It’s been four years since the first-generation BMW X4 Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) made its debut and BMW was quick to introduce a full-model change to bring the X4 model timeline closer to the X3 that it is based on. Having shifted 200,000 units of the X4 since 2014, the new-generation model continues its predecessor’s standout exterior design and superior driving dynamics.
Riding on the group’s new Cluster Architecture or CLAR platform like the X3, the X4 has grown in dimensions while shaving off some excess weight. The SAC now stands 4,752 mm in length (+81 mm), 1,918 mm in width (+37 mm) and 1,621 mm in height (-3 mm) with a wheelbase of 2,864 mm that is 54 mm longer than the model it replaces.
Using BMW EfficientLightweight measures, the engineers have managed to save some 50 kg in weight while maintaining a perfectly balanced 50:50 weight distribution. The all-new X4 also boasts 10 percent improvement in aerodynamic drag thanks to a streamlined design, active air flaps, air curtains on the front bumper and additional underbody cladding. Setting a new benchmark in its segment with a drag coefficient of 0.30 Cd.
For exterior trims, the X4 is available in three distinct lines – xLine, M Sport and M Sport X. The entry-level xLine sees matt aluminium finish on the kidney grille, side window graphic and underbody protection while wheel sizes range from 19- to 20-inches. The M Sport and M Sport X variants can be told apart from its M Aerodynamic body kit, M Sport Brakes, M Sport Suspension, high-gloss black window graphic and M lightweight alloys measuring 19- to 20-inch in size.
The M Sport X gets additional trims to set itself apart with more rugged looks. Building upon the M Sport, new items found on this variant include Frozen Grey finish on its kidney grille, bumper trims and side cladding strips. Customers can also dress their SUVs up with the optional M Performance Parts.
Inside, the X4 gets BMW’s latest cabin architecture found in the G12 7-Series and G30 5-Series. You can have the interior equipped with 12.0-inch LCD instrument cluster, Full-colour Heads-up Display, 10.25-inch iDrive touch display with gesture control, tri-zone climate control with Ambient Air package, Ambient lighting with light carpet, BMW Display Key panoramic sunroof and many more.
As usual, the M Sport variants get M Sport specific items for the multifunctional steering wheel, sport seats, sport pedals, interior badges and floor carpets. Thanks to the stretched wheelbase, BMW has freed up 27 mm of legroom for the rear passengers and increased boot space of 525 litres (+25 litres). The rear seats have a 40:20:40 folding configuration to expand the boot space to 1,430 litres.
At launch, the X4 is available with six engine choices – three turbo petrol and three turbodiesel mills. There are also the full-blown M Performance models in the guise of M40i and M40d. Here is the breakdown:
Petrol Engines
| Name | BMW X4 xDrive20i | BMW X4 xDrive30i | BMW X4 M40i |
| Engine | 1,998cc; 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo | 2,998cc; in-line 6 TwinPower Turbo | |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | ||
| Max Power | 181 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 248 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 355 hp @ 5,500 – 6,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 290 Nm @ 1,3500 – 4,250 rpm | 350 Nm @ 1,450 – 4,800 rpm | 500 @ 1,520 – 4,800 rpm |
| 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed | 8.3 seconds; 215 km/h | 6.3 seconds; 240 km/h | 4.8 seconds; 250 km/h |
Diesel Engines
| Name | BMW X4 xDrive20d | BMW X4 xDrive25d | BMW X4 xDrive30d | BMW X4 M40d |
| Engine | 1,995cc; 4-cylinder turbodiesel | 2,993cc; in-line 6 turbodiesel | ||
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | |||
| Max Power | 187 hp @ 4,000 rpm | 228 hp @ 4,400 rpm | 261 hp @ 4,000 rpm | 321 hp @ 4,400 rpm |
| Max Torque | 400 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,500 rpm | 500 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | 620 Nm @ 2,000 – 2,500 rpm | 680 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,750 rpm |
| 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed | 8.0 seconds; 213 km/h | 6.8 seconds; 230 km/h | 5.8 seconds; 240 km/h | 4.9 seconds; 250 km/h |
The M40i and M40d models gets uprated mechanics to complement the potent in-line six engines. You’ll find M sports exhaust with electronically controlled flaps, Launch Control, rear-biased all-wheel drive with Performance Control function, M Sport differential, variable sport steering and the option for Adaptive M suspension.
New safety features also find its way to the X4 in the form of, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Speed Limit Info traffic sign recognition system including No Passing Info display, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning.
Other optional package includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Steering and lane control assistant (operational between 0 and 210 km/h), Crossing traffic warning and Crossroads warning, Parking Assistant Plus and Remote 3D View function.
After the all-new X2 and X3 arrive to our shores, BMW Malaysia may be looking into the introduction of the all-new BMW X4 because it appears that Malaysians have an appetite for this funky looking SAC.
IMAGE GALLERY
