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BMW X4 M40i spotted testing in Germany

The stream of segment-busting BMW variants is showing no signs of letting up, and with the latest addition now upon us, questions have been circulating as to whether the Bavarian automaker would do an M version of the new X4 crossover. The jury may still be out on that proposition, but the latest intel suggests that, while a full-on X4 M may not be in the cards, a next-best-thing X4 M40i is in the works. And that appears to be what we're looking at in this fresh batch of spy shots.
Spotted for the first time undergoing testing in Germany, this X4 is tipped to be the next addition to the M Performance line that's already given us near-boiling models like the M135i and M235i on the one hand and the diesel-powered M550d, X5 M50d and X6 M50d on the other. Power in this case is tipped to come from the same 3.0-liter turbo six as the upcoming M2, producing between 360 and 380 horsepower.
Unlike the current top-of-that-specific-line X4 35i, which has two tailpipes on one side, this partially-camouflaged prototype has one pipe protruding from each corner of the rear bumper, but looks like it could easily accommodate twin pipes on both sides. Expect commensurate suspension, brake, rolling stock, aero and trim upgrades to come as part of the package, though they likely won't be quite as substantial as those applied to the X5 M and X6 M.

BMW and Samsung team up with Galaxy Gear smartwatch that talks to your i3

Without a doubt, the most impressive thing that BMW showed at CES this year was a driverless M235i drifting flawlessly around a wet track at Las Vegas Speedway. However, that bit of robotic helmsmanship wasn't the only trick the German company had up its sleeve. Or, more to the point, on its wrist.
Taking a page from rival Mercedes-Benz, BMW demonstrated how a "smartwatch," in this case the Samsung Galaxy Gear, could be made to function usefully with a vehicle, in this case the BMW i3. Calling it a "research application," BMW showed off its BMW i Remote App on the Galaxy Gear; the app gives information about state of battery charge, available range and whether or not all the doors and windows are closed or open. Perhaps more useful still, the watch can be used to send a destination to the i3's navigation unit, adjust the climate control in preparation for a trip and can recognize voice commands. Nifty stuff, if not world-shaking, that could help tech-obsessed luxury buyers take a second look at the upcoming BMW EV.
Take a closer look at the watch in action below, or read thru the BMW press release.

BMW 7 Series could get M variant alongside Alpina B7

BMW is launching the new 7 Series with a limited engine lineup, but according to Car and Driver, there are more powerful versions on the way – including a potential M Performance model. The new 7 Series is initially being offered with a 320-horsepower turbo six and a 445-hp twin-turbo V8. European customers will also be able to spec a 261-hp diesel or a 320-hp hybrid. There's an M Sport package available as well with enhanced visual cues, but that won't be the extent of the performance choices when all is said and done. Expect a new 760i that will pack BMW's twin-turbo V12, and a new Alpina B7 to feature a more powerful twin-turbo V8 with around 600 horsepower. In parallel to the Alpina, however, C/D reports that an M Performance model could finally be in the works, which would ostensibly offer BMW the opportunity to go after the likes of the Audi S8, Jaguar XJR, and Mercedes S63 AMG, without changing tacks too drastically over the resolute position it's taken in the past against creating a full-on M7. C/D reports that there are more powerful diesels joining the lineup in the future, but those aren't likely to make their way to US showrooms anytime soon.