THE BMW X3 M COMPETITION – and its quasi-coupe twin, the X4 M driven here – are important for two very different reasons. Firstly, these two high-performance mid-size SUVs are expected to become M Division’s biggest sellers (the X3 garnering Best Actor, the X4 in the running for the Best Supporting gong), which means they will want to be good.
Secondly, their mechanical makeup offers our first taste of the underpinnings that will sit beneath the next M3. Key to both these cars is BMW’s new S58 engine, a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six. It’s a clever thing, based on the ubiquitous B58 but heavily upgraded for high-performance applications, including a closed-deck crankcase, 3D-printed cylinder head core, new mono-scroll turbochargers and super-high fuel injection pressure (350bar!). BMW claims just 10 per cent of the parts are carried over from the previous S55.
This story is from the October 2019 edition of MOTOR Magazine Australia.
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This story is from the October 2019 edition of MOTOR Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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