2020 BMW X4 M40i SUV

For 2020, the BMW X4 M40i will be offered in a single trim with a standard all-wheel-drive configuration. The same 380 hp inline-6 forced induction engine along with an 8-speed automatic will power the X4 M40i and will be made available at an initial price of $61,000. At this price, the 2020 BMW X4 M40i rivals the likes of Porsche Macan S, Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 Coupe, and the Audi SQ5.

The 2020 X4 M40i Coupe is offered in a standalone trim that sports a power-packed turbocharged inline 6 engine to give you enhanced capabilities and performance from the base. Like the previous year, this SUV would come strictly with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. As a function of distinction from the regular car, the X4 M40i gets shot with some M-specific kits. like sportier exterior elements, trim-specific cabin upgrades, and the supporting updated mechanicals including bigger brakes and better suspension tuning.

As for the equipment on offer, the 2020 X4 M40i comes well equipped in terms of features both inside and outside like the regular SUV with the M-Sport elements spicing up things. Features like full LED exterior lighting with adaptive headlamps, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, leatherette seating, digital instrumentation, and a 10.3-inch media system are few from the abundant list on offer. Along with the advanced CLAR platform, you get more driver assistance and safety tech as well. A handful of additional packages are also on offer at extra cost from the base prices.

Which Trim should you buy?

There is pretty much no option to choose from as the 2020 X4 M40i comes out as a standalone trim. But you could avail a few additional packages on offer which further helps increase the SUVs appeal. Some of them on the list are; a Driver Assistance Plus Package at $1,700, an Executive Package at $3,700, a Premium package at $1,750, and a Parking Assistance Package at $700.

Under its hood, the 2020 BMW X4 M40i now packs better power than the previous model year. The 3.0L TwinPower Turbo Inline-6 got updated and the power figures got boosted from 355 hp to 382hp while the torque output of 365 lb-ft stays the same. The bump in power is definitely not perceivable, but nonetheless, is a welcome addition. The 8-Speed Sport-tuned automatic transmission provides crisp shifts with the Steptronic sequential shift control and driver-selectable modes while the standard xDrive system helps put down power better.

When you step on the gas, the X4 M40i gets up and goes with great enthusiasm, reaching 60 MPH in mere 4.4 seconds. It even covers a quarter-mile in a matter of 13.3 seconds which is pretty fast for a 4,300 pounds SUV. However, the top speed is electronically limited to 155 MPH. The boatloads of torque kicking in from lower revs makes the engine feel very responsive at any speed and keep pulling strong even with the dials in the triple-digit zone. In short, you will never find yourself asking for more power on this SUV.

The X4 M40i Coupe is one of the most powerful among its rivals. As it offers better power, it is way ahead in terms of performance. However, the Porsche Macan S steals its thunder in the quarter-mile run thanks to the shorter gearing. The GLC 43 coupe might be a bit slow off the line, but it regains time in the quarter-mile run thanks to its high output. The underpowered SQ5 seems a bit sluggish in front of the M40i. All the SUVs offer AWD drivetrain as standard. If we keep aside Porsche, the X4 M40i stays ahead in its segment in every measurable parameter.

How does the 2020 X4 M40i handle?

The2020 X4 M40i is a sure-footed SUV just like its regular version, the X3. With some weight shaved off the roof, the X4 M40i feels much more stable thanks to the lower center of gravity. The steering as always feels great and really responsive to inputs. It has got a certain heft to it which makes it more confidence-inspiring at higher speeds even though the communication from the wheels is not as good as say something like the Macan. The xDrive system does help in holding the line on corners but does slightly hinder the playful nature that BMWs are known to have.

The speed-sensing steering provides easy maneuverability and handling in traffic or tight spaces while weighing up nicely as the speeds pick up. The straight-line stability is exceptional for an SUV and changing lanes at high speeds doesn’t feel nerve-wracking like other SUVs. The brake actuated differential function is not all that intrusive when trying to have some fun, but it definitely is not something you should try off-road capabilities with.

2020 X4 M40i Braking Performance

The 2020 X4 M40i gets M- performance brake units as standard which are both bigger and better than the ones seen on the regular SUV. At the front, you have a pair of 13.7-inch ventilated brake rotors with 4-piston fixed calipers whereas the rear has a slightly smaller 13.5-inch unit with 2-piston floating calipers. With that, the X4 M40i is capable of stopping from 60 MPH in 109 feet. The brakes have a good initial bite and progressive feel to the pedal. It might feel a bit annoying on regular drives but this is something that you could get used to quickly and will appreciate when you do.

