2022 BMW X3 M Competition, X4 M Competition

(June 14, 2021) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW has unveiled the updated 2022 BMW X3 M and X4 M. Two years after the launch of the first BMW X3 M Sports Activity Vehicle and the X4 M Sports Activity Coupe by BMW M GmbH, both vehicles receive exterior and interior design changes as well as meaningful updates in the areas of technology, infotainment and driver assistance systems. Both the X3 M and X4 M as well as the Competition Package-equipped models also offer a notable increase in torque for 2022.
 
In 2019, BMW M GmbH developed the inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine of the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M from scratch. The engine put out 473 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. With an output of 503 hp at 6,250 rpm, the Competition version was the most powerful production inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine built by BMW. Now, also used in other BMW M models, such as the M3 and M4, the latest version of this engine currently delivers 457 lb-ft of torque in the BMW X3 M and X4 M and 479 lb-ft of torque in Competition tune.

This is an increase of 37 lb-ft of torque for the Competition package equipped models and an increase of 13 lb-ft for the 2022 BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M. The engine features characteristics typical of M, including track-proven cooling and oil supply systems, linear power delivery and a high redline of 7,200 rpm.
 
The new increased torque production lowers the 0-60 acceleration time of the BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M from 4.1 seconds to 3.9 seconds and from 4.0 seconds to 3.7 seconds for the Competition package-equipped X3 M and X4 M. Top speed is an electronically limited 155 mph, which is increased to 177 mph when the optional M Driver’s Package is selected. This package also includes a voucher for driver training at one of the BMW Performance Center driving schools around the country.
 
The inline 6-cylinder engine now features the forged lightweight crankshaft of the BMW M3 and M4 models. It’s extremely torsion-resistant design enables transmission of the higher torque numbers, while its low weight and reduced rotating mass also benefits the engine’s ability to rev. The crankcase is extremely rigid due to the closed-deck design, enabling high combustion pressure and optimized power output.
 
The iron coating of the cylinder walls, applied by means of wire arc spraying, reduces weight and friction loss, while the cylinder head has a core that is manufactured by 3D-printing. This additive manufacturing process allows geometric shapes to be created which cannot be made using conventional metal casting methods.
 
As a result of 3D printing technology, the cylinder head core’s weight has been reduced and a coolant duct layout which is optimized in terms of temperature management. M TwinPower Turbo Technology includes two mono-scroll turbochargers that supply compressed air to cylinders one to three and four to six respectively. Power output is further improved by means of compressors and indirect charge air cooling supplied by a low-temperature circuit. Flow-optimized intake air routing ensures low pressure loss, while an electrically controlled and quick-reacting wastegate enhances responsiveness.

The quick opening wastegate also supports the efficiency of the catalytic converters positioned close to the engine. With a maximum injection pressure of 5,076 psi, the high precision direct injection system enables particularly efficient fuel mixture preparation. Fine atomization of the fuel in the combustion chambers ensures an optimized response, especially under full load when accelerating and at high speeds. The technology package is rounded off with the variable valve control system VALVETRONIC and the continuously variable camshaft adjustment system double VANOS.


 
The inline 6-cylinder engine’s track-proven cooling system is specifically designed to support the high level of output and includes two side positioned radiators in addition to the central radiator. There is an additional engine oil cooler and a separate transmission oil cooler. This elaborate system ensures that optimum operating temperatures are always maintained for all drive components – whether on short day-to-day trips, in city traffic or when used on the track. BMW M GmbH’s motorsports expertise is evident in the design of the oil supply system, which is designed for dynamic operation.

The engine’s oil pan has two separate chambers and an integrated supply channel. An additional supply stage enables the map-controlled oil pump to deliver lubricant from the smaller oil sump, which serves as a volume buffer. In this way, a reliable oil supply is always guaranteed, even during extreme longitudinal and lateral acceleration.  
 
The Competition package’s M Sport exhaust enriches the engine’s sound characteristics with the addition of a distinctly sonorous quality, especially when under increased load and at high engine speeds, thereby giving the sound more of a motor racing touch for a particularly emotional driving experience — while fully retaining day-to-day practicality. The variable flaps of the M Sport exhaust system allow for highly varied sound production.

The specific sound type is linked to the engine characteristics: here it is possible to select the SPORT and SPORT+ modes in addition to the standard setting. The M Sound Control button on the center console can also be used to activate a quieter engine sound when greater discretion is required.
 
Power and torque is transmitted to the wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. In addition to fully automatic gear changes, it also includes manual shifting using either the center console-mounted gear selector or the steering-wheel mounted shift paddles. In manual mode, multiple downshifts can be made to the lowest possible to take advantage of engine braking. When accelerating, no forced upshifts are triggered even when the engine is revved up.

The M Steptronic transmission is designed for quick response and exceptionally fast gear changes. The torque converter lock-up clutch is 100 percent closed immediately after start-up. Using the Drivelogic rocker switch, integrated in the gear selector, the driver can select the transmission’s gearshift characteristics in both automatic and manual modes. Efficient driving with comfortable gearshifts is provided by Drivelogic Mode 1, while switching to Mode 2 boosts sportiness with shortened shift times. In the Mode 3, shift speed is further increased, and the shift program keeps the engine in the upper rev range to support extremely dynamic driving with maximum torque availability on the track.

The M xDrive all-wheel drive system contributes to the high agility of the BMW X3 M and X4 M, combining the traction benefits of power and power being transmitted to all four wheels with the proven dynamic qualities of classic rear-wheel drive. The electronically controlled M xDrive – which is networked with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system – only directs part of the drive torque to the front axle when the rear wheels reach the limits of their traction capabilities. At the touch of a button, the driver can influence not only how the driving stability control works but also the distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels.
 
M Dynamic mode can be activated as an alternative to the standard DSC setting, enabling the M xDrive setting - 4WD Sport. This results in a power distribution that is even more rear-wheel-oriented, enabling controlled drifts and lively handling. Drive torque is distributed continuously and fully variably between the front and rear wheels by the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch of the transfer box, and then by the Active M Differential between the rear wheels as required. This ensures extra traction, agility and driving stability, especially in sporty use or on roads where there are varying levels of grip. Stabilizing interventions of the driving stability control DSC are only necessary in extreme situations.
 
The X3 M and X4 M will be launched in September starting at $70,895 including destination charge.