BMW X4 M40i - a new name in the new high-power cross-over sector

BMW is bringing the M Performance treats to the baby X6 – the first high-performance compact Sports Activity Coupé, dubbed BMW X4 M40i.

BMW X4 M40i is a new name in the new high-power cross-over sector

The BMW X4 is clearly baby brother to the creative BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé – an SUV with a sloping rear roofline.  X4 also lends itself well to enter the newly-created high-power compact cross-over sector, currently occupied by the Porsche Macan (especially the turbo derivative), Audi RSQ3 and Mercedes-AMG GLA 45… only Land Rover needs to catch up with an Evoque offering a performance (perhaps the supercharged 3.0 V6 already fitted to the upcoming Jaguar F-Pace S).

M40i is a nice new round number we have not yet seen on a BMW.  By now we are familiar with the M Performance sub-M brand by BMW, in cars like M135i, M235i and X5 M50d and X6 M50d… but a huge gap existed between these 1 and 2 Series based small cars and the large X5 SUV / X6 SAV, which BMW is now filling with the perfect-fit X4 M40i.

M Performance fettling makes X4 M40i

So this is not an X4 M despite the existence of X6 M, but gets a high-performance engine and running gear with M Performance fettling.  The BMW in-line TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder inline is a best-of-all-worlds engine – in the worlds of plentiful power, torque surge, silky smoothness and aural delights.  The BMW X4 xDrive35i is already a strong performer, so the X4 M40i will step this up.  Its engine has been muscled up from 240kW and 450Nm in the M135i/M235i to 265kW and 465Nm for the X4 M40i.  The result?  Acceleration of 0-100km/h benchmark in 4.9 seconds, and overtaking is sure to be enthusiastic.

A sports chassis tuned to M Performance spec and adaptive Dynamic Damper Control plus an enhanced braking system turn the X4 appeal up a notch.  Intelligent BMW xDrive with rear bias helps give traction to all 4 wheels, ensuring grippy performance and handling.

Visual M jewels

Yet another visually attractive BMW wheel design adorns the BMW X4 M40i, measuring 20 inches in diameter, shod with BMW-tradition mixed tyres sizes in 245/40 R20 front and 275/35 R20 for rear.

The same Ferric Grey accents on mirrors as seen on other M Performance cars, linked to the M Sport package with added sportiness, and black chrome exhaust tips for the acoustically-stimulating sports exhaust help give X4 M40i its distinctive look and feel.