The new MkII BMW X4 arrives in Australia in September, heralding an all-new look, new technology and quieter engines.
Comprising four model grades, the 2018 BMW X4 range will start at $76,900 for the entry-level BMW X4 xDrive20i.
BMW is talking up the second-gen X4’s quieter, more sumptuous interior and more refined ride levels, but there’s still a bit of mongrel in the range if you want it in the flagship BMW X4 M40i M Performance flagship -- a 265kW scorcher topping off the medium SUV range at $109,900.
Based on BMW’s high-tech CLAR platform, which is shared with the BMW X3 and was first seen under the latest BMW 7 Series and 5 Series, every 2018 BMW X4 model grade comes standard with a high level of gear.
This including all-wheel drive, an eight-speed auto with paddle shifters, adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control, automatic tailgate, three-zone climate control, an M Sport package and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Competitor vehicles for the new BMW X4 include the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe ($81,390), Porsche Macan ($79,710) and Range Rover Velar ($71,550).
Sales of the BMW X4 are down 27 per cent year on year, to 746 sales thus far in 2018. The X4 is outselling the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe (471), but it lags behind Macan (1398) and Velar (986).
Every 2018 BMW X4 has 525 litres of boot space (up 25 litres) and the vehicle measures just under 4.8 metres long (4752mm). The X4 is technically not an SUV according to BMW, but an SAC, which stands for sports activity coupe.
Despite its polarising design, BMW Australia’s corporate communications general manager, Lenore Fletcher, said the new X4 is not a niche model anymore and the updated SAC will bag more buyers.
“It’s different to the regular SUVs. It’s a design statement and is aimed at customers focused on style. The interior brings elements from the BMW 7 Series and along with new technologies it adds a lot more appeal.”
The entry-level BMW X4 xDrive20i ($76,900) is propelled by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder mill (135kW/290Nm) that will accelerate to 100km/h in 8.3sec from a standing start.
The BMW X4 xDrive20d M Sport ($79,900) with its 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (140kW/400Nm) is a little bit dearer but faster to 100km/h (8.0sec) and should offer better fuel economy. However, BMW Australia has not yet released fuel economy or CO2 emissions levels for any of the new X4 models.
The BMW X4 20i and 20d models gets the same levels of standard equipment, including head-up display, 3D surround-view parking monitor, reversing camera, automatic parking assistant, LED headlights, brake lights, fog lights and daytime running lights.
Windscreen wipers and headlights are automatic in function and power adjustable sports front seats (with side bolster adjustments) upholstered in a cloth and leather combination dubbed Vernasca are also standard.
Also standard is a big 10.2-inch widescreen infotainment display with all the latest connected BMW doodads, such as real-time traffic info and smart-phone remote operation to unlock and pre-heat or cool the cabin.
Step up to the BMW X4 xDrive30i ($83,900) and you get all of the equipment mentioned above, plus a spicier version of the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (185kW/350Nm) that rips to 100km/h in a prompt 6.3sec.
The BMW X4 30i also gets a bigger, wider 12.3-inch infotainment screen, full leather upholstery, stronger M Sport brakes, active lane keep assist (auto steering) and semi-autonomous traffic jam control. Bigger 20-inch alloy wheels are also in play, as are adaptive LED headlights with automatic high-beam.
At the top of the tree is the BMW X4 M40i, which is the first ever M Performance model in the X4 range. It features a potent 3.0-litre turbo-petrol straight six-cylinder engine (265kW/500Nm) that combines with an M Sport rear differential and M suspension to deliver more cornering traction and a fast 0-100km/h sprint time of just 4.8sec.
In terms of standard equipment, the BMW X4 M40i gets everything listed above but swaps in bigger 21-inch BMW M light alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, 16-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo, ambient interior lighting with six colour options, fully digital ‘Sensatec’ instrument panel, heated front seats with lumbar adjust, poplar woodgrain trim and a ConnectedDrive Freedom Package subscription that provides 24/7 access to a real 'concierge' in a call centre.
How much does the 2018 BMW X4 cost?
X4 xDrive20i -- $76,900
X4 xDrive20d -- $79,900
X4 xDrive30i -- $83,900
X4 M40i M Performance -- $109,900
* All prices exclude on-road costs