Congratulations to BIMMERPOST member SimonRostin for being the first member to report their BMW X4 delivery — a x4 3.0d xDrive M Sport in Melbourne Red. He has kindly shared some details, photos and video inside.

This customized BMW X4 gets larger wheels and a quad exhaust system.

Autocar pits the BMW X4 against the Porsche Macan. Can the new upstart really rival the Porsche Macan, which has been received as one of the best compact SUVs ever? Steve Sutcliffe finds out.

A video look at the BMW X4 xDrive35i M Sport exterior, interior and acceleration with launch control.

Australian outlet Car Advice compares the BMW X4 vs the Posche Macan.

Hamann has released a few pictures of its classic wheels fit onto the new X4.

While we are all probably just focused on the aesthetics of this car, as the wheels really make the X4 perfect, don’t forget that Hamann also offers a range of ECU tuning options as follows:

xDrive20i: 208 HP and 315 Nm of torque
xDrive20d: 231 HP and 464 Nm of torque
xDrive28i: 272 HP and 392 Nm of torque
xDrive30d: 295 HP and 605 Nm of torque
xDrive35i: 348 HP and 449 Nm of torque
xDrive35d: 355 HP and 695 Nm of torque

We also expect cosmetic mods to come from the tuner in the coming months, but the car looks pretty much perfect with just the wheels

A look at the X4, 5GT and 3GT side by side. Too close in design or enough differences to warrant separate models?

It all started with an X. This letter was first used as a model designation for a BMW automobile as early as in the mid-1980s to indicate that it featured four-wheel drive technology. The car’s dual symmetry was the ideal allegory for the transmission of drive torque to all four wheels. 15 years ago, the letter X became the symbol of an entirely new vehicle category and, at the same time, of a very special form of driving pleasure. The BMW X5 made its debut as the world’s first Sports Activity Vehicle, soon going on to conquer not only the road but also off-road terrain, whilst attracting additional target groups to the BMW brand. Once again the German premium automobile manufacturer had demonstrated its extraordinary sense for innovative and future-oriented vehicle concepts. The introduction of the BMW X5 in 1999 laid the foundation stone for the unique success story of BMW X models on automotive markets all over the world.

15 years further on, a complete BMW X family has developed from the pioneer of a new vehicle category. The brand’s range now comprises five BMW X models. These are complemented by the two four-wheel drive high-performance sports cars of the BMW M GmbH, the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M. The BMW X5 is already the third generation of its kind to continue the story of success. The second generation of the Sports Activity Coupe BMW X6 and the BMW X3 are now being produced. The BMW X1 offers a guarantee of multi-faceted driving pleasure in the compact segment. And the BMW X4, a Sports Activity Coupe, now also combines superior dynamism with sporting elegance in the mid-range segment. Each of these models was the first premium vehicle of its kind within its competitive environment. And the range will continue to expand also in the years ahead. The BMW X7, an exceptionally large and luxurious model, is under development. The popularity of BMW X models, which contributed decisively towards BMW becoming one of the world’s most successful producer of premium four-wheel drive automobiles, continues to increase consistently. To this day, more than 3.3 million BMW X models have been sold worldwide. Almost every third newly registered vehicle of the brand is now a BMW X model.

The upcoming X4 M40i has now been spotted without camouflage. While not a full blown M model, this X4 has been tweaked by BMW M just like the M135i, M235i, X5 M50d, and M550d “M Performance Automobiles.”

And like the other M Performance Automobiles, the X4 M40i will receive the full M Sport treatment (aero kit, wheels, brakes, interior) along with a sportier suspension and chassis.

But, the X4 M40i is particularly important because our upcoming models info shows that it will be powered by a new reworked N55 3.0L turbo six engine (N55B30T0) producing around 370-380 PS (365-375 HP), which will also power the BMW M2 when it arrives in early 2016.

The X4 M40i will begin production this December.

