We Should All Be Excited for the BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M

When we first drove the M40i variants of the BMW X3 and X4, we were surprised with how impressive they were. Despite not being a proper M Division product, both the X3 and X4 M40i variants are absolute riots to drive. They’re both seriously fast, handle with the sort of enthusiasm that reminds us of bygone BMWs and still offer tons of practicality. Though, while driving them, we couldn’t help but think of how good the real-deal BMW X3 M and X4 M will be.

While fantastic cars, you can feel that BMW intentionally left some room for improvement in the X3/X4 M40is. You can feel that there’s more capability from the chassis on tap and that, with added power, stiffer suspension and better brakes, they can be so much better. Thankfully, that’s exactly what both cars are going to get.

For proper BMW M Division duty, the X3 and X4 will get a new engine, better suspension, bigger brakes and better aero. The engine in question is going to be a new M Division engine based off BMW’s B58 engine, dubbed “S58”. It’s going to be a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged I6 that will make at least 450 hp, which is 95 hp more than the X3 M40i makes.

That engine will be paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and an M-tuned xDrive all-wheel drive. Though, don’t expect the “2WD” mode of the BMW M5. No tire shredding from the X3 M, unfortunately. Still, thanks to all of that power and all-wheel drive grip, expect a 0-60 mph time in the low four-second range, possibly even in the high three-second range.

 

The S58 engine should also be better than the S55 engine found in the BMW M2 Comp/BMW M3/BMW M4. That’s because the engine it’s based off of, the B58, is already the best six-cylinder engine the Bavarians make. It’s turbine smooth, punchy throughout the rev range and, most importantly, charismatic. It’s more enjoyable to use than the S55 and sounds better, too. And it’s not even the proper M engine. Imagine what that will sound like?

BMW enthusiasts are already big fans of the BMW X5 M and X6 M. Despite them not being the purest of M Division products, fans love them for their absurd performance capabilities and shocking dynamics for such big, heavy trucks. The BMW X3 M and X4 M will be even better, thanks to better chassis and much lighter weight. Also, due to their much lower price tag, they will also sell much better. I’ve seen more Ferraris on the road than I’ve seen X5 Ms.

So we’re very excited about both the BMW X3 M and X4 M. They’re both going to be incredible SUVs; with impressive power, sports car performance, nimble handling and everyday usability. What’s more, we should be finding out exactly what those two cars are all about very soon, as they should both be revealed in about a month or so. Expect mid-to-late February for the official reveal of both the BMW X3 M and X4 M. So we’re excited and you should be too.

The article We Should All Be Excited for the BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M appeared first on BMW BLOG

from BMW BLOG http://bit.ly/2U6ePkX