The BMW X4 M40i has been seen in development guise since last autumnMunich plots a fast ‘M’ version of its X4 SUV with about 350bhp and the capability to cover 0-62mph in 5.0sec
BMW is preparing to launch a new M-Performance model in the form of a hot X4 M40i.
Planned to be make its public debut at the Detroit motor show next January prior to the start of UK sales during the first quarter of 2016, the latest performance orientated model to be developed by the German car maker’s M division is set to crown the BMW X4 line-up at a price pitched above the existing £49,295 X4 xdrive35d M Sport, according to highly placed BMW sources.
Details about the X4 M40i remain scarce, though Autocar understands it will receive a powered-up version of BMW’s superceded N55 engine that goes under the internal codename S55.
The turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder direct injection petrol unit, which was first developed for the 1-series M Coupe and is also earmarked for the upcoming BMW M2, is rumoured to have a revised induction system to achieve an output around 350bhp.
This would provide the four-wheel drive X4 M40i with 41bhp more than the X4 xDrive35d M Sport and 48bhp more than X4 xDrive35i – the latter not sold through official BMW channels in the UK.
The new engine is expected to be mated to a reworked version of the standard X4’s eight-speed ZF-produced automatic gearbox boasting steering wheel mounted Steptronic shift paddles and BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive system with electronic torque vectoring.
With a kerb weight in the region of 1820kg, the BMW’s new M Performance model is likely to deliver 0-62mph acceleration in 5.0sec and a top speed limited to 155mph.
By comparison, the turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder common rail diesel powered X4 xDrive35d M Sport hits 62mph in 5.2sec and 154mph.
Accompanying the driveline changes will be a heavily returned steel spring suspension, an M-Sport exterior styling package and an upgraded interior with exclusive M Sport instruments, multi-function steering wheel, front seats and various trims.
The performance version of the X4 - which will compete against the Porsche Macan Turbo and Audi RS Q3 and Mercedes GLC - was first seen testing last autumn, as our spy photographs show.
BMW is working on an uprated performance version of the recently-launched X4, as these first spy pictures show.
The two test mules caught in these pictures feature camouflage around their lower body elements, as well as more heavy disguises at the rear. Key styling changes over the standard X4 include a blacked-out kidney grille at the front and new twin exhausts at the rear.
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