BMW
US has quietly released revised versions of the M550i, X3 M40i, and X4 M40i
models for 2020, with each receiving sizeable gains in performance thanks to
several hardware upgrades.
Let’s
start with the G30 M550i. It’s powered by the updated N63 4.4 litre twin-turbo
petrol V8 which it shares with the M850i, tuned to produce 523 hp and 750 Nm of
torque. That equates to nearly 15% increase compared to the older tune of 456
hp and 650 Nm, and it’s achieved via new intake manifold and ports, higher fuel
pressure, a stronger engine block, reinforced pistons, and new ECU, BMW
spokesman Oleg Satanovsky told Motor Authority recently.
It
still gets xDrive all-wheel drive system, but it’s worth noting that the
outgoing M550i with the less powerful engine sprints from zero to 100 km/h in
4.0 seconds flat. The new N63 engine however, could potentially shave as much
as 0.3 seconds off the century sprint. Just as a comparison, the M850i with
xDrive AWD sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.
Next,
for the SUVs, the X3 M40i and X4 M40i have their outputs raised from 335 hp to
382 hp, or about a 5% increase. Again, this is due to higher boost pressure,
revised ECU, and upgraded exhaust components. Because performance matters, both
the outgoing SUVs sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
While
they both use the same S58 3.0 litre straight-six engine in many other M
Performance 40i-badged cars, models like the 540i, X6, 740i, and 840i don’t
receive the same power bump for 2020. The
revisions do come at a cost, but that’s also because of additional equipment.
The base price for the M550i has gone up by US$ 2,200, and along with
the price hike is the fitment of an active rear differential and heated seats.
Prices for the X3 M40i and X4 M40i rose by US$ 1,250 and US$ 550 respectively,
and both also received minor equipment upgrades.
