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The first-ever 2020 BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M

Feb 21, 2019

BMW introduces the newest vehicles to join the exclusive BMW M line-up; the first-ever 2020 BMW X3 M Sports Activity Vehicle and the first-ever 2020 BMW X4 M Sports Activity Coupe. Powered by the high-revving, 473 hp S58 3.0 liter 6-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo engine, the newest M SAV variants are built with more than 40 years of BMW M’s experience in developing high performance automobiles that are capable on both street and track. For those who want the ultimate in performance, both the X3 M and X4 M will be available in 503 hp Competition versions.

The new M models will be built at Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, the home of X vehicle competency for the BMW Group. Plant Spartanburg is the largest BMW production plant in the world, employing 11,000 people and is supported by 300 suppliers across the U.S. 70% of the vehicles produced at Plant Spartanburg are exported overseas making BMW the largest exporter of vehicles from the U.S. by value.

The latest M TwinPower Turbo engine technology.
The new BMW M S58 six-cylinder in-line engine found under the hood of the first-ever X3 M and X4 M features a forged crankshaft allowing it to handle extremely high levels of torque. The forged crankshaft’s low weight and reduced rotating mass also allow the engine to rev to a 7,200 rpm redline. The closed-deck design of the six-cylinder engine’s block ensures it is incredibly rigid, paving the way for higher combustion pressure and increased power. The wire-arc sprayed-on iron coating for the cylinder walls reduces both engine weight and frictional losses. In addition, the cylinder head has a core manufactured using 3D printing. This additive manufacturing process enables geometric forms to be created that are beyond the capability of conventional metal casting techniques. 3D printing technology has cut the weight of the new engine’s cylinder head core and allows its coolant ducts to be routed in a way that optimizes temperature management.

This latest incarnation of M TwinPower Turbo technology features two mono-scroll turbochargers, which supply compressed air to cylinders 1 – 3 and 4 – 6 respectively. The engine’s power output is enhanced through the use of upgraded turbo compressor wheels and a water-to-air intercooler. A flow-optimized air intake system reduces pressure losses, while an electronically controlled wastegate enhances turbo response.

High Precision Injection technology raises maximum fuel injection pressure from 200 bar to 350 bar, enabling extremely efficient mixing of fuel and air. The fine atomization of the fuel in the combustion chambers reduces emissions, especially under full acceleration loads and at high speeds. The engine technology is rounded off by VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing.

The six-cylinder in-line engine in the first-ever X3 M and X4 M produces its peak torque of 442 lb.-ft. between 2,600 and 5,600 rpm and between 2,600 and 5,950 rpm in the BMW X3 M Competition and BMW X4 M Competition models. It generates maximum horsepower output at 6,250 rpm and sustains its potent power delivery until the 7,200 rpm red line. The BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, while the Competition models hit the 60 mph mark in 4.0 seconds. The top speed of all models is electronically limited to 155 mph. If the optional M Driver’s Package is specified, the limit rises to 174 mph for the X3 M and X4 M and up to 177 mph for the Competition models.

Cooling systems and oil supply developed from motorsports.
The new six-cylinder in-line engine’s track-tested cooling system has been designed to work with its increased levels of performance and includes one large central radiator and two smaller radiators positioned on either side of it. The system also includes an additional engine oil cooler and a separate transmission oil cooler. This sophisticated system ensures that optimum operating temperatures are maintained at all times, both in everyday use on short urban journeys and during track use.
The motor sport expertise amassed by BMW M GmbH also makes its presence felt in the design of the oil supply system, which is required to meet the challenges of track driving. The engine’s lightweight oil sump has two separate chambers and an integrated suction channel. An additional suction stage allows the map-controlled oil pump to draw lubricant from the smaller chamber, which steps in when extra flow is needed. This ensures a reliable supply of oil at all times, even under the most extreme lateral and longitudinal acceleration and braking forces.

Dual exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps and four tailpipes.
The exhaust system designed for the first-ever X3 M and X4 M not only delivers reduced backpressure but also a stirring soundtrack. The dual-branch pipework releases the exhaust gas – in customary M fashion – through two pairs of 100 millimeter tailpipes.

Electrically controlled flaps help to produce the rich engine note for which BMW M cars are renowned. The nature of the soundtrack takes its cues from the selected engine mode; standard setting, SPORT or SPORT+. Standard specification for the Competition models includes the M Sport exhaust system, which gives the engine a pleasingly sonorous tone, especially when it is being pushed hard and at high revs. Its continuously variable exhaust flaps create a particularly broad range of sound.

Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and three shift modes.
The new, high-performance S58 engine is linked up with the latest version of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. As well as fully automated gear changes, the M Steptronic also enables manual shifts with sequential gear selection via either the gear selector lever or steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. The M Steptronic delivers instantaneous response and lightning-fast gear changes.

The driver can use the gear selector lever’s Drivelogic switch to adjust the transmission’s shift characteristics in both automatic and manual modes. Drivelogic mode 1 aids relaxed driving with smooth gear changes, while switching to mode 2 increases the sport factor with shorter shift times. The third mode makes gear changes even faster and sharper. Here, the transmission holds the engine in its upper rev range, helping the driver to push the dynamic envelope and maximize the powertrain’s performance on the track.

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