大约在一个月前,有媒体披露宝马将推出M版本的X4,称为X4 M40i。最近谍照记者真的就拍到了其原型车，这进一步证实了该车的存在。从照片看，虽然该车的车头进行了伪装，但仍可看出它采用了M Sport车身套装，在前保险杠左右两侧各有一个硕大进气口。车身轮拱左上方和车门上的的“M”标志被遮盖，甚至连侧踏板也被遮盖起来。车尾遮盖的面积更大，预计将有更大变化，这主要是由于该车与新款M2共享相同引擎，因此需要体积更大的排气系统。而车尾的排气管显然是用来迷惑人的，真正的X4 M版预计将采用四排气尾管，左右两侧各两个。至于动力系统，该车将与M235i搭载相同的N55HP 3.0升涡轮增压引擎，但功率提升至370马力，扭矩达到500牛米。X4 M40i将于明年12月投产，新车将作为2016款车型上市，将于2018年3月停产。这意味着该车将是一款限量版车型，竞争对手主要是保时捷Macan S。

2016 BMW X4 M40i Spotted Testing for the First Time
Just a little over a month ago, we were the first to confirm that BMW will be building an M Performance model of the X4, called the X4 M40i. Now, our spy photographers caught up with the first ever prototype of the car and it’s our pleasure to introduce it to you.

As you can see, the X4 M40i seems to be wearing roughly the same M Sport package up front, as the regular model. The camouflage used on the front fascia makes it hard for us to discern between the curves and look for details but overall, the same two air intakes are present on the sides of the front bumper as well as a wider one down the middle.

On the sides, the model designation badges are covered with camouflage as well on the front doors and the M logo on the front wing is also carefully taped up. Even the side sills have been wrapped up.

Round the back is where we’re expecting more changes to be visible. That’s because the M performance model will have a new engine under the bonnet, shared with the upcoming M2 that will need a little more ‘breathing room’ that the regular X4.

If on the xDrive35i model, the twin tailpipes are not positioned to the sides of the rear spoiler but both of them on the left side, on the M40i we’re expecting them to grow in number (4 tailpipes will likely be used) and migrate in pairs to the sides (two on each side). As you can see, the rear bumper of this car even has the cutouts there but they are housing just one tip each for now.

Speaking of the powerplant, our reliable source inside BMW claims that it will be a 3-liter upgraded, turbocharged unit developed on the same platform as the N55HP unit on the M235i. However, it will have close to 370 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque and a similar inline architecture.

Production of the X4 M40i will begin in December 2015 as a 2016 model, with a projected end of production being scheduled in March 2018. That means this will not be a limited-production car and it will take on the likes of the Macan S.