BMW Group launched its all-new X3 M and X4 M models on Tuesday, in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, as part of the German auto giant's efforts to enrich the product lineup of the BMW M family and consolidate its presence in the high-performance segment.

The launching of the all-new X3 M and X4 M marks the BMW M's entering into the market of mid-sized sports activity vehicles and sports activity coupes for the first time.

The automaker believes those two segments will resonate with customers.

"BMW M represents BMW's pursuit of high performance and driving pleasure. It embodies the innovative technologies and helps enhance the attractiveness of the brand," said Liu Zhi, president of BMW China Automotive Trading, at the launch event.

Equipped with a twin turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, both the all-new BMW X3 M and X4 M have a maximum output of 480 horsepower and a top torque of 600 Newton meters.

The new 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission adopted by the new models not only has better fuel economy, but also has a preferable collaboration with BMW's M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system and differential lock. The new models are coupled with 3D-printed cylinder heads, which help reduce the body weight and further strengthen the heat dissipation capability of the engine. Before the all-new BMW X3 M and X4 M, BMW M had nine products on sale in Chinese market, which have witnessed a rapid sales growth in the country.

According to BMW, from 2014 to 2018, the sales of BMW M models increased by 3.6 times in China. In 2018, the sales volume of BMW M models increased by 18 percent, and the market share of BMW M grew by 8 percent.

In addition, the number of BMW M dealers increased to 80 last year from 27 in 2014, forming a dealership network covering the first-tier to the fourth-tier cities in China.

BMW M will expand its product portfolio in China to 14 models this year, with the all-new M8 to hit the market at Chengdu's auto show to be held on Sept 5 to 14, according to Liu.

The lineup of BMW M family in China will include the M2 Competition, the M3, the M4, the all-new M5, the M6, the all-new X3 M, the all-new X4 M, the X5 M and the X6 M.

Looking ahead, the BMW M will also embrace the trend in mobility, namely electrification, intelligent connectivity and sharing, Liu noted.

By adopting cutting-edge technologies, the BMW M will make driving more pure and inspiring.