BMW X3 M Competition: Price analysis

The Malaysian automotive arena has a number of performance compact SUVs and one of them is the BMW X3 M Competition that made its local debut last year. It combines the best of BMW’s X and M cars that offer phenomenal handling and blistering acceleration. As compared to the standard X3 on which it is based, the X3 M is not only agile and quick but also looks fiercer and equipped with advanced driver assistance systems and intelligent in-car connectivity features. And as obvious, the extra stuff comes at a premium price. 

The BMW X3 M Competition is priced at RM 850,432 (on-the-road, without insurance) which is almost RM 542,000 dearer than the top-spec xDrive30i M Sport priced at RM 308,423. So is it worth all that money? Let’s try to find out by checking out what is all on offer. 

Impressive performance

The BMW X3 M is powered by a 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo straight-six petrol engine that churns out a maximum power output of 510 hp at 6250 rpm and a peak torque of 600 Nm at 2,600 – 5,950 rpm. The drive is channeled to the high-powered M model through an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission paired with a Drivelogic system. It allows automatic as well as manual gear changes via the gear selector lever or the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The setup features three driving modes - Efficient, Sport, and Sport Plus.

On the performance front, the SUV can hit the century sprint in merely 4.1 seconds before hitting the top speed of 250 kmph.

Contributing to the performance are M-specific components that add sportier driving characteristics with amazing handling and lateral dynamics. The adaptive dampers, stiffer stabilizers, Active M Differential, and M Compound Brakes are also parts of the mix.

Spectacular looks

Decked up with M design elements, the BMW X3 M looks sportier and fiercer than the standard model. It features a more powerful front section with a distinctive front apron and prominent, hexagonal air intake. The long wheelbase and bonnet along with steeply-raked windscreen further lend a stunning sporty silhouette to the car. Also, parts of the kit are:

• Adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistant
• Full-LED tail lights
• M Sport exhaust system with four black chrome tailpipes
• High-gloss black diffuser 
• M-specific roof spoiler
• 21-inch bicolor M light-alloy wheels fitted with Adaptive M suspension

Sporty and elegant cabin

The BMW X3 M Competition comes with an iconic M interior ambiance that is sporty as well as elegant. As soon as you hop inside the car, you can see the M badge on the door sills and front sports seats. The latter are exceptionally comfortable with active seat ventilation and lumbar support. These are furnished with premium Leather Merino upholstery. BMW also offers backrest adjustment for rear-seat passengers along with roller sunblind for rear side windows.

Reflecting the car’s superior performance is an M leather steering wheel with red M Drive buttons, and a red Start/Stop button. It is paired with shift paddles. Also part of the mix is the M gear selector lever with 3-level controls for the engine, damper, and steering. The M-specific instrument cluster, M seatbelts, M pedals, interior trim finishers ‘Carbon Fibre’ in BMW M colours are the other M-specific highlights you can see inside the cabin.

Advanced connectivity and driver-assistance systems

As mentioned earlier, the performance SUV is packed with intelligent in-car connectivity features and advanced driver-assistance systems. These include Head-Up Display with M-specific display mated to Surround View and Remote 3D Service.

The infotainment unit comes with a 10.25-inch Control Display that can be handled by touch, an iDrive controller, or the BMW Gesture Control. For endless in-car entertainment, it is complemented by a 600W Harman Kardon surround-sound system with nine channels and 16 speakers, while for uninterrupted driving pleasure, wireless smartphone charging is also on offer.

Included in the BMW ConnectedDrive Services are Concierge Service, Teleservices, Intelligent Emergency Call, Remote Services, and Apple CarPlay. 

The BMW X3 M advanced-driver assistance bits comprise:

• Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function
• Front Cross Traffic Alert
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Rear Collision Prevention
• Lane Keeping Assistant 
• Steering and lane control assistant
• Collision and Pedestrian Warning
• City Braking function
• Parking Assistant Plus

Considering the overall package, we think that the BMW X3 M is worth its price. What are your thoughts? Do let us know in the comments. 

Also read: BMW M5: What we like