BMW has digitally taken the wraps off its new SUV – the second-generation X4. The new model is positioned between the X3 and X5 SUVs and sports a coupé-like roofline. While the previous-gen model – which launched internationally in 2014 – was not sold in India, this second-gen one is expected to arrive in the country, late this year.
The X4 will follow the X3 to India, when the latter launches in May 2018. The coupé-like SUV shares a lot in terms of powertrain, chassis and equipment with the X3 SUV.
The new X4 will make its public debut at the upcoming Geneva motor show. The German manufacturer claims that the SUV has taken a rather large step forward in the areas of handling and driving dynamics, as compared to its predecessor.
For international markets, the X4 will be powered by a range of petrol and diesel engines – a 2.0-litre petrol in 184hp and 252hp states of tune, a 2.0-litre diesel in 190hp and 231hp tunes, a 360hp, 3.0-litre petrol mill and a 326hp, 3.0-litre diesel motor.
However expect the X4 to share engines with the X3 when it comes to India. This means the 252hp, xDrive30i four-cylinder petrol, the 190hp, xDrive20d four-cylinder diesel and the 265hp, xDrive30d six-cylinder diesel are expected. There is no word on if and when the petrol models will arrive. All engines will be mated to a standard eight-speed automatic that sends power to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive system.
The four-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). Higher-spec models also have an extra Sport Plus mode.
Like the X3, the X4 is underpinned by BMW’s CLAR platform (first introduced on the new 7-series), which has resulted in weight savings of about 50kg, as compared to the previous model. The new model is also 81mm longer (at 4,752mm) and 37mm wider (at 1,918mm) than the older model and sees an increase in the wheelbase to the tune of 54mm (at 2,864mm). BMW claims weight distribution is 50/50, front-to-rear.
On the inside, the X4 once again shares a lot with the third-gen X3. This includes BMW‘s latest iDrive infotainment system (that comes with either a 6.5-inch display as standard or an optional 10.3-inch one), which also comes with voice and gesture control, as standard. Paddle shifters are standard for higher-spec trims.
The longer wheelbase on the new X4 helps liberate about 27mm of leg room at the rear, while boot capacity has gone up from 500 litres to 525 litres. The optional 40/20/40 split rear seats help to liberate even more room, when called for – thus increasing boot capacity to 1,430 litres.
All models of the X4 come with standard M Sport suspension and speed-sensitive electro-mechanical Servotronic steering, while the suspension components are (again) shared with the X3. 19-inch and 20-inch wheels are on offer, with the latter shod in 245/45 front and 275/40 rear tyres.
While the X4 is primarily a road-going model, the German brand says it could handle mild off-roading scenarios, thanks to a ground clearance of 204mm and a fording depth of 500mm, together with break-over, approach and departure angles of 19.4 degrees, 25.7 degrees and 22.6 degrees, respectively. The new BMW also receives Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist systems, as standard.
When BMW does bring the new X4 to India, it will rival the Land Rover Evoque, which is priced from Rs 44.44 lakh to Rs 59.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). If the range-topping 360hp petrol version also comes to India in the form of the X4 M 40i, this model will rival the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe, which was launched at Rs 74.8 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
