BMW continues to test the upcoming X4 M at the Nurburgring, where it was recently caught on video for the first time.
The prototype builds upon the second-generation model, codenamed G02, to which it adds larger front and rear bumpers, a small trunklid spoiler, quad exhaust pipes and new bigger wheels.
It also gets a tuned chassis with changes to the suspension, steering and bigger brakes, as the BMW X4 M has a clear rival in mind: the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe, which uses a 510PS (503hp / 375kW) twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, in ‘S’ guise. With this engine, it takes as little as 3.8 seconds to reach 100km/h (62mph) and maxes out at an electronically capped 250km/h (155mph).
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The BMW X4 M is expected to use the S58 engine. The 3.0-liter inline-six unit is basically an evolution of the S55 mill that powers the M3 and M4, and will be shared with the X3 M. The engine should deliver around 460PS (454hp / 338kW), making it some 100PS (99hp / 74kW) more potent than the M40i models.
BMW’s X4 M should be just as fast as the range-topping GLC Coupe, needing less than 4 seconds for the 0 to 100km/h (0-62mph) sprint, and reaching a top speed of 280km/h (174mph) with the M Driver’s Package, or 250km/h (155mph) without it.
The high-performance member of the new X4 family could launch in global markets before the end of the year.