Crossovers and SUVs are overtaking sedans as America’s favorite form of transportation. As enthusiasts who value driving dynamics over a high seating position, this is bad news for us. But at least manufacturers are going full hot rod with their crossover/SUVs now. Case in point: the just-announced 2020 BMW X3 M and X4 M.
BMW is going full M with its smaller “Sports Activity Vehicles.” When we say full, we mean full. Power comes from the company’s updated S58 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I6 making 473 hp in the base Ms and a whopping 503 hp in the M Competition versions. Both deliver 442 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers make the base models good for a 4.1-second sprint to 60, while the Comp models get there in four seconds flat. Top speed is 155 mph, unless you spec the M Driver’s Package with the Competition version; then you get 174 mph in the X3 M and 177 in the X4 M.
The new S58 delivers that extra power with a lightweight forged crankshaft (which also allows for a 7,200-rpm redline), a closed-deck block (meaning the space between the cylinder wall and block is solid except for coolant passages, which makes it more robust for high-horsepower applications) and a friction-reducing, spray-on iron cylinder coating. The cylinder head cores are manufactured using 3D printing, which we expect to be more common in the coming generations. One turbocharger forces air to cylinders 1-3, the other to cylinders 4-6. It takes three radiators to keep it cool, as well as an additional engine oil cooler and a separate transmission oil cooler.
An eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters distributes power, mostly to the rear wheels. The fronts get power when the rears lose traction. Power distribution and shift speeds vary with the drive modes, as do throttle reaction and steering weight. Like the BMW M5, these two Xs have a 4WD sport mode that allows for controlled drifts. BMW’s Active M Differential varies rear lockup between 0 and 100 percent, and the stability control system uses brake inputs to keep the car in line.
X3 Ms and X4 Ms come with a double-joint spring strut front suspension and a five-link rear. All models get a strut tower brace in the front, optionally in carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, along with a new A strut near the firewall and two more pieces that run between the shock towers and front of the car. A large rear antiroll bar keeps the back end square. Almost everything — mounts, bushings, etc. — are specific to M models. BMW’s Adaptive M Suspension is standard and varies along with the drive modes.
Four-piston calipers and 15.6-inch discs slow the front wheels, while single-piston calipers and 14.6-inch discs grab the rears. Regular X3 and X4 Ms get 20-inch wheels all around; Comp models get 21s.
When spotting these new Ms on the street, look for larger air intakes, kidney grilles with black double bars, slipperier mirrors, a special rear diffuser and a roof spoiler. The black trim around the wheel arches and side skirts will be body color as opposed to black. Toronto red metallic is a new color; Donington gray is exclusive to M cars; and five other hues will be offered.
Inside, buyers will get M-specific controls, including M1 and M2 buttons, on the steering wheel for your favorite drive settings. Also look for leather seats in black or oyster (an off-white), knee pads on the sides of the center console, optional carbon-fiber trim and embossed M logos.
Standard features include LED lights, a Harman Kardon audio system, satellite radio, navigation with Apple Car Play, keyless entry and a bunch of driver assist systems. Optional packages include Driving Assistance Plus with Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Extended Collision Mitigation, the Executive Package with heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, parking assistant plus, head-up display, wireless charging, Wi-Fi hotspot and gesture control.
Production begins in April at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Pricing will be announced soon. For reference, the 2019 X3 M40i costs about $55K; the X4 M40i is about $60K. Expect the Ms to be at least a few grand more than that.
Source: Read Full Article