New M4:
2020’s junior M
Insider
2
AS SEEN ON X
The M4’s engine
will be the 3.0-litre
straight-six S58, a new
performance derivative
of the B58. It’s already
made its debut in the
new X3 and X4 M
(below). A sign of the
times that SUVs get the
sweet engine before
the coupe? Maybe, but
it’s certainly a smart
way to spread the costs.
The M5’s selectable
rear- or all-wheel-drive
system will be included,
for lairy slides or
barnacle-like grip.
4
STILL TO
COME...
BMW is continuing its
trend for harder-core
models joining the
line-up in later years.
An M4 Competition
is expected in 2021,
upping power and
stripping back any
unnecessary fluff.
‘The next BMW M
will have the brand
new S58 engine that
we’re launching in
the X3 M and X4 M. It
will have 480 [metric]
horsepower in the
standard version
and 510hp in the
Competition version.
Think about the M5’s
all-wheel-drive system
- we are able to put
it in the M3 as well,
it’ll be very similar.
But we will also do
rear-wheel-drive cars,
purer ones too, and a
manual stick shift.’
Markus Flasch
M division boss
Illustration: Avarvarii
1
SHAPELY
SIBLING
Literally no one will be
surprised that a svelte
coupe version of the M
is coming too. The new
M4 will be the more
dramatic-looking, less
practical option, offered
in coupe, convertible
and four-door Gran
Coupe body styles
to complement the
2020 M3’s saloon-only
approach.
3
AS THE DRIVEN
SNOW
BMW has been promising
that the M3/4 will go
back to its roots with
a manual gearbox and
rear-wheel-drive-only
option. Nicknamed ‘Pure’
(although that’s not
confirmed as the final
name), this back-to-
basics model will have a
bespoke front and rear
apron and a touch less
power, as BMW doesn’t
have a manual ’box
available to handle the
M4’s full shove.
All the coupe style and a big chunk of the performance, but in
a more manageable and affordable package. By Jake Groves
Future
scoop
Factfile:
POWERTRAIN
2993cc twin-turbo straight-six,
474bhp, rear-/all-wheel drive
CHASSIS
Aluminium/steel/carbon
DUE
Mid-
12 CARMAGAZINE.CO.UK | OCTOBER 2019
