BMW X4 (2014) first official pictures | Automotive ... - Car Magazine

Posted: 06 Mar 2014 02:00 AM PST

By Ollie Kew

First Official Pictures

06 March 2014 10:00

This is the new BMW X4. BMWâ€™s latest niche-buster was previewed as a close-to-production concept in April 2013, but now youâ€™re looking at the showroom-ready X4 thatâ€™ll reach UK dealerships in July 2014.

Is the BMW X4 just a shrunken X6?

In effect, yes. BMW is applying its purist-riling but commercially successful SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) template to the BMW X3 to create the new X4, just as the last-gen X5 begat the sloping-roofed X6.

The dimensions of the X4 follow suit: itâ€™s 14mm longer than an X3 and 36mm lower overall. BMWâ€™s tried to hint at a sporting character inside the car too: the driver and front seat passenger sit 20mm lower than they would in an X3 â€" the rear-seat passengers lower still, by 28mm.

Unlike the bigger, pricier X6, which remains a four-seater unless the owner ticks a three-abreast bench option, the X4 can seat five people as standard. However, the rooflineâ€™s highest point is directly above the driverâ€™s head â€" rear passenger headroom is likely to be at a premium.

Thereâ€™s a cargo capacity penalty too. Open the X4â€™s motorised tailgate and you find a 500-litre boot, expanded to 1440 litres with the rear seats dropped. The frumpier X3 boasts 550 litres with all five seats up, and 1600 in van-mode.

Is the X4 more expensive than an X3?

Yes â€" you pay lots more for less practicality. The X4 starts at Â£36,590 for the entry-level model, a 187bhp/295lb ft 2.0-litre diesel with all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox. Thatâ€™s a Â£3600 premium over an equivalent X3.

Why am I being charged more for less car?

BMW claims the X4â€™s dynamics put the X3 so far in the shade that the space trade-off is worth it. The proof of that pudding will come in the form of two rumoured M Performance flagships: the X4 M40i and X4 M40d.

Yet coupes arenâ€™t just sold on smiles-per-mile (even â€˜four-doorâ€™ ones) â€" theyâ€™re bought for their looks too â€" and thatâ€™s where the X4 is more controversial. Seen here in M Sport guise, itâ€™s a divisive design: distinctive and controversial in equal measure. Tell us your thoughts about the new BMW X4â€™s looks in the comments.

Which other engines can I have in my X4?

Itâ€™s diesel only for the UK, like the X3 range. Top of the heap is the six-cylinder X4 xDrive35d, good for 309bhp, 465lb ft, and 0-62mph in 5.2sec. BMW claims this X4, which will hit 153mph flat out, can achieve up to 47.1mpg.

Sitting in the middle of the range is the six-pot X4 xDrive30d. Power is down to 255bhp and 413lb ft, but itâ€™s only 0.8mpg more frugal than the flagship model, according to BMWâ€™s figures. Both of the six-cylinder diesel engines are mated with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Anything else?

Amongst the enormous options list, thereâ€™s the choice of 17in â€˜aero-wheelsâ€™ for the X4 xDrive20d and xDrive30d. While they wonâ€™t make your 4x4-coupe fly, BMW claims that their low-drag design, when twinned with low-friction tyres, cuts CO2 emissions by a 7g/km. That takes the least powerful X4 to 129g/km, making it cleaner than a Mini Cooper S with a manual gearbox (133g/km). Not bad for a big, bluff family SUV.

Standard X4 equipment includes speed-sensitive steering, 18in alloys, parking sensors and Xenon headlights. Heated front seats, BMWâ€™s â€˜Business Mediaâ€™ infotainment package and split folding rear seats feature on all models too, plus that automatic tailgate.

>> Is the BMW X4 now the smart SUV choice, or just a nonsensical niche? The floor is open for your comments