Boasting six-piston calipers at the front and a set of four-piston units at the back, the Audi SQ7 to stop the best, posting a distance of 104-feet. The Macan S comes close with its decent size hardware with a stopping distance of 107-feet. The BMW X4 M40i and the GLC 43 coupe manage identical stopping distances of 109-feet despite the differences in weight and hardware. In all, all cars perform rather well in this department and neither will disappoint you. 

Even with added power, the TwinPower Turbo I6 of the X4 M40i Coupe still delivers a decent economy. BMW has used the high precision direct injection that increases the compression ratio of the engine that adds power without affecting the fuel economy. That's why the X4 M40i with 382 horses ensures 21 miles to the gallon in the city. It reaches up to 27 MPG when you hit the straight highway which turns the performance SUV into a luxury tourer. A combined 23 MPG will keep you satisfied on the road even with the small 17.2-gallon tank that provides a maximum range of 465 miles.

The X4 M40i Coupe is the most fuel-efficient SUV but it offers the lowest fuel capacity. Still, it has the highest driving range in the competition. Rivals such as Porsche Macan S and the Audi SQ5 are way behind in terms of fuel economy. Still, they manage to get sufficient range as they have bigger fuel tanks. The Merc does offer decent economy figures, but its limited fuel capacity causes it to fall back of the pack when it comes to range.

The 2020 BMW X4 M40i is as huge as it seems. As it is a middle ground between luxury and sporty characteristics, the M40i variant packs tons of features and design options inside the cabin. The cabin ensures proper lighting and visibility with decent space for 5 adults. The premium Sensatec leather upholstery is paired with aluminum and metal-look accents to give you a luxurious and comfortable cabin space. The stylish dashboard design meets advanced tech which includes a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a crisp 10.3-inch infotainment unit.

To make your ride engaging, you have an M-Sport leather steering wheel paired with paddle shifters. We have sport bucket seats at the front that offer 14-way power adjustments with lumbar support and driver-seat memory settings. The optional package adds a heating function as well as massaging seats for the front. At the back, you have a cargo capacity of 18.5 cu ft. The cabin is pretty equipped with luxury convenience features with dual-zone automatic climate control, 12V DC outlets while the available packages add features such as ambient lighting, a heads-up display, a heated steering wheel, and adaptive cruise control.

The Audi SQ5 is the SUV that offers better overall cabin space and the biggest cargo area in this segment. The X4 M40i and the GLC 43 Coupe offer similar amounts of cabin room but the BMW offers a slightly bigger cargo hold. The Macan S meanwhile, being dimensionally compact, does have only a limited amount of usable cabin space on offer even though its trunk matches the size to that one seen on the Mercedes. Standout Interior features of the 2020 BMW X4 M40i :

• Premium Sensatec leather upholstery
• 12.3-inch Digital instrument cluster
• 10-way power sport bucket front seats
• Heated leather-wrapped sports steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Auto-dimming mirrors

What's there to keep you entertained?

The 2020 BMW X4 M40i Coupe has plenty to offer for you. You have the BMW iDrive infotainment system with a 10.3-inch high-resolution display that supports voice command and gesture control. It offers connectivity features such as Bluetooth and USB tethering with an AM/FM radio and a SiriusXM satellite radio subscription for 1 year. The device integration is limited to Apple CarPlay as the X4 M40i is devoid of Android Auto connectivity.

For your music, you either have a 12-speaker Hi-Fi audio system or an optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system which is paired with a 600W amplifier for crystal clear sound quality. To get you places, you have an integrated satellite navigation system with voice commands, real-time traffic display, and 3D maps. You also have a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that shows graphical vehicle imaging with analog gauges, driver assistance features, and an elaborated trip computer. Standout Infotainment features on the 2020 BMW X4 M40i:

• 10.3-inch BMW iDrive infotainment system
• Bluetooth and USB tethering
• SiriusXM satellite radio subscription
• Apple CarPlay
• 12-speaker Hi-Fi audio system ( Option Harman Kardon surround sound system)
• Satellite navigation system with real-time traffic information

The X4 M40i looks more purposeful and appealing than its elder sibling X6. With added muscle, it still looks bigger than most of its rivals. As it is an M performance version, the M40i flaunts darker tones when compared to the standard version. With black and chrome exterior accents, the M40i has an aggressive front fascia. The sharp adaptive LED headlamps are paired with DRLs and LED fog lamps which do an excellent job of lighting the road ahead. What attracts attention is the signature kidney grille finished in chrome with dark highlights. Apart from that, the M40i gets its trim-specific bumpers with huge intakes.

