BMW will take the performance crossover section a step further with the planned 2017 BMW X4 M40i. Courtesy of some leaked images, we now finally have a glimpse at the car, showing some impressive work done by BMW, not only inside the car, but on the exterior as well.

We also know some of the details regarding the powertrain options. The M40i will be BMW’s flagship in the X4 lineup.

The main difference inside the performance crossover is at the steering wheel. Aside from the new M-Sport steering wheel, and new sill plates, everything inside is exactly the same as in the 2016 X4 with M-sport package. The door sills carry the name of the M40i model, adding a special touch and character to the interior.

The 2017 BMW X4 M40i will carry more power than regular X4 and the styling of the body complements the bigger aggressiveness of the performance crossover. The new styling pack includes deep front bumper, new rear bumper with new exhaust system that now includes split single exhaust system on both sides of the bumper, 19 inch alloy wheels, side skirts and much more. The 19 inch alloy wheels are specific for the 2017 X4 M40i and are wrapped in low profile tires. The M emblems sprinkle all around the wheels.

However, fans of the BMW X4 lineup will notice that much in the exterior is same as with the current BMW X4 crossovers. The 2017 BMW X4 M40i is the sixth model in the M Performance lineup, following the likes of the M135, M550d, X6 M50d and some others.

The 2017 BMW X4 M40i will get a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine under the hood that can produce up to 355hp. Paired with an all-wheel drive system and eight speed automatic transmission, the 2017 M40i will sprint to 60mph in just 4.9 seconds which is a little faster than the standard X4 model. The current X4 xDrive 35i sprints to 60mph in 5.5 seconds. The extra power doesn’t bring much higher top speed though, as the 2017 X4 M40i is limited to 155mph.

What is impressive is that BMW will keep the 2017 M40i in the range of highly efficient vehicles. Despite the more powerful engine and performance gains, fuel consumption is still 8.6 liters per 100km.