A 500 bhp BMW X3 M and X4 M for 2020

ABU DHABI: If performance SUVs are your cup of tea, you should definitely check out the new 2020 X3 M and X4 M. Armed with almost 500 PS, these machines mean serious business but also offer the comfort and convenience of a regular SUV.

Let's start with the heart of the matter, the TwinPower 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine. It puts out an impressive 480 PS and a monumental 600 Nm of torque. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is used to handle all this power along with 8-speed Steptronic transmission. These systems have been specially tuned by the BMW M division for better performance. The xDrive system has a rear-wheel bias along with an Active M differential which splits the power between the front and rear axles. All this means that the X3 M and X4 M can demolish the 0-100 kmph in a mere 4.2 seconds. Looking for more power? Fear not, the Competition trim has you covered with an increase in power from 480 PS to 510 PS. With great power comes great responsibility, BMW has tweaked the chassis for better handling and stopping power. Along with this, you get electronically-adjustable dampers, retuned suspension for better road-holding, M-tuned Servotronic power steering, Dynamic Stability Control, and more powerful M compound brakes.

To help differentiate the X3/ X4 M from regular variants, a host of exterior changes have been made. The most obvious is the addition of two new colors named Toronto Red Metallic and Donington Grey Metallic. Various other elements have been painted in gloss black. These include the kidney grille, side mirrors, and side gills. You also get massive 21-inch lightweight, twin-spoke polished alloy wheels. If carbon fibre is something you fancy, there is the optional M Carbon exterior package.

Elements like the air blades, rear diffuser, and mirror caps are all made from carbon fibre. Jump inside the X3/X4 M and you are greeted with Merino leather seats and an M-specific leather steering wheel. This is complemented by a sporty gear selector and distinct door-sill plates. Other interior creature comforts include a hi-fi sound system, ConnectedDrive navigation, upgraded iDrive system with voice/gesture control, paddle shifters, and electrically adjustable front seats.

These performance machines will see the light of day when their production starts in April 2020. They will be manufactured in the BMW Spartanburg South Carolina factory.