AC Schnitzer has introduced their BMW X4 program.

The ACS aero kit includes the usual suspects – front lip spoiler, rear diffuser, carbon fiber mirrors

Performance wise, the xDrive20i gets a bump to 245 HP, the xDrive28i to 294 HP and the xDrive35i gets cranked up to 360 HP. The X4 also receives an ACS exhaust system and suspension.

Munich. BMW is expanding its line-up of M Performance Parts from the Original BMW Accessories range in time for the Essen Motor Show 2014 (29.11–07.12. 2014). The new BMW M Performance Parts for the BMW X3 and BMW X4, BMW M3, BMW M4 Coupe and BMW M4 Convertible lend these models an even sharper sporting edge. As well as attractive design upgrades for the interior and exterior, the range also includes functional accessories which boost the performance of classical BMW models, for example, and inject more emotional appeal into the engine’s soundtrack. The new accessories bring the total number of BMW M Performance Parts designed to raise sporty driving pleasure another notch to over 1,200 – from a starter kit all the way to exhaust systems.
These model-specific BMW M Performance products from the accessories range, which are also available for other BMW model series, have been developed using the decades of racing experience and innovative power of BMW M GmbH. Thanks to the company’s deep reserves of expertise, customers can rest assured that the retrofit components have been adapted precisely to the character and qualities of the individual models. They also meet the uncompromising quality standards of the BMW Group as far as materials selection, design and quality of workmanship are concerned. All the products belong to the Original BMW Accessories range. When retrofitted, they do not in any way affect the warranty terms for the relevant vehicle.

Sporty new accents for the exterior of the BMW X3 and BMW X4.
The new BMW M Performance Parts shine an even brighter spotlight on the cars’ sporting ability and dynamic aura. Examples include a black version of the BMW kidney grille for the BMW X3 and BMW X4, as well as exterior mirror caps and a rear spoiler (BMW X4 only) in high-tech carbon. The carbon components have been elaborately manufactured by hand. Elsewhere, BMW M Performance accent strips in Black/Silver can be ordered for the BMW X3 and BMW X4 to highlight the two X models’ dynamic lines to pleasing effect. And the BMW M Performance light-alloy wheels available for both the BMW X3 and the BMW X4 add further sporting emphasis to both the exterior design of the two cars and their driving characteristics. The high-quality forged wheels stand out with their distinctive design and low weight. They make an effective contribution to the reduction in the unsprung mass of the two cars, enhancing agility and steering responses in the process. The BMW M Performance light-alloy wheels come in 21-inch format and with mixed tyres. The two models each get their own take on a double-spoke design, complete with the now familiar BMW M Performance bi-colour finish in Orbit Grey with polished spoke fronts.

New aerodynamic components for the BMW M3, BMW M4 Coupe and BMW M4 Convertible.
As well as further enhancing the muscular athleticism of the BMW M3 and BMW M4, the main benefit of the BMW M Performance aerodynamic components for these high-performance sports cars can be found in further improvements to airflow at high speed. Customers can choose from a selection of items including add-on parts in carbon for the side sections of the front bumper, a front attachment made from polyurethane (PUR), a carbon rear diffuser and a carbon rear spoiler. PUR is also used for the side skirt attachments and a rear spoiler for the BMW M3. In addition, tri-colour side decals with “M Performance” lettering are available for the Sedan, Coupe and Convertible.