The X4 M40i looks nothing less than the X4 M with its sporty stance upon those tall 19-inch wheels wrapped around all-season run-flat tires. The sloping roofline lends this SUV a proper sporty stance but in actual purpose, it turns a bit detrimental to the cargo area and second-row headroom. The blacked-out bumper gets trim-specific dual M performance exhaust at the back. In all, the X4 does try to replicate its bigger brother and incidentally seems to have come out better visually.

The BMW X4 M40i is the biggest Coupe SUV in the segment when it comes to exterior dimensions. Surprisingly, it is the Porsche Macan S that weighs the most despite its compact overall outlook. The SQ5 is comparatively smaller in size but weighs the same as the BMW X4 M40i. Surprisingly, the Audi also makes better use of its size, managing to excavate the most cabin and cargo room in its class. Standout Exterior features of the 2020 BMW X4 M40i:

• Panoramic Sunroof
• Adaptive LED headlamps with Led DRLs / LED brake lights
• Chrome trimmed kidney grille
• Heated, Auto-dimming, power exterior mirrors
• 19-inch double-spoke bi-color alloy wheels
• M performance colored brake calipers
• Dual M performance exhausts

With the introduction of its second-generation model, the BMW X4 is based on the CLAR platform that comprises high-strength steel and aluminum. It compiles an advanced and balanced structure that is specifically designed for performance and durability. Its SUV counterpart, the X3 was rated Top safety pick plus by the IIHS and was awarded a 5-star rating by the NHTSA which should speak about its structural integrity. 

Additionally, BMW offers driver monitoring alert, forward collision warning with collision mitigation, and park distance control with parking sensors. The optional packages add active park distance control, lane-keeping assist with lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, and active driving assistant. Standout Safety features of the 2020 BMW X4 M40i:

• Driving monitoring alert
• Forward collision warning
• Park distance control 
• Lane keep assist (o)
• Blindspot detection (o)
• Active driving assistant (o)

2020 BMW X4 M40i vs 2020 Porsche Macan S

Both cars start at almost the same prices and their straight-line performances are comparable as well. The Porsche Macan S is the compact and sportier SUV of the two, enabling it to be a slightly more agile package than the X4 M40i. However, it lacks practicality and space for an SUV, something which the BMW X4 M40i does better of. Also, the M40i is more advanced and better equipped in terms of cabin features and driver assistance tech. As a value proposition, the 2020 BMW X4 M40i would obviously be a better deal but if you are in for the best thrills, the Macan S is the one to go.

2020 BMW X4 M40i vs 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 Coupe and the 2020 BMW X4 M40i go head to head in this segment. Even though the GLC 43 comes with better numbers on paper, the real-world performances of both cars are almost identical. The Merc does start at a higher base price, but for that, you get a slightly posher cabin with a better comfort on offer. That said, the X4 M40i is the practical car here offering better usable interior space as well as top fuel economy figures. The solid dynamics make the BMW the better driver’s machine of the two as well. So picking one would ultimately boil down to preferences and we leave this one to you.

2020 BMW X4 M40i vs 2020 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 offers a practical approach with advanced technology and performance at a considerably lower price tag. In terms of space and tech, the SQ5 is up there with the best but the over cabin does lack finesse and quality like competition. The X4 M40i on the other hand is a slightly more premium SUV that doubles up as a performance-ready machine and a fuel-efficient tourer. That said, the SQ5 is not all that down on performance and also offers the best brakes in its class. If you are on the hunt for a value product, the 2020 Audi SQ5 will make most sense while the 2020 BMW X4 M40i slots itself higher up the ladder, doing most things better than the former.

With the introduction of the Coupe SUVs, BMW started a whole new segment. The X4 M40i Coupe gives you the choice of an entry-level performance coupe SUV. With the punchy turbo engine and dynamics comparable to a hot hatch, the X4 M40i puts most of its rivals to shame. It is the closest thing that can get you to an X4 M at a fraction of the cost. With an elaborate list of features and a luxurious cabin, the X4 M40i ticks the creature’s comfort side of this as well. If you want a well-rounded and involving lifestyle-oriented SUV on a budget, there are few better options than the new BMW X4 M40i.