As far as SUVs go, the BMW X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition were quick to begin with. Now, the SUV pair is even quicker in its facelifted form, courtesy of the BMW M4 Competition's firepower.

How much quicker are facelift BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition? 

Originally launched in 2019, the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition debut the M Division’s new S58 3-litre straight-six turbocharged engine that would later go into the M3 and M4. 

With the M3 and M4 being the flagship performance icons of the M brand, those engines were then tweaked to add a little zest, namely an additional 50 Nm (up to 650 Nm) in Competition spec, over what was on offer in the SUVs. These torque gains were possible thanks to the use of a forged lightweight crankshaft.

The souped-up engine is now returning to the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition in the facelift, with both SUVs now sporting 510 PS and 650 Nm. Not only do the engines bring them up to speed to its M3 Competition and M4 Competition counterparts, but it also outruns its standard rear-wheel-drive variants. 

Thanks to the torque bump, BMW claims that both SUVs will get from 0 to 100 km/h 0.3 seconds quicker at 3.8 seconds, which is marginally quicker than the rear-wheel-drive M3 Competition and M4 Competition’s 3.9 seconds claim. Not bad for something weighing 200kg-plus more with barn-like aerodynamics.

This lead at the sprint stakes is largely down to the performance SUV’s use of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Equipped with the M xDrive system, the M3 Competition xDrive and M4 Competition xDrive gets their 0 – 100 km/h claim shaved to 3.5 seconds. 

Considering that the Malaysian market is unlikely to receive the xDrive-equipped M3 Competition and M4 Competition models, the SUV pair will be as quick as the S58 will go in Malaysia until a hotter or facelifted version of the performance sedan and coupe arrives. 

The top speed for the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition remains unchanged at 250km/h with the standard speed limiter and 285 km/h with the optional M Driver’s package speed limiter.

Are there any changes in the facelift BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition? 

Engine aside, SUV’s mechanical bits look largely unchanged, with the same M Sport exhausts, eight-speed M automatic transmission, M specific suspension and steering setup, and M compound brakes with 21-inch wheels. 

Aside from the design tweaks to adapt to the facelifted standard X3 and X4, and new trim finishes and options to its interior, the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition now comes with a redesigned centre console. 

Borrowed from the M3 and M4, the centre console features two new set-up buttons for drivers to access all engine and suspension settings on the infotainment system.

The BMW X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition will be rolled out in international markets this August, though details of its Malaysian introduction are yet to be announced.

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