Even sportier interior featuring new M Performance Parts.
The new BMW M Performance Parts also include a host of attractive and sporting details for the interior of the BMW X3 and BMW X4. The LED door sill plates in brushed stainless-steel look with illuminated BMW M Performance lettering draw attention the moment you open the front doors. Battery power means they are extremely easy to retrofit, with no need for laying cables. The BMW M Performance interior trim strips in carbon or an Alcantara/carbon combination with M Performance lettering mark out the interior clearly from that of the standard cars and, like the Steptronic or Steptronic sport transmission’s carbon gearshift lever with BMW M logo, add a sporty and exclusive accent to the cockpit. Another highlight in the new range of accessories for the interior of the BMW X3 and BMW X4 is the BMW M Performance steering wheel in Alcantara with attractive carbon trim. It is beautifully grippy, even in extreme driving situations, and remains equally pleasant to the touch in all temperatures. The BMW M Performance stainless-steel pedal covers and the driver’s footrest, meanwhile, provide a visually appealing and functional complement to the other M Performance Parts for the interior. The new M Performance key case continues the theme. With its sophisticated Alcantara/carbon material combination, M Light Blue accents and high-quality blue hex bolt, it blends in perfectly with the sporty and dynamic design of the new BMW M Performance Parts. The easy-care BMW M Performance floor mats, meanwhile, are a perfect fit and set the seal on the sporting looks of the interior. All four mats come with eye-catching M Performance lettering.

M Performance steering wheel with Race Display for the BMW M3 and BMW M4.
The BMW M Performance steering wheel with Alcantara covering, carbon trim and Race Display does its bit to ensure the BMW M3 and BMW M4 deliver a particularly full-blooded driving experience. The painted carbon steering wheel trim carries “M Performance” lettering. The Alcantara covering for the steering wheel rim has contrast stitching in the three BMW M colours. And the thumb rests feature a pair of embedded buttons used to activate Efficient Dynamics mode, Sport mode and Race mode. The driver can use the integrated display at the top of the steering wheel rim to view gear change signals and lateral/longitudinal acceleration figures, among other things. Sport mode gives the driver access to a stopwatch function with displays for hours, minutes and seconds. Lateral/longitudinal acceleration figures are also shown. During committed track sessions, Race mode allows lap times to be displayed and stored in minutes, seconds and hundredths of seconds. The top speeds and maximum lateral/longitudinal acceleration figures for the most recent 50 laps completed can also be stored.

Power Kits boost the performance of the BMW X3 and BMW X4.
The BMW M Performance Power Kit developed for the BMW X3 xDrive30d (fuel consumption combined: 6.1–l/100 km [46.3–47.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 159–156 g/km)* and BMW X4 xDrive30d (fuel consumption combined: 5.6–5.2 l/100 km [50.4–54.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 146–138 g/km)* summons up a significant increase in performance. Among its components is a control unit for the engine electronics which has been tuned specially to the 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. This helps to induce significantly more sporting performance characteristics with no change in fuel consumption and emissions. The BMW M Performance Power Kit raises the engine’s maximum output by 20 kW to 210 kW and peak torque – depending on the gear engaged – to as much as 600 Newton metres (442 lb-ft). The most important result of this increase in performance is a noticeable improvement in sprinting power. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is up to 0.3 seconds faster, the BMW X3 xDrive30d recording an impressively fast time of approximately 5.6 seconds (down from 5.9) and the BMW X4 xDrive30d reaching the same speed from rest in an even quicker 5.5 seconds (down from 5.8). The boost in power goes hand-in-hand with sportier accelerator characteristics headlined by faster responses and an optimised engine and exhaust note. Remarkably, these two Power Kits match the fuel consumption and emissions values of the standard models in the ECE driving cycle despite delivering the extra power.

M Performance silencer systems enhance visual and aural appeal.
A BMW M Performance valve silencer, whose operating mode can be adjusted remotely via Bluetooth, is available exclusively for the BMW X4 xDrive35i. As well as Sport mode – distinguished by a strikingly emotion-rich soundtrack – drivers can also select the Track mode conceived for use exclusively on the race track, which specialises in even more hardcore and performance-focused sound development. The stainless-steel silencer system also comes with trapezoidal chrome tailpipe embellishers in the style favoured by eight-cylinder BMWs. Twin-pipe BMW M Performance embellishers in chrome are also available for the BMW X4 xDrive20d, BMW X3 sDrive18d and BMW X3 xDrive20d.

