Last year, we had told you about BMW's plans to introduce more models from its Sports Activity Coupe (SAV) line-up in India, and now we can confirm that the X4 will indeed be launched in our market in the first half of 2019.
What we can also confirm now, is that BMW will ship in the X4 as a CKD model, and will assemble its mid-size SUV-coupe at its plant in Chennai.
There will be two engine options on offer at launch - the X4 xDrive30i, which employs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol that makes 252hp and 350Nm of torque, and the xDrive30d, which is powered by a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel producing 265hp and 620Nm of torque. While the 30i has a claimed 0-100kph time of 6.3 seconds, the 30d is claimed to do the run in 5.8 seconds. Both models will get all-wheel-drive as standard, along with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The first-generation X4 debuted in 2014. This, the second-generation model, was unveiled only earlier this year. Like the new X3, the second-gen X4 is also based on BMW’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, which has resulted in weight savings of about 50kg over the last-gen X4. The new model is also 81mm longer, 37mm wider and sees a 54mm increase in the wheelbase compared to the previous model, and is both longer and wider than the X3, while being marginally shorter in height and having the exact same wheelbase.
Unsurprisingly, the X4's interior also has plenty in common with the new X3's. This includes the latest iDrive infotainment system (with a 6.5-inch display as standard or a 10.3-inch unit available as an option), which also gets voice and gesture control as standard.
The longer wheelbase on the new X4 helps liberate about 27mm more leg room at the rear, while boot capacity has gone up from 500 litres to 525 litres. Fold the optional 40/20/40 split rear seats and boot capacity rises to 1,430 litres.
All X4 variants come with standard M Sport suspension. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system operates in conjunction with a standard Performance Control function, which provides torque vectoring, and BMW’s Driving Experience Control system, which allows the driver choose between Sport, Comfort and Eco-Pro drive modes). Launch control is standard on the xDrive30i and xDrive30d.
When it arrives in the first half of next year, the X4 will slot into the gap between the X3 (which ranges from Rs 50-57 lakh) and the X5 (priced from Rs 77-83 lakh, all prices, ex-showroom). Its rival-in-chief will be the Range Rover Evoque.
Do you think the X4 could be a more attractive - and more appealing - option than the Evoque? Let us know in the comments.
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Lenny D'sa
Dipan Sur
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