BMW X3M

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back in August 2020, alongside the BMW X4 M Competition, hence, the interior and key styling elements look rather outdated relative to the current BMW facelift styling (such as the 5, the 7 and even the all-new 2 Series).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

The dashboard of the F97 BMW X3 M Competition is similar to the regular X3 variants, with the focus on specific BMW M items such as the red start-stop button, M steering wheel with M Drive buttons, carbon fibre trim, M multi-adjustment sport seats and M shift lever.

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

The instrument cluster in the BMW X3 M Competition is said to measure as a large 12.3 inches. But, due to the physical circular surround for the speedometer and tachometer, the instrument cluster just displays digitally rendered classic circular gauges, complete with the traditional BMW M red needle and large font. The driver is aided with a BMW Head-up display (HUD) with specific BMW M Content such as the multi-coloured engine rev marker, gear indicator plus BMW M driving mode.

Space and practicality

As expected, the interior of the F97 BMW X3 M Competition is highly practical, thanks to a massive storage box in front of the shift lever, deep and large door pockets, a centre console box and a large luggage area. The rear seats also have a 40-20-40 split-folding arrangement. 

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

There are six airbags in the BMW X3 M Competition SAV. BMW’s Driving Assistant Plus package is standard, inclusive of adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and blind-spot warning. 360-degree surround parking cameras with distance sensors are also included.

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

The BMW X3 M Competition retains many great comfort and convenience features from the regular G01 X3 model, such as manual side window sunshades, reclining seatback for the rear, three-zone automatic air conditioning, wireless charger, ambient lighting, a larger panoramic glass roof and the BMW Display Key.

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

The BMW X3 M Competition comes with a BMW Navigation System Professional 10.25-inch touch-sensitive display. It also has a hard drive to store audio files, plus the usual USB and Bluetooth connections.

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

The latest inline six-cylinder engine from BMW M maintains the 3.0-litre displacement, upgraded with many new components. Power outputs of the BMW S58 engine in the F97 BMW X3 M Competition coupe are 510 PS at 6,250 rpm and 600 Nm from 2,600 to 5,950 rpm. 

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

In the F97 BMW X3 Competition, the transmission is a specially-developed eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with shift paddles and Launch Control function. The Drivelogic switch allows the transmission to shift in three driver-selectable programs- Mode 1 for comfort, Mode 2 for sports or Mode 3 for track. The durability of the transmission fluid is ensured by a dedicated cooling radiator mounted at the front.

Chassis

The bodyshell of the BMW X3 Series has been modified to suit the usage of being a BMW M car. High amounts of reinforcement members are strategically placed for maximum stiffness and rigidity. A panoramic glass roof is fitted as the BMW X3 M Competition is after all a family-oriented SAV.

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

The F97 BMW X3 M Competition is only available in the performance-oriented M xDrive all-wheel drive layout. Predominantly rear-wheel drive, the clever M xDrive will only shuffle power to the front axle when the stability control tells it to. There is also a 4WD Sport mode for an even higher degree of rear bias in 4WD mode, making it more fun to drive on windy roads.  

BMW X3 M – Driving Performance

Engine performance

The F97 BMW X3 M Competition with 510 PS at 6,250 rpm and 600 Nm of torque from 2,600 rpm to 5,950 rpm can complete the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 4.1 seconds, where Launch Control mode is also available. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

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

Arguably the best transmission and paired with the best straight-six engine is something that BMW is renowned for and keeps pushing the benchmark. Perhaps, this could be the best ever given the move to EVs starting from the middle of this decade.

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

Thanks to the BMW M menu of incredibly well-calibrated steering ratio, rear active differential and powertrain response, the F97 BMW X3 M Competition is the best handling mid-size SUV. Porsche Macan comes close but ultimately lacking in character.

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

In comfort setting, the M adaptive suspension shows its weakness as one of the harshest for a luxury SUV, especially when compared to the Mercedes-AMG and Porsche. It rides too harsh without much compression/damping, hence transmitting too much movement into the cabin. 

BMW X3 M – Fuel Economy

The fuel consumption of the BMW X3 M is rated at 10.6 litres per 100 km (9.4 km/L). 

BMW X3 M – Conclusion

The BMW X3 M Competition seats five and carry their luggage in supreme speed, stability and agility. It accelerates hard from any gear and settles down to a relatively refined demeanour on the highway. However, with the arrival of the BMW M3 sedan packing the same S58 510 PS engine that rides significantly better, the BMW X3 M Performance’s original appeal as an SUV might not be very valid anymore.

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.