The BMW X4 has always been the sportier, lower-slung sibling in the X-family. The M40i variant cranks the tension a notch further, adding a 355 hp straight-six and recalibrated M Sport suspension that makes every A-road feel like a purpose-built test track.
Under the Skin
BMW’s B58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six produces 355 hp and 500 Nm of torque in the M40i, channelled through an eight-speed ZF automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive. The 0–100 km/h sprint takes 4.9 seconds — remarkable for a car weighing over 1,800 kg.
On the Road
The M Performance suspension is firmer than the standard X4 but far from punishing. At motorway speeds, the car feels planted; switch to Sport Plus and the adaptive dampers stiffen noticeably, transforming the X4’s character entirely. Steering is precise if not communicative, which is consistent with BMW’s current EPS setup.
Beijing Debut
BMW chose the 2016 Beijing Auto Show for the X4 M40i’s China premiere, pairing the launch with an exclusive first-drive programme for regional media. The choice underlined how critical the Chinese market has become for M Performance models.
Verdict
If you need the space of an SUV but crave driving involvement, the X4 M40i makes a compelling case. It is not as raw as the M3 or M4, but it is a genuinely engaging machine dressed in everyday clothes.
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