Photo: CarPix
This is not the first time we have a chance to check out the upcoming 2019 BMW X4 M up close, but this prototype shows a lot more details than its predecessors.
Starting from the front, you can see that the yet-to-be-officially-unveiled 2018 X4 will get a much angrier face as an M model, mainly thanks to a redesigned bumper with large air intakes. Oddly enough, the exterior rearview mirrors don't seem to sport the so-called M fangs, but the production model will probably do.
Some will say that those gaping holes in the bumper are mainly for show, but the upcoming X4 M F98 will need them for cooling an entirely new powerplant, codenamed S58.
Based on the turbocharged 3.0-liter called B58, which is currently powering every x40i model in the BMW family, the S58 will have a twin-turbo setup for more grunt across the rev-range, similar to its predecessor from the BMW M3 and M4. It will thus use BMW's new modular engine architecture, which bases powerplants on 500 cc cylinders.
Around 460 PS (454 HP) and close to 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque are expected from the new mill. That should make the X3 M and X4 M a lot less potent than the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and 63 S in both regular and Coupe guise, but they should better the upcoming Audi RS Q5.
Thanks to standard all-wheel-drive and a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission, the X4 M should also be a tad quicker than the RWD and similarly powered BMW M3 and M4, despite the weight disadvantage. On the track it will be a different case altogether, obviously, but not that many people track their high-powered crossovers.
While the regular BMW X4 is set to be unveiled by the end of the year, the X4 M shouldn't go official earlier than the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, making it a 2019 model year vehicle.
It is expected that the S58 that will power the go-fast crossover may find its way under the hoods of the BMW M3 and M4 as well at some point, despite the S55 being only about 4 years old at this point.
Some will say that those gaping holes in the bumper are mainly for show, but the upcoming X4 M F98 will need them for cooling an entirely new powerplant, codenamed S58.
Based on the turbocharged 3.0-liter called B58, which is currently powering every x40i model in the BMW family, the S58 will have a twin-turbo setup for more grunt across the rev-range, similar to its predecessor from the BMW M3 and M4. It will thus use BMW's new modular engine architecture, which bases powerplants on 500 cc cylinders.
Around 460 PS (454 HP) and close to 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque are expected from the new mill. That should make the X3 M and X4 M a lot less potent than the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and 63 S in both regular and Coupe guise, but they should better the upcoming Audi RS Q5.
Thanks to standard all-wheel-drive and a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission, the X4 M should also be a tad quicker than the RWD and similarly powered BMW M3 and M4, despite the weight disadvantage. On the track it will be a different case altogether, obviously, but not that many people track their high-powered crossovers.
While the regular BMW X4 is set to be unveiled by the end of the year, the X4 M shouldn't go official earlier than the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, making it a 2019 model year vehicle.
It is expected that the S58 that will power the go-fast crossover may find its way under the hoods of the BMW M3 and M4 as well at some point, despite the S55 being only about 4 years old at this point.
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