BMW continues to test the upcoming X4 M at the
Nurburgring, where it was recently caught on video for the first time. The prototype builds upon the
second-generation model, codenamed G02, to which it adds larger front and rear
bumpers, a small trunklid spoiler, quad exhaust pipes and new bigger wheels.
It also gets a tuned chassis with changes to the
suspension, steering and bigger brakes, as the BMW X4 M has a clear rival in
mind: the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe, which uses a 510 PS twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, in ‘S’
guise. With this engine, it takes as little as 3.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h and maxes out at an electronically capped 250 km/h.
The BMW X4 M is expected to use the S58 engine. The
3.0-liter inline-six unit is basically an evolution of the S55 mill that powers
the M3 and M4, and will be shared with the X3 M. The engine should deliver
around 460 PS, making it some 100 PS more potent
than the M40i models.
BMW’s X4 M should be just as fast as the
range-topping GLC Coupe, needing less than 4 seconds for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint, and reaching a top speed of 280 km/h with the M
Driver’s Package, or 250 km/h without it.
The high-performance member of the new X4 family
could launch in global markets before the end of the year.
