Monday, August 24, 2020

BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition - Sports Ulitity Vehicles or Sports Activity Vehicles Get More Oomph


Last 14th of August 2020, BMW Malaysia introduced the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition at the Secret Garage @ M Town which was located somewhere in Kuala Lumpur. What this does is expand the premium mid-size segment with M powered driving machines and actually, make Sports Utility Vehicles or what BMW calls them- Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) something sporty as heck. Or as sporty as a SUV can become, that is.



The First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition expands the BMW X portfolio of powerful Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupés (SAC) respectively. Both bring a whole new level of speed and performance to the segment with the new BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine that is capable of 510 hp. Obviously over 500hp is needed for something as tall as a SAV to be called 'Competition'. 


Of course, these days in a period where Sports Utes are taking over in most market segments, a very high performance tall vehicle makes sense. And these days, we also must acknowledge that BMW is one of those brands that can actually make a slightly taller than an actual low slung sports car corner well. 

Speaking about 'low slung', the main difference between the two SAVs is that the X3 is the more traditional looking of the two with its typical two box SUV styling. The X4 is one of those fast back styled SUVs where it would be simple to say that imagine a 5 door fastback type car - where the tailgate slops at a 45 degree angle rather than a 90 degree drop and you then raise it up like a SUV. That is basically the X4. You can see the X4 in red compared to the X3 below.....oh, and therefore one is more practical than the other in terms of load carrying capability.



In addition to power and overall added driveability, the new high-powered SAV and SAC are also equipped with advanced driver assistance systems and intelligent in-car connectivity features. This includes the Driving Assistant Plus that offers optimal support during sporty driving. Well, it should as it is a premium vehicle and we expect nothing less from BMW these days. 

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “For over two decades, the BMW X range has been unrivalled in the high-performance mid-size segments, having pioneered some of the most advanced four-wheel drive technology in the industry. BMW Malaysia is thrilled to be introducing two additions not just to the BMW X family but also the high-performance model line-up – the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition.”

“At BMW Malaysia, we are also setting new benchmarks for precision and agility in the BMW M portfolio with the new models; both bearing not just the Most Powerful Letter in the World, but running on the iconic Motorsports DNA of the M as well,” Hoelzl added.

The First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition is priced at RM 886,551.58 while the First Ever BMW X4 M Competition comes in at RM 904,276.60. Being flagship of their respective model ranges, these M Competition models are the best ever for what they represent. I must say that these days, a very fast, quite high riding (relative to its segment) are what in demand. So these vehicles fill a certain niche and are quite unique offerings. 

Actually, 510hp and 600NM is exciting in a compact to mid-sized SAV. 3.0liter, 6cylinder in-line engines via an 8 speed transmission giving you 250kmh and a 0-100kmh time of around 4.1 seconds......Can't complain. 

Official Product Summary of the 2020 BMW X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition

The First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition both appear with
the characteristically M design elements, complemented by the sporty aesthetics of the
BMW X.

The powerful front section of the vehicles is made up of the distinctive front apron and
large, hexagonal air intake – built to ensure optimal ventilation for the front brakes under
high thermal loads. The new BMW M models also feature adaptive LED headlights with
high-beam assistant, along with full-LED taillights as standard.

A long bonnet and wheelbase, steeply-raked windscreen, and slightly rectangular wheel
arches lend the new models an exceptionally sporty silhouette. The M Sport exhaust
system – recognisable by its four black chrome tailpipes – adds an unmistakeable
sound when going full throttle and at high revs. The new BMW M models also run on 21-
inch bicolour M light alloy wheels and are equipped with Adaptive M suspension. Black
kidney grille surrounds, side gills and wing mirror caps are also standard to the models.
Individually, the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition features a slim diffuser in high-gloss
Black and an M-specific roof spoiler. The First-Ever BMW X4 M Competition, on the
other hand, features a black aerodynamic spoiler at the rear.

The power of M meets the agility of the BMW X.
Powering the new BMW M models to a powerful 375kW / 510hp is the newly-developed
three-litre M TwinPower Turbo straight-six petrol engine. With a peak torque of 600Nm
at 2,600 – 5,950 rpm, the new BMW M models generate a top speed of 250km/h
(limited) and are capable of achieving the century sprint in merely 4.1 seconds. The new
BMW M models consume 10.6 litres of fuel per 100km of travel and records a carbon
emission of 244g/km.

