BMW Boosts Output of 2020 X3 and X4 M40i

There has been plenty of talk regarding BMW’s plan to gently boost the power figures of select M models. The crossover segment is getting crowded and rival automakers are upping the ante to offer desirable alternatives. Ford’s Edge has often felt a bit too expensive for mainstream tastes but, when optioned correctly, seemed the perfect bargain remedy for BMW’s X3. The 355-hp Edge ST further encouraged this mindset by matching the M40i’s output at a fraction of the price.

It’s hardly the only option, either. Dodge will happily show you a 360-horsepower Durango R/T while Jeep fits you for a Grand Cherokee using the same motor. Regardless of your final decision, both undercut BMW’s pricing by a wide margin — forcing you to spend more if you want comparable might from Germany. As a result, BMW plans to spruce up the powertrains going into the 2020 BMW X3 and X4 M40i xDrive.

Speaking to Motor Authority, BMW spokesman Oleg Satanovsky confirmed the 2020 M550i sedan’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 will get a boost — going from its current 456 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque to 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. Meanwhile, M40i variants of the X3/X4 will see outputs increase from 355 hp to 382 hp in 2020.

The revamp is subtler than the M550i’s 4.4-liter V8 — which receives upsized turbo chargers, a new block, fresh intake manifold, reinforced pistons, higher fuel pressures and more — by focusing mainly on adding boost, revised engine management protocols, and an upgraded exhaust system. Overall, BMW’s 3.0-liter I6 should see overall output increase by around 5 percent next year.

From Motor Authority:

The X3 and X4 M40i use an engine found in many 40i-branded BMWs, including the 540i, X6, 740i, and 840i, although those vehicles don’t get the same power bump for 2020. The 2020 Z4 M40i and 2020 M340i have power ratings similar to the 2020 versions of the X3 and X4 M40i.

It should be noted that these models also received price increases, though that is at least partially due to additional equipment. The base price for the M550i increased by $2,200, and it now includes equipment changes such as an active rear differential and heated seats. The prices for the X3 and X4 M40i rose $1,250 and $550, respectively, and also include small equipment changes.

That still works out to MSRPs of over $56,000 (X3) and $61,000 (X4) for those seeking the M40i variants. We doubt it’ll be enough to sway bargain hunters who probably aren’t seriously eyeballing the brand anyway. Still, it may encourage some to make a meaningful jump up the trim ladder, especially if they’ve been considering something less flashy and more powerful from the beginning. It also helps M40i models come across as more competitive against the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, which also boosted output to 385 horsepower for 2020.

[Image: BMW Group]