A fresh face, more tech and even more performance arrive with Competition-sorted siblings.

TWO years into their production life, the M Competition versions of BMW’s X3 and X4 sports utilities have followed their regular counterparts in undergoing a mid-life facelift.

 For the high performance models, it’s not just about achieving new looks and a revised interior.

 Also rolling into the showroom at year-end is a powertrain redevelopment that delivers more punch.

Under the bonnet sits the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six petrol engine as the models they replace, though torque jumps by 50Nm for total outputs of 375kW and 650Nm – matching the related M3 and M4 Competition models.

 Drive continues to be sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a variable M xDrive all-wheel drive system, enabling a 3.8-second sprint from zero to 100kmh – down 0.3 seconds over the outgoing models and right in the M3/M4 zone.

BMW claims an electronically-limited top speed of 250kmh as standard, with the limiter bumped up to 285kmh with the M Driver's Package fitted.

BMW New Zealand has priced the updated X3 M Competition at $179,900 while the X4 M Competition is $5000 more.

BMW has given the engine the M3/M4 models’ lightweight forged crankshaft and weight- and friction-reducing coated cylinder walls. Also new is a 3D-printed cylinder-head core.

The designs have also been tweaked, with a larger grille taking a single-piece frame, thinner adaptive LED headlamps and larger bumper openings for improved cooling of the engine, transmission and brakes.

The X3 M gets redesigned LED taillights with black borders and a body-coloured roof spoiler, while the X4 M features a new rear bumper and a glossy black rear spoiler (or optional spoiler that’s carbon-fibre reinforced).

There are mild revisions inside as well, notably to do with the redesigned centre console controls including for the M Setup and M Mode accesses, new services on the iDrive 7 screen and better integration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.