Power is transmitted to the new high-powered BMW M models via an eight-speed M
Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic – capable of performing automatic or manual
gear changes via the gear selector lever or the shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Three Drivelogic modes are available: Efficient, Sport, and Sport Plus – for extremely
short shift times. The chassis of the new BMW M models have been upgraded with a
high proportion of M-specific components for even sportier driving characteristics –
improving not just performance but handling and lateral dynamics as well.

The strut brace in the engine compartment increases stiffness of the front section when
subjected to strong lateral acceleration. This is complemented by adaptive dampers,
stiffer stabilisers, along with the Active M Differential and M Compound Brakes that are
made of composite materials to reduce weight and achieve even more powerful
deceleration. The M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive also allows for conventional
variable power distribution, or a Sport mode with even more pronounced and dynamic
rear-wheel bias.

Designed for comfort – be it on the road or the tracks.
The cockpit of the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition
welcomes passengers with an iconic M interior ambience that is equally sporty and
elegant. Front passengers are greeted with entry sills bearing the M model designation
and comfortable front seats with active seat ventilation and lumbar support. Special trim
levels also reflect their superior performance, along with the M leather steering wheel
with shift paddles, red M Drive buttons, and a red Start/Stop button.

These are complemented by the redesigned M gear selector lever and the three-level
controls for the engine, damper and steering responses. Further M-specific highlights
found in the new BMW M models include interior trim finishers 'Carbon Fibre', decorative
seams in BMW M colours, M seatbelts, M pedals, along with a M-specific instrument
cluster, and knee pads.

Comfort is offered to the new BMW M models via sculptural M Sport seats with
illuminated M badge below the semi-integrated head restraint, furnished with premium
Leather Merino upholstery. In terms of luggage capacity, the First-Ever BMW X3 M
Competition has a boot space of 550 litres that can be increased to 1,600 litres. The
First-Ever BMW X4 M Competition, on the other hand, offers up to 1,430 litres of space
with the rear seats folded, from 525 litres.

Exclusively available in the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition are seat backrest
adjustment for rear seat passengers as well as roller sunblind for rear side windows.

Advanced assistance and safety systems.
Both BMW M models benefit from advanced assistance systems and intelligent in-car
connectivity features, including the Head-Up Display with M-specific display variants,
along with the Parking Assistant Plus featuring Surround View and Remote 3D Service.
The advanced infotainment systems available within the new BMW M models are the
10.25-inch Control Display that can be operated via the iDrive controller, by touch, and
the BMW Gesture Control. ConnectedDrive Services available as standard to both BMW
M models equip owners with Concierge Service, Teleservices, Remote Services,
Intelligent Emergency Call and Apple CarPlay.

The new BMW M models come with intelligent assistance systems such as the Driving
Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus. The Comfort Access system also offers both
convenience and safety with automatic tailgate operation of the new SAV and SAC.
The Harman Kardon surround-sound system with 600W amplifier power, nine channels
and 16 speakers provide endless in-car entertainment. The wireless smartphone
charging feature within the vehicles also allow for uninterrupted driving pleasure.

Colour offerings for the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition
include Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Donington Grey, Phytonic Blue, Sophisto Grey
and the new Toronto Red. Depending on the selected exterior offering, the new models
can be furnished with exquisite Leather Merino interior upholstery in Black, Sakhir
Orange or Adelaide Grey.

The First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition will be available at
all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from 14 th August 2020. Customers can also
book the new BMW M models on http://www.shop.bmw.com.my/ at RM5,000 each and
be in the running to bring home a new BMW i8 Coupé.

Limited-Time, Special Programmes in Conjunction with Secret Garage @ M Town.
For a limited time only, BMW Group Malaysia is offering special programmes and
campaigns for a range of BMW M models from 15 th August to 30 th September 2020. The
Limited-Time M Town Special Support offers new owners of the BMW M2 Competition,
BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M5 Sedan, BMW M850i xDrive Coupé an attractive price
reduction of RM25,000, RM45,000, RM70,000 and RM75,000 respectively.

Dynamic financial programme.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the
First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition can be owned with
monthly instalment plans starting from RM 10,118.00 and RM 10,318.00 respectively
(based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

Complete premium ownership experience.
Owners of the First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition will
receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which
includes:
 BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
 BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
 The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card
 BMW Service Online

The retail pricing (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest
5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, and Free Scheduled Service Programme) for the
First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition are:
The First-Ever BMW X3 M Competition RM 886,551.58
The First Ever BMW X4 M Competition RM 904,276.60

2020 BMW X3 M Competition































2020 BMW X4 M Competition































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