New BMW X4
● Geneva launch for new SUV ● First UK cars to be diesel-only OFFICIAL
Wraps are pulled off updated coupé-suv
WE’RE in the middle of a flood of BMW X-cars. Hot on the heels of last year’s new X3 comes the all-new X4 – and we’ve still got the X7 to come.
This is the second generation of the X4 – a rival for the Mercedes GLC Coupé – and, like its predecessor, it’s based on the X3, but trades some of that car’s practicality for coupé-like styling.
It’ll be seen in the flesh for the first time at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Yet as these pictures show, the X4’s genes are obvious from the front, with the grille, bumper and LED headlights all identical to the X3’s.
Along with some restyling of the doors and new ‘subtly hexagonal’ wheelarches has come a very different rear end, with a smoother shape. The LED lights are slimmer than before, with the number plate set lower down and twin exhausts standard on every model.
All this is combined with an 81mm increase in the car’s length and a slight decrease in height over the previous version, to give the new X4 a much sleeker look overall.
Inside, it’s all very X3, so the new X4 also gets the latest idrive system, centred on a free-standing 6.5-inch display on top of the dashboard, as well as the latest in connectivity, through BMW’S Connecteddrive services.
Although the X4 is less practical than the X3, this latest version is more spacious than its predecessor. Rear legroom has increased by 27mm, while the boot capacity is up to 525 litres. Drop the rear bench and you have up to 1,430 litres at your disposal; that’s 30 litres more than in the current car.
As you would expect, the engine range is similar to the X3’s, and every model has an eight-speed automatic transmission. In the UK, buyers will only have diesels to choose from initially, with the xdrive20d and xdrive30d models carried over from the X3.
Naturally, the six-cylinder 30d is the quicker option, with a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.8 seconds, but the 20d (which can cover 0-62mph in 8.0 seconds) is more efficient; it claims fuel economy of up to 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 142g/km.
BMW promises a better drive from this X4 than the previous model, thanks to its lighter weight, rear bias on the standard four-wheel-drive system and improved aerodynamics. All cars will have speed-sensitive steering and M Sport suspension. Options include stronger M Sport brakes and Adaptive Suspension. This can change to suit the conditions and allows the driver to tailor the responses to their liking, offering a sporty drive or a more comfortable ride.
The X4 xdrive20d goes on sale in the UK first, priced from £42,900, with the xdrive30d in showrooms in August.
“As before, the new X4 is based on the X3, but trades some of that car’s practicality for coupé-like styling”