“The X3M Competition is a sports car hiding in an SUV body. You can carry luggage, friends or make a shopping trip as easily as you can race it on the track. If you want a refined beast just wanting to roar, but able to take you to the ball in style...the X3M is your chariot.”
2020 BMW X3 M: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big news for 2020 is the debut of the BMW X3 M, the first full M performance version of the X3. It launches in 473-hp base and more focused 503-hp Competition forms.
About the 2020 BMW X3 M
3rd-generation X3, first year of the X3 M performance version.
BMW positions the X3 M as a compact luxury SUV that blends everyday usefulness with real M-car hardware. The focus is not just straight-line speed: BMW emphasizes track-developed chassis tuning, strong brakes, rear-biased all-wheel drive, and driver-focused controls, while still keeping five-passenger seating and usable cargo space. Compared with many fast luxury SUVs, the X3 M leans harder into sharp handling and a more serious performance feel.
BMW positioned the base X3 M as a compact luxury SUV with serious performance hardware but enough passenger and cargo space for daily use. The Competition turns up the focus with 503 hp, a sport exhaust, larger anti-roll bars, more supportive M Sport seats, and extended Merino leather upholstery. Both versions have all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, strong M compound brakes, navigation with Apple CarPlay, and Harman Kardon audio.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new X3 M range launches with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-biased all-wheel drive. The base model makes 473 hp, while the Competition makes 503 hp.
Styling
BMW gives the X3 M a more focused M-specific exterior and cabin than the regular X3. The Competition adds a stronger visual identity, M Sport seats, and extended Merino leather upholstery.
Structural
Adaptive M Suspension and M compound brakes are standard across the new lineup. The Competition also has larger anti-roll bars for tighter body control.
Tech
Launch equipment includes navigation with Apple CarPlay compatibility and Harman Kardon surround-sound audio.
2020 BMW X3 M specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd M Sport w/Drivelogic, Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd M Sport w/Drivelogic, Sport & Manual Modes |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 473 hp | 503 hp |
| Torque | 442 lb-ft | 442 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 28.7 cu-ft | 28.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.4 in | 36.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2020 the first year of the BMW X3 M?
Yes. The 2020 model year introduced the first full BMW M performance version of the X3, with base and Competition trims.
What is the difference between the 2020 X3 M and X3 M Competition?
The 2020 X3 M Competition is the more focused version. It has 503 hp instead of 473 hp, plus a sport exhaust, larger anti-roll bars, M Sport seats, and extended Merino leather upholstery.
What engine does the 2020 BMW X3 M use?
The 2020 BMW X3 M uses a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. It produces 473 hp in the base model and 503 hp in the Competition.
Does the 2020 BMW X3 M have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every 2020 BMW X3 M has rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel drive paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
What performance hardware is standard on the 2020 BMW X3 M?
Every 2020 BMW X3 M has adaptive M suspension, M compound brakes, and rear-biased all-wheel drive. The Competition adds larger anti-roll bars and a sport exhaust.
2020 BMW X3 M Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 BMW X3 M.
4.4
2020 BMW X3 M
(93 reviews)
“The X3M has to be driven Hard to be truly appreciated. A quick spin around the block will only show you that it's stiff and bumpy. But blast it on a backroad and suddenly it all makes sense.”
“It's an overall fun vehicle to own and it's still able to use for a small family. Beware of the gas mileage because it's not friendly in that aspect but it's understandable as to why that is.”