Striking engine soundtrack for the BMW M3 and BMW M4.
The BMW M Performance silencer system developed specially for the BMW M3 and BMW M4 uses optimised exhaust gas channelling to generate an emotion-rich engine soundtrack that underlines the performance characteristics of the biturbo straight-six engine in stirring fashion. The lightweight flap control exhaust system comprises a stainless-steel exhaust system and a silencer made completely from titanium and displaying M Performance lettering when viewed from the rear. A distinctive stylistic highlight are the classy tailpipe embellishers, in either titanium or carbon, with M logo. The use of titanium ensures the BMW M Performance silencer system is exceptionally heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant and lightweight. Indeed, it weighs around eight kilograms less than the standard item. The driver can choose from two settings for the sound characteristics of the BMW M Performance silencer system, both of which are linked to an engine performance profile that can be activated at the touch of a button. In Standard mode, the sound development is already much more dramatic than that of a regular model, has a defined sporting edge and is also suitable for everyday use. In SPORT and SPORT+ modes the development of power is accompanied by a stunningly powerful, emotionally rich soundtrack, which gives the driver extremely clear feedback on engine load.

Take a closer look with the BMW M Performance Drive Analyser.
The BMW M Performance Drive Analyser – available for all BMW models from model year 2011 – allows owners to examine their driving style with impressive precision. Whether the owner is pursuing lap times on the race track or simply driving from A to B on the road, this new tool records driving dynamics data with professional efficiency. The BMW M Performance Drive Analyser consists of an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) stick, which is plugged into the relevant socket in the car, as well as software in the form of an app for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. The connection between the car and OBD stick is via Bluetooth. The car’s Click & Drive holder, meanwhile, enables easy attachment of the smartphone to the windscreen. All the measurements, such as the car’s speed, the gear currently engaged, accelerator and brake usage, a range of other engine data, and even lateral acceleration, are stored straight onto the smartphone/tablet and can be accessed at any time. Drivers can study the results directly on their smartphone after every journey.

BMW recently announced M Performance Parts for the X4 [details] and is now displaying an X4 outfitted with these parts at the 2014 Essen Motor Show.

BMW M has a new boss, Franciscus van Meel, and he recently shared his first public statements with Auto Express on some topics regarding BMW M.

AWD M5/M6?

Van Meel, the former head of Audi Quattro GmbH, is of course well versed with all-wheel drive, and he seems to be favoring the use of all-wheel drive in future M5 and M6 models.

“If we continue the power increases in the future – especially regarding torque and also horsepower – then probably the next generation M5 and M6 will have so much torque and power that we need to think about those solutions.”

This line of thinking is not new at BMW M and hints have been dropped in the past regarding potential optional AWD models for the future M5.

However, any all-wheel drive system that BMW M implements would be very rear-biased to maintain a sporty driving experience, as he continues:

“I wouldn’t like to use the word four-wheel drive because it’s always connected a little bit – emotionally – to straightforward driving and that’s not what we’re talking about.

“So if we go on a direction of four-wheel drive, for us it will really be like a rear-wheel drive with more traction.”

M3 or M5 Touring? X3M or X4M?

When asked whether there was a possibility for touring models of the M3 or M5, van Meel had this to say:

“I had the same question the other way around in my former job. Why not explore an RS sedan? BMW is not a Touring-focused group. Popularity is still stronger on the sedan [saloon] side, so when people connect to BMW, it’s sedan. What people connect to the company next door [Audi], it’s another body shape.

“That body shape is not popular in China and not popular in the US – and as the US is our biggest market, we would be making a model that our biggest market does not want.”

But, it appears BMW M hasn’t nixed he idea of an M version of the X3 or X4. On that he coyly says: “That might be a business opportunity.”

Japanese tuning firm 3DDesign has revealed their kit for the BMW X4 (F26) with M Sport Package.

