Even though the BMW X4 M40i was already unveiled to a global audience earlier this year, BMW is not yet selling it to anyone. The official sales of the new X4 will kick off this summer, with all models going up for grabs,but until the X4 M makes its way in showrooms and our hearts, we’ll have to make due with the M Performance models, either powered by diesel or petrol engines. In the meantime BMW is finishing up the tests on the M40i model as shown by this video shot earlier this month on the Nurburgring.
While it may seem surprising at first, manufacturers do this kind of thing, even after the production model is unveiled. That’s because in a number of cases, the production car may very well be shown to the world while some final quirks are being ironed out. In the case of the X4 M40i, we don’t know yet what that could be and the range of possibilities is quite wide. We do appreciate every occasion we get to see it roar, as the B58 engine has a nice tune to it.
Speaking of which, the upcoming petrol-powered M Performance car in the X4 range will be using the most powerful iteration of the B58 mill so far, the same one used on the BMW X3 M40i. It develops 355 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque and is connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox which sends it to all four corners of the car thanks to the xDrive system. That allows the M40i to reach 60 mph from standstill in 4.6 seconds.
Pricing for the 2019 X4 M40i begins at $61,445 including destination and handling, just slightly higher than the 2018 model. Standard features will include 19-inch light-alloy wheels, M Sport brakes, Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers that adjust to road and driving style, standard M sports exhaust system and variable sport steering. All that sounds amazing and like a pretty good preview for the real deal, the X4 M.
