularly practised by BMW M.

Adaptive LED headlamps are standard in the BMW X3 M Competition, and the tailgate has a hands-free operation. A Welcome Light Carpet projects a gentle glow of light leading the driver and occupants to the sides of the BMW X3 M Competition. 

BMW X3 M – Interior

Dashboard

Unlike the latest BMW Live Cockpit Professional, the BMW X3 is the final model to be equipped with the older circular dial instrument cluster with black panel technology. As such, traditionalists may like the idea that the BMW X3 M Competition featuring beautiful circular BMW M specific dials with red needles reminiscing the older BMW M cars.

An older 10.25-inch BMW Navigation Professional central infotainment display stands on top of the air vents. BMW has designed the ergonomics incredibly well, with the screen close enough for touch control, yet distant for good eye focusing yet blend with the soft dashboard incredibly well. Sensatec, BMWs man-made leather material, lines the dashboard for that soft touch.

Instrument cluster

Space and practicality

The default capacity of the boot is 550 litres, with the seats folded down the driver has access to 1,600 litres of hauling space. However, with the fitment of the BMW M multi-adjustment sport seats in front means to loss of seatback pockets for the rear passengers. 

BMW X3 M – Features

Safety features

The BMW X3 M Competition is also a connected BMW, offering the BMW ConnectedDrive services that include Intelligent Emergency Call, Concierge Services and Teleservices.

Comfort features

Additional comfort features for the range-topping BMW X3 M Competition SAV are the active cooling and heating feature in the front seats, upholstered with the highest-quality ‘Merino’ leather. The seats also have the X3 M emblem illuminate in a soft glow plus increased support as well as adjustable bolsters.

Bright red is meanwhile used on the start/stop button as well as the two M buttons on the steering wheel. The M buttons feature as shortcuts to driver-set vehicle parameters such as engine response, suspension, steering, and 4WD torque apportioning.

Infotainment

Matching the high horsepower of the engine is the high-performance Harman Kardon 16-speaker surround-sound system with a multi-channel DSP amplifier with up to 600 Watts of power. The Logic 7 Surround Sound offers superior sound staging for occupants both front and back. 

BMW X3 M – Powertrain

Engine

Drivers will be happy to know they can spin the engine to 7,200 rpm, similar to the latest BMW M3 and M4 models. The high-revving engine that has a linear power delivery also sounds ferocious thanks to a standard fitted M Sport exhaust system, which can be quiet down for a civilized drive around the neighbourhood. 

BMW says the cooling system and oil supply have been designed for track use. Apart from a powerful electric fan, the intercooler also has its own cooling supply, and an electric water pump keeps coolant flowing to the two turbochargers even when the engine has been turned off. 

Transmission

Chassis

The front suspension features a double-joint strut axle setup, while the rear axle uses a five-link layout. The majority of the suspension components are in aluminium material, a trademark of modern BMW M cars. There is also M Servotronic steering rack with a variable ratio.

Electronically-controlled Adaptive M suspension is standard in the F97 BMW X3 M Competition. M Compound and cross-drilled brakes discs meanwhile measure 395 mm in front and are grabbed by four-piston fixed-caliper brakes, while the rear axle features 370 mm cross-drilled discs and actuated by single-piston calipers.

As always, staggered wheels and tyres are standard fitment in the new BMW X3 M Competition. The front wheels are wrapped with 255/40R21 tyres while the rear is marginally wider with 265/40R21 tyres. A tyre repair kit is included as these are not run-flat tyres (RFT).

Excellent traction and agility are intensified by the M Sport differential, where an electronic system variably controls the independent torque levels of the left and right rear wheels. Delivering more torque to the outside wheel with more grip enhances traction out of the corner.

Drivetrain

BMW X3 M – Driving Performance

Engine performance

Each time the engine is fired up, great burble emits from the M Sport exhaust system. The six-cylinder revs smoothly all the way to the 7,200 rpm redline. It delivers phenomenal response across its entire rev range, however, the fake engine noise accompanying needs getting used to.

Transmission performance

As always, transmission ratios are well arranged, with the first six gears sufficient for spirited driving, while the final two are used for relaxed highway cruising. When left to shuffle in town, it’s as smooth as a regular X3, intelligently shifting for the best fuel efficiency and refinement.

Steering and handling

With the sportier all-wheel drive setting of the M xDrive, the more active rear end also feels a lot more natural and progressive when driven hard. The response from the steering relative to the input feels natural and intuitive, which are classic BMW traits.  

BMW X3 M – Ride Comfort

BMW X3 M – Fuel Economy

BMW X3 M – Conclusion

It is uncomfortable even around town and that is not acceptable given it is a taller SUV with more supposedly more suspension travel. As such, the BMW X3 M Competition’s facelift arriving next year might just be the better product, if they have significantly reprogrammed the adaptive M suspension.