New BMW X4: the second generation of the sporty SUV arrives

BMW unveils the second generation of the BMW X4, an SUV that inherits all the new features debuted on its bigger sibling, the BMW X3, but with its distinctive coupé silhouette and a sportier character.

With the new generation of the BMW X3 already on the market, the arrival of the new BMW X4, the coupé version of the brand’s compact SUV, was to be expected. It was already on the launch schedule for BMW, although the sales success of its main rival, the Mercedes GLC Coupé, may have accelerated things.

The exterior design of the BMW X4: more coupé

The truth is that, at least aesthetically speaking, many people – myself included – felt that BMW didn’t get the X4 as right compared with the X3 as it did with the BMW X5 compared with the X6. Now they seem to have taken a bit more of a risk, and the new 2018 BMW X4 does have that aggressive, distinctive and dynamic look we had been missing.

The silhouette with its strongly sloping roofline is retained, although the BMW X4 is now bigger: it adds 8 centimetres to the body length to reach 4.75 metres, with a wheelbase of 2.86 metres (5 cm more here). The design gains muscle, but at the same time it has been sharpened to be more effective at cutting through the wind, improving on the previous-generation BMW X4 to achieve a drag coefficient (Cx) of 0.30, a benchmark among SUVs in its category.

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The front grille now has a three-dimensional look, although the most obvious change is at the rear. The new horizontal, split LED light clusters are much larger, and all versions feature twin exhaust outlets.

An interior inherited from the BMW X3

Inside there are no design changes compared with the BMW X4 as far as the dashboard is concerned. The differences lie in the decorative elements, the materials and the personalisation options.

The increased wheelbase means the BMW X4 gains a few centimetres of legroom for rear passengers, who have three full seats and a backrest split in a 40:20:20 ratio. BMW offers an option called Cargo which, among other features, allows the backrest angle to be adjusted for more comfortable travel or to increase boot capacity, which now stands at 520 litres, expandable to 1,430 litres by folding down the seats.

The trim levels available are xLine, M Sport X and the so-called M Sport, all with multiple personalisation options. Among the options, highlights include the three-zone air conditioning, the new two-section panoramic roof, the windscreen and acoustic glass, the BMW Display Key with a 2.2-inch touchscreen or an air purifier with ionizer and eight fragrances. The extensive BMW Individual personalisation catalogue is also available.

Three petrol and four diesel engines

The BMW X4 range offers seven engines to choose from, three petrol and four diesel. The petrol range starts with the 184 CV BMW X4 xDrive20i, followed by the 252 CV xDrive30i, both with four cylinders. Above them, as the most performance-oriented version, is the X4 M40i, with a 360 CV six-cylinder engine.

In diesel there are two four-cylinder versions, the 190 CV xDrive20d and the 231 CV xDrive25d, and two six-cylinder versions, the 265 CV xDrive 30d and the 326 CV M40d. All versions announced at launch feature all-wheel drive (identified by the xDrive name) and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Compared with the BMW X3 range, the X4 does not, at least for now, offer the entry-level sDrive 18d, with 150 CV, manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive only.

As well as a lower centre of gravity than the X3, all BMW X4 models come as standard with MSport suspension, sport steering with variable assistance and the Performance Control function with different driving programmes. Electronically adjustable dampers are available as an option. The M Performance versions (the X4 M40i and the X4 M40d) come fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels, more powerful brakes and a sport differential on the rear axle. Compared with the previous BMW X4, despite its larger size, the weight has been reduced by up to 50 kg.

BMW X4 2018: equipped and connected

Among the new equipment of the BMW X4, the most notable are those relating to driving assistance and connectivity.

Among the former, the new Driving Assistant Plus safety package stands out, which includes active cruise control – now with stop&go function – lane control and lane keeping assistants, and cross-traffic warning. The 3D panoramic view for the new parking assistant even allows the three-dimensional image of the car and its surroundings to be viewed on the smartphone screen. The standard 6.5-inch independent control display for the multimedia system can optionally be replaced by a larger touchscreen with the Professional navigation system, which reaches 10.25 inches.

As an option, the BMW X4 can be fitted with a wifi hotspot and wireless charging for the mobile phone. As standard, BMW ConnectedDrive offers services such as real-time traffic information or parking space availability. A cloud platform underpins the BMW Connected mobility assistant, which allows the vehicle to be connected to smartphones or smartwatches and controlled and managed through the new voice control system.

Another novelty that BMW announces exclusively is the ability to connect the vehicle to a secure server to use the Microsoft Office 365 application, and exchange data, edit emails or calendar entries, the diary or contacts.