BMW Group South Africa has released pricing for its new X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition ahead of the local launch of the pair of performance SUVs.

Interestingly, only the full-fat Competition models will be offered locally at this point (although BMW SA earlier said the base X3 M and X4 M would become available “at a later stage”).

So, how much are we looking at here? Well, the X3 M Competition will start at R1 510 686, while the X4 M Competition will kick off at R1 605 686 (that’s some R95 000 more, for the maths addicts).

Under the bonnet, you’ll find BMW’s latest twin-turbo 3,0-litre inline-six, generating 375 kW and 600 N.m in Competition form (and 353 kW in standard guise). Mated to all four corners (BMW says it has employed a version of the rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel-drive system first used in the M5) via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, the engine allows a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 4,2 seconds in the case of the X3 M and X4 M, with the Competition variants hitting three figures one-tenth quicker at 4,1 seconds.

The top speed of each of the four derivatives is limited to 250 km/h, although specifying the optional M Driver's Package raises that figure to 280 km/h in the case of the standard models and 285 km/h for the Competition variants.

The standard M-specific suspension features three settings that alter the reactions of the electronically controlled dampers, while M-specific steering (including M Servotronic and variable ratio) plus M compound brakes are also included. In addition, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels ship standard (and 21-inch items for the Competition models).

While the X3 M and X4 M feature a handful of M-specific exterior design features, the Competition variants are set apart by a high-gloss black finish for the kidney grille surround, side-mirror caps and M gills, as well as the rear spoiler. The flagship models furthermore each feature an M Sport exhaust system.

Original article from Car