The kit includes a carbon fiber front lip and rear diffuser for the factory M Sport bumpers, quad exhaust system, roof spoiler, and rear spoiler (polyurethane or in carbon fiber).

The pictured suspension is lowered 1.18 in (30mm) on 3DDesign coilovers.

X4 M40i preproduction tester cars have now been spotted in Spartanburg, SC.

Like the other M Performance Automobiles, the X4 M40i will receive the full M Sport treatment (aero kit, wheels, brakes, interior) along with a sportier suspension and chassis.

But, the X4 M40i is particularly important because our upcoming models info shows that it will be powered by a new reworked N55 3.0L turbo six engine (N55B30T0) producing around 370-380 PS (365-375 HP), which will also power the BMW M2 when it arrives in early 2016.

The X4 M40i begins production December 2015.

Some updates on future BMW models by trusty source ynguldyn:

F39 is still using the “Xcite” designation. Whether or not it will be marketed as X2, is unclear. The good news is that in addition to the FWD and AWD 25i models (probably to be marketed in the U.S. as 28i), there will be the xDrive35i model.

There wil be an update to i3. Not exactly clear on what that will mean – probably a bigger battery.

G01 X3 is being tested with a range of 4- and 6-cyl B engines, and both 30e and 40e PHEV setups.
G02 X4 is diesel and gas only, no hybrid at the moment.
G08 X3 LWB is planned for China.

G32 5GT will get the same engines as the other G3x models, including the hybrid.

The new generation of the Phantom, just like the Cullinan, will be built on the new 7-series platform.

There are some hints that B48 may get a version with 400cc per cylinder displacement. This makes as little sense to me as to y’all, considering all the noise about 500cc being the perfect size and the single parts bin for all B engines, but still there it is.

The PPK (M Performance Power Kit) for 340i/440i is in the works.

BMW is working on more driver assist features. In the future, the vehicle will inform the driver about the possibility of overtaking, the right of way, and pedestrians behind the vehicle.

Or, and we’ve all heard that BMW doesn’t really want to play nice with Apple, and CarPlay may not be coming, right? Well, maybe, or maybe not.

For their first project, Lightweight started off with the BMW X4 xDrive35d which is the top-performing diesel model offered. Typically, the car’s 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine delivers 313 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. However, Lightweight has managed to bump that up to 365 hp and 509 lb-ft. A more powerful stage 2 program is also available which brings the final figures to 375 hp and 517 lb-ft resulting in a 280 km/h top speed.

More details inside.

Superior power, impressive handling characteristics and a distinctively sporty design are the prominent features of the BMW X4. To enhance the character of this Sports Activity Coupe even more, BMW offers the M Performance valve exhaust silencer as an original accessory for the BMW X4 xDrive35i. This exclusive system with Bluetooth 4.0 remote control provides two operating modes to impressively intensify the sound of the six-cylinder power unit. In Sport mode, the BMW X4 sounds significantly more emotional than with the series trim, but without foregoing everyday suitability. In Track mode, which is exclusively for use on the racetrack, the system achieves its maximum performance-oriented sonority with the corresponding sound pressure, thus offering a particularly intensive driving experience. Each operating mode is displayed to the driver via an LED and activated by double clicking on the remote control.

The valve exhaust silencer sets distinctive accents in visual terms as well. The entire system is made from high-grade steel, is double-sided and boasts the trapeze-shaped tailpipe finishers we are familiar with from the BMW models featuring an eight-cylinder power unit. Finally, the system, which was developed in compliance with stringent BMW standards, fulfils the highest quality requirements also with regard to fit, dimensional accuracy and durability. In Sport mode, the M Performance valve exhaust silencer system is approved for operation on public roads.

Here is the BMW X4 M40i leaked ahead of time. It’s powered by the same engine

Introducing the first ever BMW X4 M40i. See all details inside.