BMW Confirms World Premiere of M2 and X4 M40i at Detroit Auto Show Detroit

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
The Auto Channel

BMW M2 coupe

MUNICH - December 17, 2015: In less than four weeks, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit will open its doors at the renovated Cobo Hall to the public. A few days earlier, the media will be present a slew of new cars and concepts. BMW has just announced they are coming to Motown with two world premieres: the M2 and X4 M40i.

M2 Coupe This past October, The Auto Channel covered the details of the M2 with our First Look. (SEE: First Look: 2016 BMW M2 Coupe Review by Henny Hemmes

There's no doubt that BMW aficionados will be happy with the arrival of the M2 Coupe. The compact high-performance model will be equipped with the brand new 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo engine (N55 with parts of the M3’s N65) that produces 272 kW/370 hp with 465 Nm/343 pound-feet of maximum torque. Peak torque can be increased by overboost for a short burst to 500 Nm/369 lb-ft.

With the new engine, the M2 is a sports coupe that's undoubtedly fit for fun on the race track. I expect to see a lot of the compact BMW in events of the SCCA, the Sports Car Club of America. Customers who want to enjoy the M2 on the race track will probably combine the new M-engine with the optional 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DTC) and Launch Control. Configured like this, the M2 can accelerated from zero to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph (250 km/h) and at 168 mph (270 km/h) when the car is equipped with the M Driver’s Package.

It is no surprise that BMW M GmbH uses the lightweight aluminum axles of the M3/M4 in the M2. The car comes standard with M Servotronic steering with two modes and M compound brakes and 19-inch aluminum wheels with specially developed Michelin Ultra High Performance tires in the size 245/35/19 (front) and 265/35/19 (rear). The Active M Differential and the possibility to activate M Dynamic Mode (MDM) within the Dynamic Stability Control system will allow controlled drifts on the race track.

The Coupe is immediately recognizable as an M-model by its low front apron with large air intakes, the M gills at the side and the twin exhaust pipes with the specific M design. In the cockpit we will see familiar M sports seats, steering wheel and gearshift lever. The new model will be available with a wide range of driver assistance systems and ConnectedDrive Services, which among others enables the use of apps, such as the the GoPro app to record the laps on the track with a dashboard-mounted action camera, by using the iDirve controller ad Control Display. The laps can be analyzed with the M Paltimer app and then shared immediately via e-mail or Facebook.

Early February, the latest M model will be available for a first test drive on Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca. Please stay tuned.

X4 M40i

BMW X4 M40i

Just like the M2 Coupe, the X4M40i will be equipped with the new 3.0-liter turbo engine. However, in X4 M40i the power output is somewhat less than: 265 kW/360 hp, although maximum torque of 465 Nm/343 pound-feet is the same. The X4 accelerates from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and reaches a - limited - top of 155 mph (250 km/h) The sporty ‘activity coupe’ is standard equipped with 20-inch M-wheels with Michelins 245/40/20 up front and 275/35/20 in the rear.

BMW X4 M40i

The sports suspension of this model has stronger springs and anti-roll bars, while the camber of the front axle has been increased. Even though the X4 M40i has not been developed for track use, it will offer excellent handling thanks to the M specified active dampers and xDrive system with Performance Control.

We will also drive the X4 M40i in February.