Photo: CarPix
Back in June we were telling you that BMW will be launching a new M Performance Automobile in 2015 in the shape of the X4 M40i. After catching the eluding model testing a couple of times under heavy camouflage, we’re now looking at it completely camo free, on the Nurburgring.
However, some pieces of the puzzle are still missing. Basically, the only thing that tells us this is the M40i model is the rear bumper. Notice anything different? Unlike the range-topping models like the xDrive35i and xDrive35d, this one has two tailpipes, but at the sides of the bumper.
On the stock cars, the two would be next to each other on the left side of the car. Apparently, that’s the only hint at something fishy happening here.
Furthermore, all M Performance Automobiles in BMW’s range have a couple of special features that set them apart from cars fitted with the M Sport package. Overall they look basically the same but to make them stand out, the Bavarians fit them with things like grey side mirror covers and a thin grey line in the air intakes of the front bumper. As you can see, they are both missing from the car we’re looking at here.
If this is the M40i that means it has an uprated 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine making 370 HP and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque, the same plant that’s going to be used on the upcoming F87 M2. If the X4 comes out ahead of the M2, we’ll get to sample this plant before the mad coupe arrives. The problem is, the M40i is scheduled to enter production in December 2015, one month after the full-on M car.
On the stock cars, the two would be next to each other on the left side of the car. Apparently, that’s the only hint at something fishy happening here.
Furthermore, all M Performance Automobiles in BMW’s range have a couple of special features that set them apart from cars fitted with the M Sport package. Overall they look basically the same but to make them stand out, the Bavarians fit them with things like grey side mirror covers and a thin grey line in the air intakes of the front bumper. As you can see, they are both missing from the car we’re looking at here.
What does this mean?
Putting things in perspective, this could mean that the car we’re looking at here might not be the M40i. However, we have it on good authority that this model is coming and the fact that BMW is testing the X4 with a new set of tailpipes on the ‘Ring certainly does seem to point in this direction.If this is the M40i that means it has an uprated 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine making 370 HP and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque, the same plant that’s going to be used on the upcoming F87 M2. If the X4 comes out ahead of the M2, we’ll get to sample this plant before the mad coupe arrives. The problem is, the M40i is scheduled to enter production in December 2015, one month after the full-on M car.
Google News