News Source: topspeed.com

BMW’s long list of vehicles grows yet again with the addition of this, the M40i version of the X4 Sort Activity Coupe.  Yep, to compete better with Audi  and Porsche,  along with the other BMW models already sold, the X4 M40i brings more sport and performance to the table.

More power, better handling, better braking, and some restyled exterior trim work gives the M40i its advantages over the standard X4.  Think of the M40i as BMW’s almost an M  version of its third smallest crossover. 

The X4, like its big brother the X6,  is categorized by its sharply sloped rear roof section that gives the vehicle a coupe-like appearance despite its SUV-like proportions. While not the most practical, the design is certainly sportier than the block-ish shape of the X1,  X3,  and X5, 

Like other M Performance models, the X4 has an upgraded version of its original engine. In this case, it’s the familiar 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with forced induction thanks to turbocharging. The result of BMW’s massaging is an extra 55 horsepower and 43 pound-feet of torque. Matching the extra power are performance-oriented Michelin tires wrapped on your choice of 19- or 20-inch wheels motivated by a standard AWD system. But more on those details later.

The M40i will go on sale in February 2016 in the U.S. for a price BMW has yet to release. Expect that information to come when the M40i gets its formal introduction at the 2015 LA Auto Show. 

Updated 01/13/2016: BMW brought the X4 M40i at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show and announced North American prices for the sports SUV. The model will go on sale in February 2016 at a starting price of under $60k.

It will take an expert’s eye to spot the upgrades to the M40i, though there are differences nonetheless. The M Performances option adds satin chrome accents just below the fog lights within the grille. BMW  calls the color “Ferric Grey” and it’s also found on the side mirror caps. For those who order the optional 20-inch M Light-alloy, double spoke wheels, the Ferric Grey also appears there.

Around back, the biggest difference will be the M40i badging on the tailgate. Besides that, the tailpipes are finished in a Black Chrome color.

Beyond aesthetics, The M40i comes standard with 19-inch, double spoke alloy wheels wrapped in your choice of all-season run-flat tires or performance run-flats. Optional are those 20-inch wheels paired with high-performance Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

Like the outside, the interior retains most of the X4’s original design. The M40i option adds an M leather-wrapped steering wheel, M gear shift lever, sport seats, and door sills with “X4 M40i” lettering. That same lettering also appears on the instrument cluster.

The remainder of the dashboard is BMW as usual. The iDrive screen is perched within the dash at the top of the center stack. Small buttons and knobs control the HVAC functions while an even smaller knob controls radio volume. Most other inputs are done by the large iDrive controller. Much improved over years past, the iDrive system does everything from navigation and radio to vehicle settings and oil change reminders.

Thanks to the X4’s sloping roof, rear-seat headroom and cargo room are cramped. It is perhaps easiest to consider the X4 a hatchback with big wheels and a somewhat tall ground clearance.

Now to the important stuff. As mentioned before, the M40i comes powered by the same 3.0-liter TwinPower inline six-cylinder as the standard X4, but is tuned to give 55 more horsepower and 43 more pound-feet of torque. The tune includes increased boost from the turbo matched with high-flow fuel injectors. An aerodynamically tuned air intake manifold, along with a free-flowing exhaust system helps with breathing, while a separate oil cooler keeps temperatures in check.

The M40i comes standard with BMW’s xDrive AWD system and the eight-speed automatic transmission remains unchanged.

All told, the engine kicks out 355 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,000 rpm and 343 pound-feet of torque from 1,350 through 5,250 rpm. That’s enough to push the M40i to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds – down from 5.2 seconds in the standard X4. Top speed is governed at 150 mph.

Matching the extra power is a sport-tuned suspension and meatier brakes. Stronger springs and stabilizers help keep body roll to a minimum while increased camber on the front wheels helps with turn-in and steering feel. Adaptive dampers from the M Performance department keep road imperfections from slowing the M40i’s roll, while giving it a stiffer ride for better handling. The BMW X4 has not been crash tested by either the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of this writing, but the crossover does include plenty of active and passive safety systems. They include front, side, and overhead airbags; seatbelt pretensioners, anti-whiplash head restraints; and all the typical electronic stability control features found in modern crossovers. The new BMW X4 M40i will fetch $57,800 before options when it goes on sale in February 2016. The sticker doesn’t include destination and handling fees. The M40i badge adds a $12,500 premium over the base xDrive28i and a $8,100 premium over the xDrive35i. The upgrades BMW has fitted to the X4’s sporty edition should make it a great stepping stone between the regular X4 and the more purpose-built X5 M or X6 M. This M Performance package will attract folks looking to canyon carve on their way to work while still hauling their family to grandma’s house on the weekends. The M40i isn’t too outrageous, but is just potent enough to make a statement. And that seems to be working for BMW’s other M Performance models.