BMW X4 M40i revealed in Detroit with 355bhp

Fans of fast SUVs may have recently been distracted by the bonkers all-electric Tesla Model X, but now BMW has let its M Performance division fettle the X4 - and the Detroit Motor Show is hosting the results. The new M40i gets a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six with 355bhp, and gives the Porsche Macan Turbo something to think about.

Although this isn't a full blown M-car in the vein of the scorching X5 M and X6 M, the figures aren't to be sniffed at. The X4 M40i is capable of 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds (0.1 seconds down on the Porsche) and is limited to 155mph. 

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As is always the way with BMW, the efficiency numbers are just as competitive. The M40i just slips under the 200g/km of CO2 barrier (beating the Macan Turbo) and claims a decent economy figure of 33mpg. 

It isn't all about the numbers, as M Performance has given the chassis a going over. Sportier springs and damper rates combine with a rear-biased four-wheel-drive system and active sports exhaust to give the X4 M40i the dynamics and noise to match the power. The bad news? This model hasn't been confirmed for the UK market yet.

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The X4 M40i will probably go on sale in Europe at the start of 2016, but the UK's diesel-only X4 line-up doesn't currently make room for a hot petrol variant. That could change once the ramifications of the VW emissions scandal hit home, as buyers could become more wary of diesel models. For now, those yearning for a fast petrol X4 will have to keep their fingers crossed.

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