2020 BMW M3 Will Be Lighter And Faster Than Today's M3 CS

It'll also be more powerful with at least 465 hp.

It’s no secret BMW is actively working on the next generation M3. The new 3 Series sedan itself is widely expected to debut in the coming months, perhaps as soon as Paris in October. But today’s M3 is a very potent machine, offering extraordinary performance and power. How to best this? According to Autocar, the 2020 M3 will feature an active rear-wheel steering system to further enhance agility, increase turn-in speed and, at the same time, increase high-speed stability. The next M3 will be lighter and faster than today's M3 CS despite the fact it’ll be larger.

Specifically, both the M3 and regular 3 Series sedan will grow by 6 cm in length while the wheelbase increases by 2 cm. BMW has also reportedly decided not to offer the M5’s impressive xDrive all-wheel drive system because of the added weight. In other words, the next M3 (and M4, for that matter) will remain rear-wheel drive. Both automatic and manual transmissions will be offered. Total output should be in excess of 450 hp, beating out both the standard M3 and M3 CS. Speaking of which, under the hood we expect to see an extensively updated version of the twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six. In top CS trim, it produces 453 hp, so let’s figure around 465 hp for the next M3/M4, just to start with.

BMW isn’t spilling the beans just yet on what exactly is making this increased output possible, but we wouldn’t be surprised to learn that a water injection system is at least part of the answer, like what’s used in the M4 GTS. This system, essentially, improves cylinder running efficiency by reducing cylinder temperatures. It’s also possible there’ll be some form of electrification to further increase torque. Sources indicate the new M3 will be a 2020 model and if that’s the case, a formal unveiling will likely happen sometime in the second half of 2019.

New 2019 BMW X4 Is Larger, Lighter, And Loaded With Tech

BMW has revealed the all-new X4 “Sports Activity Coupe” ahead of its debut at Geneva next month.

Not long after we discovered the current X4 is being discontinued after only being in production for four years, BMW has lifted the wraps off the all-new second-generation version of the coupe-style crossover, a segment BMW practically pioneered with the launch of the X6 way back in 2007. At first glance, not much appears to have changed as BMW’s stylish SUV looks nearly identical to its predecessor, retaining the previous model’s sleek and swooping design. However, the all-new X4 is larger, lighter, and loaded with more tech than before.

For the second-generation model, BMW’s “Sports Activity Coupe” has had a growth spurt, measuring 76.2 millimeters longer and 35.6 mm wider than the last model, while also riding on a 53.3 mm longer wheelbase. It’s also around 2.5 mm lower, while rear passengers benefit from an extra 25.4 mm of legroom. It may be larger, but the new X4 is much lighter than the last model, as BMW has managed to trim 110 pounds of fat off the curb weight thanks to increased use of aluminium in the car’s construction, resulting in a lower center of gravity that enhances the coupe SUV’s cornering abilities. It also has a 50:50 weight distribution to optimize the handling. Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by around 10 percent.

It’s more generously equipped than the last model, too. As standard, the all-new X4 includes LED headlights and a raft of safety assists including front collision warning, city collision mitigation and braking, and pedestrian detection. Every model features a high resolution 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen navigation. Buyers wanting to add more luxury can choose from electrically adjustable and heated seats, active seat ventilation and three-zone climate control, and a larger panoramic glass roof available as optional extras. BMW also offers additional xLine, M Sport X and M Sport model variants allowing buyers to tailor the appearance of the new X4.

BMW Individual also offers further personalization options. Wheel sizes range from 19-21 inches. In the US, the new X4 is available in two flavors. The xDrive30i packs a 2.0-liter turbo four that produces 252 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, allowing the coupe crossover to do 0-62 time in 6.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of 149 mph. If you want more performance, the range-topping M40i performance model packs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 360 hp and 369 lb-ft, resulting in a brisker 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a 155-mph top speed. It also comes with additional performance upgrades like bigger brakes and adaptive dampers for the suspension.

All engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive as standard. Prices for the xDrive30i start at $50,450 plus a destination charge, while the M40i starts at $60,450. No word yet when the new BMW X4 goes on sale, but the coupe crossover will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month