BMW US has quietly released revised versions of the M550i, X3 M40i, and X4 M40i models for 2020, with each receiving sizeable gains in performance thanks to several hardware upgrades.
Let’s start with the G30 M550i. It’s powered by the updated N63 4.4 litre twin-turbo petrol V8 which it shares with the M850i, tuned to produce 523 hp and 750 Nm of torque. That equates to nearly 15% increase compared to the older tune of 456 hp and 650 Nm, and it’s achieved via new intake manifold and ports, higher fuel pressure, a stronger engine block, reinforced pistons, and new ECU, BMW spokesman Oleg Satanovsky told Motor Authority recently.
It still gets xDrive all-wheel drive system, but it’s worth noting that the outgoing M550i with the less powerful engine sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds flat. The new N63 engine however, could potentially shave as much as 0.3 seconds off the century sprint. Just as a comparison, the M850i with xDrive AWD sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.
Next, for the SUVs, the X3 M40i and X4 M40i have their outputs raised from 335 hp to 382 hp, or about a 5% increase. Again, this is due to higher boost pressure, revised ECU, and upgraded exhaust components. Because performance matters, both the outgoing SUVs sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
While they both use the same S58 3.0 litre straight-six engine in many other M Performance 40i-badged cars, models like the 540i, X6, 740i, and 840i don’t receive the same power bump for 2020.
The revisions do come at a cost, but that’s also because of additional equipment. The base price for the M550i has gone up by US$2,200 (RM9.1k), and along with the price hike is the fitment of an active rear differential and heated seats. Prices for the X3 M40i and X4 M40i rose by US$1,250 and US$550 respectively, and both also received minor equipment upgrades.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Wow, so powerful!
Now I worry if BMW could produce enough of them to cope with car sales demand. BMW Germany should get the Inokom plant assembling their cars to also assemble this superb engine to meet the incoming demand.
You know la, Germans are so lazy and their bosses cannot tahan until one of their largest company had to publicly admit they are losing efficiency and productivity to their CKD plants.
Changing the engine block? That is practically a whole new engine!
Of course this is unaffordable in Malaysia. Thanks government!