BMW unveils new X4 at Detroit auto show

BMW has unveiled a “powerful” new addition to its lineup of Spartanburg County-produced vehicles.

The automaker introduced its X4 M40i model this week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The car boasts a “newly developed” gas-powered 3-liter, 355-horsepower M Performance TwinPower turbo inline 6-cylinder engine with 343 pound-feet of torque.

BMW Manufacturing Co. confirmed Tuesday that the model, which the company said is expected to hit dealerships in February with a starting price of $57,800, will be made in Spartanburg.

A plant official said it will be a “flagship” vehicle for the X4 model range, the younger brother of the X6 that combines elements of a sporty coupe with a Sports Activity Vehicle.

The local facility will continue to produce the 2-liter, 240-horsepower 4-cylinder xDrive28i and 3-liter, 300-horsepower 6-cylinder xDrive35i variants of the X4 that went into production in 2014, capping off a $1 billion expansion of the plant announced in 2012.

The plant is nearing completion of another $1 billion expansion announced in 2014 to bring its annual production up to 450,000 vehicles and to add a new model — the X7 — to its lineup.

BMW said the M40i will be able to reach an electronically-limited top speed of 150 mph, and travel from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The model includes an exterior chassis tuned to M Performance specifications, as well as BMW ConnectedDrive, xDrive and TwinScroll turbo technologies.

Its fuel efficiency is expected to be more than 27 miles per gallon.

The interior will emphasize M elements, including an M leather steering wheel, M gear lever and digital model lettering on the instrument panel.