BMW X3 M, X4 M 2019 revealed

BMW has finally lifted the lid on its first X3 M and X4 M performance mid-size SUVs, which feature the Bavarian carmaker’s new-generation 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, ahead of a local arrival in the second half of the year.

In international guise, the two models will be available in regular and more savage Competition specification, with Australia expected to take only the latter, as it did with its M2 and M5 bruisers.

In standard M guise, the reworked 3.0-litre engine pumps out 353kW at 6250rpm and 600Nm from 2600 to 5600rpm, while the Competition dials up power to 375kW while stretching the peak torque band to 5950rpm.

Signature BMW M design elements are included such as black kidney grille surrounds and large front air intakes.

Previously, BMW’s M-fettled six-cylinder engine maxed out at 368kW/600Nm in the M4 GTS, however, the company’s spanner-turners have managed to liberate extra power thanks to revisions to the turbochargers, cylinder-head cores, high-precision fuel injection, air intake and oil supply systems, crankshaft and wastegate, while two petrol particulate filters and four catalytic converters have been added.

All that punch allows the performance SUV pair to hit the 100km/h mark form standstill in 4.2 seconds (down 0.1s in the Competition) on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h, which can be increased to 280km/h for the regular variants and 285km/h for the Competition when optioning the M Driver’s Package.

The main competition for the X3 M and X4 M will come from Mercedes-AMG’s GLC63 S wagon and coupe, both of which employ a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 outputting 375kW/700Nm, allowing for a 3.8s 0-100km/h time.

Drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission while using BMW’s rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system borrowed from the M5.

Dynamics are aided by an Active M differential, an adjustable dynamic stability control system, MacPherson-strut front and multi-link rear suspension with three-mode adaptive dampers, speed-sensitive variable-ratio steering and 395mm front and 370mm rear vented disc brakes with four-piston fixed front and single-pot floating rear callipers.

Rim sizes are different in each variant, with regular versions receiving 20-inch Grey Orbit hoops and the Competition scoring 21-inch Jet Black rims wrapped in 255/40 front and 265/40 rear rubber.

Each variant, get different wheel sizes ranging from 20-inch Grey Orbit hoops and 21-inch Jet Black rims.

Signature BMW M design elements are included such as black kidney grille surrounds, large front air intakes, aerodynamic side mirrors and gills, a rear spoiler and a diffuser.

Inside, the M pair score an M-specific digital instrument cluster, front sports seats, sports steering wheel and gear selector, and a head-up display.

Inside, the high-powered X3 and X4 score an M-specific digital instrument cluster, front sports seats, and sports steering wheel.

Combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 10.5 litres per 100km in the X3 M, up 0.1L/100km for the X4, while emissions stand at 239 grams of CO2 per km for both.

Would you rather the coupe-style X4 M or traditional X3 M wagon? Tell us what you think in the comments below.