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BMW X4 M40i Spotted Testing Once Again

Ever since we found out that the BMW X4 will get an M Performance model, our spy photographers have been hard at work, trying to catch it on film from the best angles. We saw a first set of spyshots a while back and now, we’re taking another look at it with slightly less camouflage.
BMW X4 M40i prototype 13 photos
Photo: SB Medien
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As you can tell, the M40i is wearing the M Sport package that is currently available on all X4 models. Furthermore, the side sills are camouflaged as well as the front bumper and the entire rear end, signaling that we should expect some design changes around there as well.

Don’t think too big though, as we’re pretty confident that if something will indeed be changed, it will be done so on a microscopic level. Up front, we also noticed the black kidney grilles that are part of the Performance range.

Round the back, you can’t miss the dual exhaust pipes. On the top of the range model in the X4 line-up, the xDrive35i and xDrive35d, the tailpipes are next to each other, on the left side of the bumper, a rather disappointing choice for enthusiasts out there. Things are bound to change with the M Performance model that will either get one tailpipe on each side or even more than that. By the looks of the cutouts, there would be room for two pipes on either side.

All of this extra ‘breathing room’ will be necessary due to upgraded and improved horsepower and torque figures of the engine under the bonnet. Unlike the xDrive35i, the M40i model will have a similar engine as the one used on the F87 M2.

That means the 3-liter inline 6-cylinder turbocharged plant will have around 370 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque at its disposal, plenty if you ask us. With the xDrive all-wheel drive system at its side and the brilliant 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the M40i should be capable of doing 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 5 seconds flat. The M40i X4 will enter production in December 2015 so there’s plenty of time for BMW to test it in every possible situation.
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