BMW’s all new X4 is now on sale, offering X3 practicality in a sleeker, coupe shaped package. With an all-diesel engine lineup and BMW’s xDrive variable four-wheel drive system, the ‘downsized X6’ Sports Activity Vehicle is the first of its kind from the German marque.
Some less than conventional proportions come thanks to a combination of a rear resembling the 5-series Gran Turismo’s and nose resembling that of an X3. But BMW claims this shape has been created in order to bring the 4671mm long X4’s appearance away from a traditional four-wheel drive and closer to that of a sporting vehicle.
Subscribe to evo magazine
To maintain this sporting feel, the front seats are 20mm lower than in the X3, whilst that sleek rear roofline forces rear passengers to sit 28mm lower than they would in the X3. Behind them, a load capacity of 500 and 1,400 litres is available (the latter with the 40:20:40 split folding seats down), and an automatic opening tailgate.
Up front, the X4 comes with BMW’s ConnectedDrive system, with a head-up display projecting journey information into the driver’s field of vision. Phone connectivity and online entertainment are all accessible, and the Satnav now links with the iDrive touch controller. Safety features including a dazzle high-beam adjuster, collision reducing city braking function, pedestrian collision warning, cruise control and lane departure are all available. The car will even automatically call for assistance if the airbags are deployed.
Drivers will face a sports leather steering wheel, sit on heated front seats and have BMW’s Business Media package available as standard. If the £1500 xLine trim or £3000 M Sport packages are selected, metallic trim and sports seats are added to the cabin.
In its fastest 35d guise, the 3.0-litre diesel engine posses 308bhp and a substantial 465lb ft of torque, propelling the SAV from 0-62 in 5.2secs and onto a top speed of 153mph. Whilst with the more economical 20d 2-litre diesel, a combined fuel economy of 54.3mpg and emissions as low as 138g/km of CO2 are possible.
To further this efficiency, Stop/Start technology and brake energy regeneration come as part of BMW’s EfficientDynamics package. Optional 17-inch aero wheels are also available with reduced rolling resistance tyres, helping to knock a further 7g/km of CO2 off emission figures.
The standard chassis setup comprises 18- or 19-inch wheels (the latter available with the M Sport package), sports suspension and the usual variable four-wheel drive xDrive dynamics that allow power to be independently sent to each wheel.
Priced from £36,590 for the entry-level xDrive 20d SE, the X4 is in showrooms now available for order.
