The new BMW X4 is based on the technical blueprint of the BMW X3, but displays a sporting character very much its own and takes dynamics to another new level. That much is clear when you view the new model head-on. The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the character lines in the front apron allow the BMW X4 – with its signature BMW twin headlights and front fog lamps (both optionally with LED technology) – to maximise its visual presence on the road. The roofline reaches its highest point above the driver and then swoops down smoothly to the trailing edge of the tailgate, mimicking the design language of a classical sporting coupe. The signature swage line running along the flanks of BMW models is split into two on the X4. The first section rises dynamically from the front wheel arches to the rear door handles, while the second part draws the eye to the muscular sculpting of the rear wings. The rear end, complete with L-shaped LED lights in exclusive X4 design and diffuser-look styling, likewise highlights the outstanding dynamic ability of the new BMW X4 – even before it turns a wheel.
The driver and front passenger sit 20 millimetres lower than in the BMW X3. In conjunction with the two-seat look of the rear, this accentuates the coupe character of the new BMW in the classy and exclusive interior as well. At the same time, the X4 offers generous levels of space for up to five people and – thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest – impressive variability.
Design and functionality
The new BMW X4 offers the premium mid-size segment its first taste of the Sports Activity Coupe concept. Like the successful and still unique BMW X6, 250,000 units of which have now been sold, the new X4 also provides a compelling and unmistakable presence on the road. Visually, it combines to perfection the powerful character of a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with the sporting elegance of a classical coupe.
A unique expression of pure driving pleasure.
The new BMW X4 may be based on the technical blueprint of the BMW X3, but the moment you set eyes on it, the new SAV reveals a dynamic personality all of its own and an even more ebullient character. At 4,671 millimetres in length, it is just 14 millimetres longer than the X3, but is also 36 millimetres lower to the ground (height: 1,624 mm) and cuts a persuasive figure with its perfectly balanced proportions and distinctive character. The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the precise character lines in the front apron lend the X4 a more muscular and agile appearance. This lowers the car’s visual centre of gravity closer to the road, signalling its sharper dynamics. The effect is further enhanced by the fog lamps sited below the signature twin headlights (both also available with LED technology as an option). This arrangement defines the striking “three-eyed” face of every BMW X model.
The coupe-like roofline of the BMW X4 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 tailgate. These stretched lines underline the sporting coupe character of the X4 particularly effectively. 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 which, for the first time, is split into two. The first section rises smoothly from the front wheel arches to the rear door handles, highlighting the outstanding dynamic ability of the new BMW X4, while the second part accentuates the powerful sculpting of the rear wings. The contoured C-pillars – complete with muscular shoulders – represent a perfectly judged continuation of the theme, as does the broad and low-set rear end, which reminds the driver and passengers of the superior performance served up by the new BMW X4 before they even climb aboard.
Sporty and exclusive interior.
The interior of the new BMW X4 reveals a harmonious synthesis of sportiness and exclusivity. The X4’s body is mounted 36 millimetres closer to the road than that of the BMW X3. The driver and front passenger sit 20 millimetres lower and the rear passengers 28 millimetres lower, creating the feeling of a classical sports coupe. It is a sensation reinforced by the rear seat bench, which comes with the type of continuously moulded side supports normally only provided by two individual seats, but still offers space for three passengers. Equally impressive is the load capacity available (500–1,400 litres), which can be used in a wide variety of ways thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split rear seat bench. Everyday usability is further enhanced by the standard-fitted automatically opening tailgate.
This can be specified as an option with the extra convenience of the Smart Opener, which allows it to be opened with a movement of the foot. All BMW X4 variants are fitted with the Radio Professional with iDrive Controller and central display. Among the features contributing to the flawless ergonomics inside the new BMW X4 is the touch-sensitive surface of the new iDrive Touch Controller (available in conjunction with the Navigation System Professional), which allows drivers or passengers to use their finger to write letters for text inputs – a navigation destination, for example.
The premium quality and exclusivity of the interior are underlined by selected materials, subtle electroplated accents, a high-gloss black-panel look (in models with the two-zone automatic climate control system) and aluminium trim strips in the wood panelling. The unmistakable character of the BMW X4 is further highlighted by a level of standard equipment even more generous than that found on board the BMW X3. Indeed, the BMW X4 comes as standard with an automatically opening tailgate, a sports leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles (not available for the X4 xDrive20d with six-speed manual gearbox), variable sport steering, Performance Control and Park Distance Control at the rear.
Powertrain
Exclusive BMW TwinPower Turbo technology ensures outstanding performance while keeping fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to a minimum. The state-of-the-art petrol engines available for the new BMW X4 boast High Precision Direct Injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft control and Valvetronic fully variable valve timing. These technologies join forces to provide the high-revving character for which BMW is renowned, along with excellent power delivery, superb refinement – and impressive efficiency. Indeed, the petrol engines for the new BMW X4 raise the bar with their combination of compelling dynamics yet rock-bottom fuel consumption and emissions. Drivers with sporting ambitions will be extremely well served by the X4 xDrive35i. Its 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine conjures up maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp between 5,800 and 6,400 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 1,200–5,000 rpm. That’s enough to power the X4 xDrive35i from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 247 km/h (153 mph). The 2.0-litre petrol engine in the BMW X4 xDrive20i with eight-speed Steptronic transmission develops 135 kW/184 hp at 5,000 – 6,250 rpm and serves up 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque between 1,250 and 4,500 rpm. And that allows the X4 xDrive20i to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 seconds.
Powerful diesel engines
The BMW X4 xDrive20d is powered by a newly developed 2.0-litre diesel engine with an all-aluminium construction, which achieves injection pressure of 2,000 bar thanks to common rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors. This cutting-edge power unit develops 140 kW/190 hp at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). As a result, the X4 xDrive20d requires just 8.0 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph). And yet, linking up with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, it pins fuel consumption to 5.4–5.0* litres/100 km [52.3–56.5 mpg imp].
Intelligent all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission.
All X4 models have a sporty suspension set-up and come with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system xDrive with standard Performance Control. This ensures that drive is also split between the rear wheels continuously and as required, which further improves traction, turn-in and directional stability. Working in tandem with the standard variable sport steering, these systems allow the BMW X4 to deliver driving dynamics that surpass even those of the BMW X3 in terms of sportiness. An xDrive status display in the Control Display uses three-dimensional graphics to keep the driver informed of the car’s body roll and pitch. If a navigation system is specified, all BMW X4 models also feature a compass display in the instrument cluster.
The BMW X4 xDrive20d can be ordered with either a six-speed manual gearbox or the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while the X4 xDrive20i is only offered with the eight-speed Steptronic. The other X4 models come with the eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission as standard. With all automatic models, gears can also be changed using paddles on the sports steering wheel.
Driver assistance and Services & Apps.
Providing added safety and greater convenience in the BMW X4 is the optional full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects all important driving information and the assistance systems displays into the driver’s field of view in high resolution. What’s more, the latest-generation Navigation System Professional with ECO PRO route guidance now teams up with the iDrive Touch Controller whose touchpad allows texts – e.g. a navigation destination – to be easily inputted by using a finger. Safety and convenience can be further enhanced by optional premium features like the anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, Driving Assistant Plus including Pedestrian and Collision Warning with City Braking function, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Lane Departure Warning.
