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As BMW's X models continue to grow in size, another opening has appeared that is just big enough to allow the Munich firm to introduce an all-new car called the X4. This smaller, sportier crossover is to the X3 what the X6 is to the X5. Confused? Don't be. This new mid-size 'Sports Activity Coupé' holds plenty of appeal to younger buyers in particular and those who want a car to fit in with their lifestyle. Apparently.
Exterior
Like the larger X6 model, the new BMW X4 is dominated by a sloping coupé-like roofline that sets it apart from the majority of other mid-size crossover vehicles in the segment. The X4 is lower than the X3 on which it is based, by 36mm, but the roofline is tall enough to still allow for a generous glazed area while taking on a less steeply-sloped rear, helping to elongate the car's side profile, even though it is just 14mm longer than an X3.
The X4's front end is dominated by the large, bold BMW kidney grilles and headlights that mimic those seen on the BMW X5. The lower bumper houses large air scoops that, in addition to having a functional purpose, also reiterate the sporting credentials of this new model. Around the rear of the X4, a heavily contoured diffuser continues the performance look, although from certain angles it does look rather fussy.
Interior
Helping to make its driver feel like they are in something a little sportier, the driver's seat height has been lowered by 20mm from the X3's, while rear occupants sit 28mm lower - something that should help rearward visibility. Despite appearances, the rear passenger area can accommodate three occupants, although it is designed more with just two in mind.
Boot volume is quoted as 500 litres, which can be expanded to 1,400 litres by folding down the rear seats, which conveniently offer a 40:20:40 split arrangement. As an option, BMW will also be offering what it calls the Smart Opener, which enables owners to open the boot lid by waving their foot below the rear bumper should their hands be full.
From the front seats the layout and design is a familiar story, with the latest version of BMW's iDrive system and high resolution display screen dominating the centre of the dashboard. As with the rest of its current models, BMW will offer a range of different trim lines that in turn will dictate the finish of the cabin.
Mechanicals
The range of petrol-engined models being offered start with the xDrive20i - a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, producing 184hp and generating 270Nm of torque. Stepping up from that is the xDrive28i, which uses the same engine configuration but is tuned to deliver higher levels of performance - 245hp and a more substantial 350Nm of torque. If you can't wait for the inevitable 'M' version, you'll have to make do with the xDrive35i - powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six engine that pumps out 306hp and 400Nm of torque.
More important to our market is the range of diesel engines on offer, starting with, and likely to be the most popular, X4 xDrive20d. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine benefits from the latest TwinPower turbocharging technology that helps it to produce 190hp and 400Nm of torque, while emitting 143g/km of CO2. Two different 3.0-litre diesels will also be on offer - the xDrive 30d and xDrive35d. The former produces 250hp and 560Nm of torque while the range topping 35d will ensure that your headrest gets plenty of use thanks to the 313hp and 650Nm of torque that help propel it from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.2 seconds.
Anything else?
The new X4 will come will permanent four-wheel drive (xDrive) across the initial engine range, although we imagine that further down the line, as with the X3, BMW will offer rear-wheel drive versions under the 'sDrive' moniker. It's expected that the new BMW X4 will receive its world debut at the New York Auto Show in April.
BMW Ireland has confirmed that the X4 will go on sale in July starting at €57,720 on-the-road for the X4 xDrive 20d SE model.
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