The new BMW X4 combines the hallmark features of the BMW X family with the sporting elegance of a classical coupé, resulting in BMW’s first Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) for the premium mid-size segment.
Its dynamic pedigree is underlined by a wide range of cutting-edge high-performance engines, the xDrive all-wheel-drive system and a high level of standard equipment. A choice of three diesel engines, a comprehensive package of BMW EfficientDynamics measures and the extensive connectivity provided by BMW ConnectedDrive are all elements in a driving experience allows sporty performance and incredible efficiency.
At 4,671 millimetres in length, it is just 14 millimetres longer than the X3, but at 1,624mm high it is also 36 millimetres lower to the ground and cuts a dynamic profile with its perfectly balanced proportions and distinctive sporting character.
The new BMW X4 follows in the footsteps of the BMW X6, visually combining the character of a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with the sporting elegance of a classic coupé to create an unmistakable presence on the road.
Based on the same platform as the BMW X3, the BMW X4 displays a sporting character of its own. The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the character lines in the front apron lend the X4 a more muscular and agile appearance. This lowers the car’s visual centre of gravity, signalling its sharper dynamics. The effect is further enhanced by the fog lamps sited below the signature twin headlights.
The coupé-like roofline reaches its highest point over the front seats, reflecting the traditional driver focus of BMW cars, before dropping gently down towards the trailing edge of the boot lid. The standalone design of the BMW X4 is further reinforced by the fresh interpretation of the signature swage line running along the flanks of BMW models. For the first time this is split into two the first section rises smoothly from the front wheel arches to the rear door handles, while the second part accentuates the powerful sculpting of the rear wings.
The contoured C-pillars, muscular shoulders and the broad and low-set rear end, hints at the performance of the BMW X4 before the engine has even been started.
The interior of the new BMW X4 reveals a harmonious synthesis of sportiness and exclusivity. The driver focused cabin uses premium materials including subtle electroplated accents, a high-gloss black-panel look and aluminium trim strips in the wood panelling to create a luxurious ambiance.
The driver and front passenger sit 20mm lower and the rear passengers 28mm lower than in a BMW X3, accentuating the classic coupé feeling. It is a sensation reinforced by the rear bench seat, which comes with the type of continuously moulded side support normally only provided by two individual seats, but still offers space for three passengers.
The BMW X4 has a load capacity of between 500 and1,400 litres which, thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, can be used in a wide variety of ways. Everyday usability is further enhanced by the standard-fit automatically opening tailgate.
The BMW X4 offers a level of standard equipment well above that found on the BMW X3. As standard it comes with an automatically opening tailgate, Variable Sport Steering, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, front and rear Park Distance Control, Performance Control and Xenon headlights. Inside the BMW X4 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, a Sport leather steering wheel, Heated front seats and BMW Business Media package are all standard.
For an additional £1,500 the xLine trim level will also be available on the BMW X4. This includes an exclusive18-inch light-alloy wheel, Satin Aluminium exterior trim, Dark Copper interior trim, Sport seats and exclusive xLine leather upholstery.
The popular M Sport model costs an additional £3,000 over the SE and offers even greater dynamics and visually boosts the X4’s sporting appeal. The M Aerodynamic bodystyling, High-gloss Shadow Line trim exterior trim and an exclusive 19-inch M Sport light-alloy wheels lends the BMW X4 an even more sporty appearance, while the M Sport suspension enhances the ride. BMW M door sill finishers, Sport seats and an Aluminium Hexagon interior trim add the finishing touches.
From launch the new BMW X4 will be available with a choice three diesel engines, all of which meet the EU6 standards. BMW TwinPower Turbo technology ensures that performance is maintained while fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are kept to a minimum.
The BMW X4 xDrive20d is powered by a newly developed 2.0-litre diesel engine with an all-aluminium construction. This power unit develops 190hp at 4,000rpm with a peak torque of 400Nm. As a result, the X4 xDrive20d requires just 8.0 seconds to sprint from zero to 62mph. The BMW X4 xDrive20d comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox but can be optionally specified with an the eight-speed automatic transmission which brings fuel consumption down to 54.3mpg and sets the CO2 emission at 138g/km.
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW X4 xDrive30d, paired with the standard eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, returns a combined mpg of 47.9 while CO2 emissions are just 156 g/km. These parsimonious emissions don’t impact the performance with the engine outputting 258hp at 4,000rpm with a peak torque of 560Nm from as low as 1,500rpm, while it accelerates from zero to 62mph in 5.8 seconds.
The xDrive35d engine tops the BMW X4 line-up. The 3.0-litre diesel delivers 313hp and puts a peak torque of 630Nm on tap from between 1,500 and 2,500rpm. With its standard-fitted Launch Control, the X4 xDrive35d launches from zero to 62mph in a mere 5.2 seconds and goes onto a top speed of 153mph. However, the X4 xDrive35d still posts fuel consumption of just 47.1mpg and emits only 157g/km CO2.
The BMW X4 arrives in dealerships on 12 July, 2014 and will be priced from £36,590 OTR for an X4 xDrive20d SE.
