BMW M has been making hotted up versions of the X5 and X6 for some time now, and now, it's turned its attention to the smaller X3 and X4 siblings. To fight the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63, they sport the most powerful straight-six BMW's ever put into a road car. Should be pretty quick then.

We'll focus on the engine, because that's what's really important here (and because it'll probably find its way into the next M3/M4). It's called the S58, and it's based on BMW's new(ish) B58 3.0-liter straight-six. With a pair of turbochargers and some extra love from the M division, this engine now produces 473 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. And that's just where things start. Opt for the Competition version of the X3 and X4 M and you get 503 horsepower. It's probably not a coincidence that this figure matches that of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S.

This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic; not a dual-clutch like the one used for the current M2, M3 and M4. With the new M5, BMW M embraced torque-converter automatics, and it's doing the same with the X3 and X4 M.

Also like the M5, these crossovers get a BMW M-specific four-wheel drive system, which in normal operation, only sends power to the rear wheels. Power is diverted to the front when the rears start to slip, while a 4WD Sport mode increases the rear-axle bias. There's no 2WD mode like the M5, but BMW still says it's possible to drift the X3 and X4 M thanks to an electronically controlled locking rear differential.

BMW took a number of measures to increase body and chassis rigidity, which include fitting an under-hood strut-tower brace and additional bracing at the rear axle. All the suspension components were specifically designed for the X3 and X4 M, and adaptive dampers come standard. Additionally, Competition models get thicker sway bars.

The brakes are upgraded, too, with 15.6-inch discs clamped down by four-piston calipers up front, and 14.6-inch discs and single-piston floating calipers at the rear. Twenty-inch wheels are standard for the base X3 and X4 M, while the Competition models get 21s.

And of course, there are all the M design flourishes you'd expect, both inside and out.

Pricing hasn't been announced yet for the X3 and X4 M, but BMW says production will start in April.

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