Just a week after it debuted its first all-electric offerings for the U.S. market, BMW’s followed up with the debut of its 2022 X3 and X4 sport-activity offerings plus their X3 M and X4 M siblings, as well as the new 430i Gran Coupe and M440i Gran Coupe.
The new models get substantive updates inside and out, the company noted, including improvements to the drivetrain, infotainment and safety technology features. In addition, the X3 M40i and X4 M40i feature 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
BMW’s X3 line-up boasts rear-wheel drive X3 sDrive30i, all-wheel drive X3 xDrive30i and M all-wheel drive X3 M40i. The X4 gets the xDrive30i model as well as the X4 M40i. They’ll be produced at the company’s plant in Greer, South Carolina — home to all of its SAV production — alter this summer.
Prices start at $43,700 for the X3 sDrive30i, jumping to $45,700 for the X3 xDrive30i and $57,800 for the X3 M40i. Meanwhile the X4 xDrive30i is $51,800, followed by the X4 M40i at $62,400. Destination of $995 is in addition to all MSRP pricing.
A few tweaks
The exterior updates do include the much-maligned “beaver teeth” kidney grille for the X3 and X4, although they are smaller than those seen on other new models. The changes also include redesigned headlights, front and rear bumpers, exhaust trim and rear lights.
In terms of performance, the BMW X3 M40i and BMW X4 M40i gain the benefits of a 48-volt mild hybrid-system for the new model year. The mild hybrid technology draws on a 48-volt starter/generator and an additional battery, so it has significantly expanded possibilities when it comes to brake energy recuperation, the company notes.
When the accelerator pedal is released, the generator converts the kinetic energy into electricity, which is stored in the 48-volt battery. Recuperation in coasting mode is particularly intense in Sport mode.
Plenty of performance with new X3 M and X4 M
With a new X3 and X4 comes the opportunity for the mad scientists at M GmbH to have some fun, which comes in the form of the 2022 X3 M and X4 M as well as the Competition variant for each one.
Set to hit the market in September, the X3 M and X4 M are powered by a turbocharged inline-6 cylinder. Naturally, it’s been improved for the new models.
The latest version of this engine currently delivers 457 lb-ft of torque in the BMW X3 M and X4 M and 479 lb-ft of torque in Competition tune. This is an increase of 37 lb- ft of torque for the Competition package equipped models and an increase of 13 lb-ft for the 2022 BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M.
The engine features characteristics typical of M, including track-proven cooling and oil supply systems, linear power delivery and a high redline of 7,200 rpm.
The new increased torque production lowers the 0-60 acceleration time of the BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M from 4.1 seconds to 3.9 seconds and from 4.0 seconds to 3.7 seconds for the Competition package-equipped X3 M and X4 M.
Top speed is an electronically limited 155 mph, which is increased to 177 mph when the optional M Driver’s Package is selected. This package also includes a voucher for driver training at one of the BMW Performance Center driving schools around the country.
Pricing on the new X3 M starts at $69,900 while the X4 M comes in at $73,400, plus the $995 destination charge for both.
Lower is not slower
For those only requiring the sport and not the activity, BMW covered that as well with the debut of the second-generation 4 Series Gran Coupe. The Bavarian brand revealed two offerings: the 430i Gran Coupe and the M440i Gran Coupe.
BMW claims the new 4 Series models “promise and deliver class-leading design, performance, infotainment, connectivity and advanced driver assist safety systems.” The all-wheel-drive 430i features a long, low body and room for five adults. It’s powered by a twin turbo 2.0-liter 4 cylinder putting out 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It handles the 0 to 60 spint in a very capable 5.8 seconds. While it offers plenty of punch, it’s M440i that appeals to the racing driver in buyers.
The inline 6-cylinder engine powering the BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe was developed with the motorsport expertise of BMW M GmbH and comes with weight-optimized pistons and connecting rods as well as a twin-scroll turbocharger with indirect charge air cooling. It generates 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, pushing the BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
The new 4 Series offerings begin production in July with the first ones hitting the streets in August. The 430i comes in at $44,800 while the M440i starts at $58,000 with a destination charge of $995 for both.
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