Currently reading: High-performance BMW X4 M40i revealed at Detroit motor show
Munich reveals fast ‘M’ version of its X4 SUV with a newly developed turbocharged six-cylinder producing 355bhp and 343lb ft

BMW has launched a new M-Performance model in the form of a hot X4 M40i. The SUV has made its public debut at today’s Detroit motor show and will go on sale in the UK during the first quarter of 2016.

The BMW X4 M40i sits at the top of the BMW X4 line-up. Although the UK price has yet to be determined, it is likely to be pitched above the existing £49,295 X4 xdrive35d M Sport, according to highly placed BMW sources.

The Munich company vows that the X4 M40i will “set the benchmark in its segment for outstanding driving dynamics”.

Power comes from a newly developed M Performance TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line petrol engine. The three-litre unit produces 355bhp between 5800-6000rpm and generates peak torque of 343lb ft. The BMW X4 M40i covers the 0-62mph sprint in 4.9sec and can achieve a restricted top speed of 155mph.

By comparison, the turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel powered X4 xDrive35d M Sport hits 62mph in 5.2sec, with a top speed of 154mph.

Combined fuel consumption for the X4 M40i is put at 32.9mpg according to BMW’s own claimed figures and CO2 emissions are 199g/km. 

The BMW X4 M40i’s sports suspension is fitted with uprated springs and anti-toll bars and also has increased camber on the front axle, M Performance specifications for the adaptive dampers and the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system with rear-wheel-drive characteristics.

The exterior gets M Performance adornments such as bespoke colour accents on the front of the car, 20in double-spoke light-alloy wheels and a sports exhaust system with valve control and black chrome tailpipes.

The interior has a leather steering wheel,  M gearshift lever, sport seats and model-specific door sill plates.

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 in 2014, as our spy photographs show.

Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review
BMW X4
We suspect the reason for the BMW X4's creation is because of the Porsche Macan

The X6 is a showroom hit, but does the smaller X4 also deserve to be when the X3 is the more practical sports SUV - and the Porsche Macan exists?

Join the debate

Comments
6
Add a comment…
cousinbillybob 19 June 2015

Please just STOP.....

What happened to the days of the 3,5,6,7 and 8 series.... Stick to the basics instead of producing ugly crap... I'm off to buy a Merc.
Peter Cavellini 19 June 2015

Ho hum........

I guess the Porsche,Mercedes,BMW battle rages on?,but,aren't there enough choices?
Lanehogger 19 June 2015

M340i to follow?

I presume a M340i/M440i will be on the cards too? If that was the case, the advantage over the M135i/M235i wouldn't be great performance wise.