While at the International Media Launch of the new BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition, we decided to test BMW’s claims on the standard sprint. BMW claims a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds for the standard car, with the Competition model shaving a tenth off of that. Just a few months ago, we said that we suspect it will be quicker, breaking into the three-second range. Especially when you consider the X4 M40i is capable of 0-62 mph in the low four-second range with a lot less power.

So has that claim held up? YES! With the Launch Control, the new BMW X4 M, in the Competition guise, managed to run from from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.8 seconds! This is an impressive figure considering the two M SUVs weigh over 4,300 lbs. Considering the very same engine will be found in the upcoming G80 M3 and G82 M4, we anticipate new records for these upcoming M car – the standard sprint should get in the 3.5 seconds range. If not better…

Here is a little bit of techy info on the S58 engine.

The technical basis of the S58 is the B58 modular engine, which BMW has been using in almost all model series for some time now. The 3.0-liter engine has now been comprehensively redesigned in order to be able to fulfill the performance requirements of the M GmbH, in addition to the increasingly stringent emission regulations all over the world.

FIRST DRIVE: 2020 BMW X4 M Competition and X3 M Competition

The entry-level version of the S58 delivers 480 PS (473 hp in the US) and offers 600 Newton meters (442 lb-ft) of torque, making it more powerful that even the engine found in the M3 CS and M4 CS models. The top models X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition are using a tuned up version of the S58 delivering around 510 PS (503 hp), but the expectations are that more power can be squeezed out of the engine if other sportscars emerge under the M Division.

In the the 480-PS version of the S58, the torque is delivered between 2,600 and 5,600 rpm, while the drivers of the 510-PS version can even enjoy 600 Newton meters between 2,600 and 5,950 rpm. A little later, at 6,250 rpm, the maximum power is applied. A small step backwards is only reported at the maximum speed of 7,200 rpm, where the predecessor engine S55 still scored 100 additional revolutions per minute.

The High Precision Injection technology raises maximum injection pressure from 200 bar to 350 bar, enabling extremely efficient mixture preparation. Three large radiators, an additional engine oil cooler and a separate transmission oil cooler keep the temperatures under control.

BMW engineers say this is an all-new engine, with 90 percent new parts compared to the S55. And that certainly can be proved on the track!