Monterey, USA – M Performance Automobiles, or MPA for short, create some of the best all-rounded cars that will deliver the performance goods, yet are accommodating enough to be daily driven. It never feels like you’re riding in a ‘track-car for the road’, as both engine and chassis are tuned to cater to poseur and purist alike. The roster of MPA models is constantly growing, although not every car is available for Singapore. As far as our tiny red dot is concerned, we get the M135i, M235i, X5 and X6 M50d. Conspicuous absentees include the M550d and now this X4 M40i, which is likely to be offered solely in LHD, since the major RHD markets don’t see a demand for it.

We think the X4 boasts more balanced proportions than its hulking X6 big brother, as well as achieves the perfect compromise versus the 3 Series GT (too dumpy) and the 4 Series GranCoupe (too wannabe). In xDrive35i guise, the X4 is already a formidable performer, with a ride and power delivery that are more than acceptable for daily commutes and drives up North. BMW M effectively sprinkles its fairy dust on this recipe to create an even meaner machine that strains at its corporate suit threads, as opposed to busting out of it full-on M-style.

True to MPA form, there’s only a discreet sprinkling of badges to differentiate the X4 from its ‘lesser’ 35i stable-mate. The keen eye will also pick out the dark chrome tail-pipes, which emit a fruity note on the move thanks to intelligent valve control, as well as 20-inch alloys. Inside, steering wheel, gear-lever and instrument cluster get the usual ‘M’ treatment.

At the heart of the M40i resides a turbo’d three-litre inline-six similar to the one found in the 35i, but features strengthened internals, as well as choice components from the M3/M4, to help it live up to its credentials. The six-pot’s 360bhp/465Nm is mated to an all-wheel drive chassis tweaked with stronger springs and stabilisers to meet the driver’s demand for more involving driving. 465Nm is on tap from 1350rpm to 5250rpm, so the 1.8-tonne Sport Activity Vehicle’s reflexes are beyond reproach; on the straights, the 100km/h sprint from standstill is dispatched in under five seconds. The familiar eight-speed automatic offers punchy, staccato shifts when hustled quickly, yet is perfectly suited to slur its way around town.

Most admirable is the fact that the M40i’s ride never deteriorates into crashes and jars even with the sports suspension and damping, which makes it a perfect cross country tourer, especially if your route will take you on the winding roads. Story David Khoo / Photos BMW

BMW X4 M40i
Engine 2,979cc, 24V, inline 6, turbocharged
Power 360bhp at 5800-6000rpm
Torque 465Nm at 1350-5250rpm
Gearbox 8-speed automatic
Top Speed 250km/h
0-100kmh 4.9 seconds
Fuel efficiency 8.6L/100km
CO2 199g/km
Availability N/A