2015 BMW X4 - Design and functionality

The new BMW X4 (fuel consumption combined: 8.3-5.0 l/100 km [34.0-54.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 193-130 g/km) blends the hallmark features of the successful BMW X family with the sporting elegance of a classical coupe, and introduces the unique Sports Activity Coupe concept to the premium mid-size segment. Its dynamic pedigree is underlined by a wide range of cutting-edge high-performance engines, the xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an exclusive spread of standard equipment features such as variable sport steering, Performance Control and a sports leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles.

The new BMW X4 is based on the technical blueprint of the BMW X3, but displays a sporting character very much its own and takes dynamics to another new level. That much is clear when you view the new model head-on. The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the character lines in the front apron allow the BMW X4 - with its signature BMW twin headlights and front fog lamps (both optionally with LED technology) - to maximise its visual presence on the road. The roofline reaches its highest point above the driver and then swoops down smoothly to the trailing edge of the tailgate, mimicking the design language of a classical sporting coupe. The signature swage line running along the flanks of BMW models is split into two on the X4. The first section rises dynamically from the front wheel arches to the rear door handles, while the second part draws the eye to the muscular sculpting of the rear wings. The rear end, complete with L-shaped LED lights in exclusive X4 design and diffuser-look styling, likewise highlights the outstanding dynamic ability of the new BMW X4 - even before it turns a wheel.

The driver and front passenger sit 20 millimetres lower than in the BMW X3. In conjunction with the two-seat look of the rear, this accentuates the coupe character of the new BMW in the classy and exclusive interior as well. At the same time, the X4 offers generous levels of space for up to five people and - thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest - impressive variability.

The new BMW X4 offers the premium mid-size segment its first taste of the Sports Activity Coupe concept. Like the successful and still unique BMW X6, 250,000 units of which have now been sold, the new X4 also provides a compelling and unmistakable presence on the road. Visually, it combines to perfection the powerful character of a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with the sporting elegance of a classical coupe.

The new BMW X4 may be based on the technical blueprint of the BMW X3, but the moment you set eyes on it, the new SAV reveals a dynamic personality all of its own and an even more ebullient character. At 4,671 millimetres in length, it is just 14 millimetres longer than the X3, but is also 36 millimetres lower to the ground (height: 1,624 mm) and cuts a persuasive figure with its perfectly balanced proportions and distinctive character. The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the precise character lines in the front apron lend the X4 a more muscular and agile appearance. This lowers the car's visual centre of gravity closer to the road, signalling its sharper dynamics. The effect is further enhanced by the fog lamps sited below the signature twin headlights (both also available with LED technology as an option). This arrangement defines the striking "three-eyed" face of every BMW X model.

The coupe-like roofline of the BMW X4 reaches its highest point over the front seats, reflecting the traditional driver focus of BMW cars, before dropping gently down towards the trailing edge of the tailgate. These stretched lines underline the sporting coupe character of the X4 particularly effectively. The standalone design of the BMW X4 is further reinforced by the fresh interpretation of the signature swage line running along the flanks of BMW models which, for the first time, is split into two. The first section rises smoothly from the front wheel arches to the rear door handles, highlighting the outstanding dynamic ability of the new BMW X4, while the second part accentuates the powerful sculpting of the rear wings. The contoured C-pillars - complete with muscular shoulders - represent a perfectly judged continuation of the theme, as does the broad and low-set rear end, which reminds the driver and passengers of the superior performance served up by the new BMW X4 before they even climb aboard.

The state-of-the-art petrol engines available for the new BMW X4 boast High Precision Direct Injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft control and Valvetronic fully variable valve timing. These technologies join forces to provide the high-revving character for which BMW is renowned, along with excellent power delivery, superb refinement - and impressive efficiency. Indeed, the petrol engines for the new BMW X4 raise the bar with their combination of compelling dynamics yet rock-bottom fuel consumption and emissions. Drivers with sporting ambitions will be extremely well served by the X4 xDrive35i. Its 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine conjures up maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp between 5,800 and 6,400 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 1,200-5,000 rpm. That's enough to power the X4 xDrive35i from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 247 km/h (153 mph). Despite these show-stealing performance figures, the X4 xDrive35i keeps fuel consumption down to 8.3 litres/100 km [34.0 mpg imp], which equates to CO2 emissions of 193 g/km. Even more purposeful is the 180 kW/245 hp turbocharged four-cylinder unit powering the BMW X4 xDrive28i (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 9.3-8.7/6.3-5.9/7.4-7.0 l/100 km [30.4-32.5/44.8-47.9/38.2-40.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 172-162 g/km), which teams up with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard to produce peak torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) and a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 6.4 seconds. The 2.0-litre petrol engine in the BMW X4 xDrive20i (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 9.2-8.7/6.3-5.9/7.3-6.9 l/100 km [30.7-32.5/44.8-47.9/38.7-40.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 171-161 g/km) with eight-speed Steptronic transmission develops 135 kW/184 hp at 5,000 - 6,250 rpm and serves up 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque between 1,250 and 4,500 rpm. And that allows the X4 xDrive20i to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 seconds.