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.
Models
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2020 BMW X4 M40i
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2020 Porsche Macan S
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2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe
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2020 Audi SQ5
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MSRP
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$61,000
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$59,400
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$63,000
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$52,900
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Engine
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3.0L TwinPower Turbo I6
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3.0L Turbo V6
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3.0L Turbo V6
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3.0L TFSI Turbo V6
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Drivetrain
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AWD
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AWD
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AWD
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AWD
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Transmission
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8-Speed Sport automatic w/od
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7-Speed PDK Automatic
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9GTronic 9-Speed automatic w/od
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8-Speed Tiptronic automatic w/od
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Power
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382hp @ 5800 rpm
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348hp @ 5400 rpm
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385 hp @ 6100 rpm
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349hp @ 5400 rpm
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Torque
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365lb-ft @ 1520 rpm
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354lb-ft @ 1360 rpm
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384lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
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369lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
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0-60 MPH (sec)
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4.4
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5.1
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4.6
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5.1
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Quarter mile (sec)
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13.3
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13.2
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13.4
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14.2
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Top Speed (MPH)
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155
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158
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155
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155
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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.
Models
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2020 BMW X4 M40i
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2020 Porsche Macan S
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2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe
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2020 Audi SQ5
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Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
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13.7
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14.2
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14.2
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13.8
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Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
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13.5
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13.0
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12.6
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13.0
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Curb Weight (lbs.)
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4,323
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4,409
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4,235
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4,321
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60-0 MPH (feet)
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109
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107
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109
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104
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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.