BMW X3 M and X4 M vs. Audi RS Q3 range

The BMW M lineup has gained some unexpected additions in the form of the current generation X3 and X4 crossovers and with the new X3 M and X4 M high-performance crossovers, a lot of people wish that they could have done it right from the very beginning but since better late than never, time to flip the whys and the X-files on the newest BMW M crossovers.

2020 BMW X3 M

2020 BMW X4 M

The first-ever BMW X3 M, starting at 70,300 Euros plus OTR, and the X4 M, starting at 72,500 Euros plus OTR, are the most affordable SUVs in the BMW M lineup, making them cheaper to own than the upcoming X5 M and X6 M. For starters, they look broadly similar to your basic X3 and X4 but because this is the M we're talking, you'd expect this to be as macho and hot as your basic M3 and M4 but no. They're a lot more different than that.

Yes, both these models are macho in looks and smell like aftershave on the inside, but what's underneath them is worth asking. It uses a 3.0L straight-6 Double VANOS Twin Power Turbo engine, which is almost identical to the BMW M3 and M4 but in the range-topping Competition spec, which produces 510PS of power and 600Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it goes from 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 250kph. 285 with the optional extra, of course.

Because most believe the X3 is like the 3-Series of the SUV lineup, you might imagine that M crossovers like these, might behave like the already great BMW M3 but no. They're bulkier than the M3 of course and they handle very differently compared to the M3 it draws inspiration from. On the plus side, since being a BMW, they're not afraid to get its drivers hooked for more and if they want some competition, perhaps they should face these;

2020 Audi RS Q3

2020 Audi RS Q3 Sportback

This is Audi's answer to the little BMW M crossovers mentioned above. This is the all-new RS Q3 range and this is what happens when the folks from Audi Sport decided to make them behave like Russian Olympians that will get them to trouble easily but sadly, they're not Russian Olympians. They're just like high school ladies in two-piece swimsuits enjoying the pool.

The RS Q3 starts at 63,500 Euros plus OTR while the Sportback equivalent starts at 65,000 Euros plus OTR, making them cheaper to own than the almost bonkers BMW X3/X4 M but don't let the pricing fool you because although cheaper to own than those above, they can be quite troublesome for those who got their hands on.

The 2.5L TFSi engine that powers the RS Q3 range produces 400PS of power and 480Nm of torque and when mated to a 7-speed S tronic, it gets from 0-100kph in four and half seconds and with the optional extra, up to 280kph of top speed. In other words, they're a lot slower than the BMW X3/X4 M in a middle of a drag race.

Handling-wise? The RS Q3 can be downright mild and tangy but it feels downright easy to drive on the road and on the track. Sure, you can take them on the dirt but why would you want to in the RS Q3? Anyway, these crossovers are almost as enjoyable to drive as the TT RS, I'm still jealous to have one but it's too late because with the TT RS meeting its maker, these RS crossovers are surely to blame for this.

Which would you go for? The powerful but expensive BMW X3/X4 M or the less powerful but less expensive and sensible RS Q3 range?

Photo: BMW AG/Audi AG