Imagine an M3 with room for a family. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a twin-turbo straight six with room for groceries? What if it was AWD and loaded with the latest in safety & convenience? The BMW X4 M40i offers 355 horsepower and the ability to reach 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds. As the latest creation of BMW USA, it is built in Spartanburg, South Carolina and sold around the world.
We were curious as to its abilities, so the factory sent us a fully-loaded example for a week of thrills. At first glance it seems unassuming. It wears a style similiar to other X-series models, albeit with an aggressive wheel/tire & brake package. Our publisher had an X5M as a daily driver for 3 years, and its twin-turbo V8 was spectacular. The only issue with the X5 was weight. After a few minutes behind the wheel, it feels like the X4 is lighter than most luxury sedans.
It rides on 20″ wheels, with 245/40 tires up front and 275/40 on the rear. This allows the Sport Activity Vehicle to offer more grip than you will ever need. Try as we might, the xDrive system and Dynamic Stability Control work to keep the X4 glued down. In our lap of St. Petersburg, we found delight in brake-boosting the 3-liter six to engage launch control. Each turbo handles 3 cylinders, making the exhaust sound quite unique. At full boost, it sends 343 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. Paddle-shifting the 8-speed auto is fun on twisty roads, and the big brakes have fade control to keep you from smoking the pads.
Nothing for sale in the US compares to the abilities and quality of the X4. It can be had with a turbo-four, but the M40i is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. With the Technology Package and LED lighting, the MSRP is $67,495. That’s a bargain price for wood & aluminum trim, Harmon Kardon audio and Oyster Nevada leather. Check out the listings below for the BMW that’s right for you, and stay with us for more insightful reviews.
