BMW X4 M40i unveiled – 360 hp, 0-100 km/h in 4.9 sec

Leaked last week, the BMW X4 M40i has been officially revealed in full. This new M Performance model will serve as the F26 X4’s range topper, at least until BMW decides to build a full fat X4 M.

It’s more than fast enough as it is, though, with a “newly developed” M Performance TwinPower Turbo 3.0 litre inline-six engine that offers 360 hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and 465 Nm of torque from 1,350 to 5,250 rpm. Zero to 100 km/h is over in 4.9 seconds, on to a limited 250 km/h top speed.

That’s a significant improvement over the X4 xDrive35i model’s figures – 306 hp, 400 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, and 247 km/h V-max. Fuel economy for the M40i is claimed to be 8.6 litres per 100 km in the NEDC combined cycle.

BMW X4 M40i

Compared to the standard xDrive35i engine, the M Performance N55B30T0 engine uses a forged steel crankshaft and bits and pieces taken from the BMW M3 an M4’s 3.0 litre turbo mill. The level of charging pressure is higher, while a novel “aerodynamically tuned” air intake manifold has been fitted.

The same engine is rumoured to be fitted to the upcoming BMW M2 coupe, which sounds very exciting indeed.

On the X4 M40i, sending power to the rear-wheel drive-biased AWD xDrive system is an eight speed Steptronic automatic transmission. It features an M Performance-specific gear change programme with “sporty shifts and higher downshift spontaneity.”

The whole chassis is said to have been tweaked to M Performance specifications, complete with increased camber on the front axle, adaptive Dynamic Damper Control and an enhanced braking system. Huge 20-inch wheels with optional ultra high performance tyres aid driving dynamics too.

Visually, the BMW X4 M40i gets the full M Sport makeover, but with exclusive M Performance details, including metallic Ferric Grey accents on the front bumper inserts, kidney grille bars and wing mirror covers. Round the back is a model-specific twin tailpipe layout that’s finished in Chrome Black.

The exhaust system is unique to the M40i too, fitted with an intelligent valve control and a back pressure-optimised double-flow exhaust system, as well as a bespoke resonator. BMW claims a “charismatic sound,” which is “individually determined by the driving mode and situation.”

Inside, it’s a standard M Performance affair, with illuminated “X4 M40i” door sills and digital model lettering on the instrument cluster as well. An M leather steering wheel with paddle shifters and a gear level with an M logo come standard with the car.

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