Test drive BMW X4 M40i: X-factor
First impressions of the most powerful representative in the BMW X4 line
All currently available data indicate that the class of SUV models and their crossover derivatives is in good health and has every chance of maintaining this status for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the producers' appetite for this type of gold mines is as understandable as their desire to expand the range and attract new customers to their brands with new unique offers for this segment.
The BMW X4 M40i is a prime example of this. After the success of the X5 / X6 in the top category, the Bavarians developed their extension in the X3, where, after the debut of the SAC (Sports Activity Coupé) X4, we now see a sports version developed by M GmbH. And in this case, the most powerful modification in the X4 line is not the classic M-model, but in Munich they tried to achieve the presence of the “most powerful letter in the world” in the name of the new addition to the line with the appropriate style and technical component. characteristics.
On clothes, welcome ...
In fact, the exterior of the BMW X4 M40i, with an emphasis on the front air intakes and a modified diffuser at the rear, can easily be described as being constrained by the technological level and dynamic potential of the inline-six engine. The well-known three-liter 35i bi-turbo engine is armed with reinforced pistons and crankshaft bearings from the M3 arsenal, and the increase in turbo pressure and increased fuel injection increased the maximum power by 54 hp, reaching 360 hp. between 5800 and 6000 revolutions of the crankshaft. The maximum torque of 465 Nm has also been significantly increased and now stands at 465 Nm between 1350 and 5250 rpm.
The impact of all these measures on the dynamics of the new model is quite eloquently illustrated by the improvement in the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km by as much as 0,6 seconds, compared with more than about 5,5 seconds in the 35i version, which, in turn, imposed a number of chassis modifications. ... The geometry of the front axle of the BMW X4 M40i has been changed, springs and stabilizers of more serious dimensions have been used, and the adaptive dampers have received completely new settings. The increase has also been applied to the braking system, and if desired, the model is available with 20-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The distribution of traction is provided by the familiar eight-speed automatic transmission and the xDrive dual-transmission system, the modified settings of which in this case give preference to the traditional rear wheels for the Bavarian brand.
It all sounds impressive on paper, but it can't match the amazing sense of dynamism and agility that the sports model displays on the road. To the superb, slightly raucous accompaniment of the engine, perfectly synchronized with the sporty transmission mode, the BMW X4 M40i turns 4,9 seconds to 100 km / h into a dizzying experience, as if completely devoid of the 1915 kilograms of live weight of the new SUV coupe. The engineers' work on the suspension and tweaking of the tandem transmission, in turn, finds its worthy justification in areas with successive turns, where you can forget even about the high position of the seats, busy searching for the perfect line with the kind help of a razor-sharp steering wheel and professional suspension response in a sports car. mode. Lateral body vibrations are kept to an absolute minimum, and the overall neutral behavior harmonizes well with the active reorientation of most of the torque to the rear axle.
CONCLUSION
An extremely impressive model in terms of dynamics and behavior on the road, which manages to dematerialize the weight of almost two tons and infuse flesh and blood into the rather abstract contraction of SAC (Sports Activity Coupé).
Text: Miroslav Nikolov
2020-08-29
