2015 BMW X4: First Review

The highly awaited BMW X4 has finally been unveiled to the world through a set of detailed images and videos from the Munich based German auto giant. Garnering a mixed bag of reactions, the X4 is essentially the smaller sibling of the hugely popular BMW X6. The BMW X4 is essentially a coupe version of BMW’s mid-size SUV, the X3 and is based on the same platform. The BMW X4, just like the X6 will create an all-new segment for itself and will officially be showcased for the first time at the upcoming New York Auto Show.

The BMW X4 has large air intakes that have been positioned right at the edge of the front bumper instantly giving it a more aggressive look as compared to the X3. Along with the low front stance, the twin headlights and BMW’s signature kidney grilles, the X4 appears to have sporting credentials. The individually placed fog lamps, positioned between the headlamps and air dams gels will with the overall design. The headlamps and fog lamps are both available in either conventional bulb and projector setup or a full-LED lighting package.

The BMW X4, a coupe-SUV, or SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) as BMW likes to call it, reaches its highest point in the roof just over the driver’s seating position. The roof then swoops down smoothly towards the tailgate while mimicking classic coupe lines inspired from the likes of the BMW 6 Series. BMW’s traditional shoulder lines split into two on the BMW X4, giving the wheel arches a slightly more pronounced and wider look. The rear end, complete with horizontally stacked LED taillights and a diffuser style rear bumper enhances the dynamic look of the BMW X4.

The interior of the BMW X4 is typically BMW. With premium quality and generous use of high gloss black plastics, the two-tone interior looks like a good place to be in. The typically BMW centre console holds the climate control, audio controls and large LCD screen. BMW’s iDrive, buttons for the X4’s dynamic control and the large gear selector is placed between the two front seats enveloped within a brushed aluminium surround.

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The BMW X4 gets more features as standard fitment than the BMW X3. The X4 comes standard with an automatically opening tailgate, a sports leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, variable sport steering package, BMW’s Performance Control and Park Distance Control at the rear. The new BMW X4 also gets a touch-sensitive surface on the new iDrive Touch Controller (available in conjunction with the Navigation System Professional), which allows drivers or passengers to use their finger to write letters for text inputs.

The BMW X4 will most likely make its way to India by late-2014 or early 2015. As with the BMW X4, the X4 will come with a host of engine options. The most popular engine choice will most likely be the xDrive20d, which is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine making 187PS and 380Nm of peak torque. The more powerful xDrive30d model will come with a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine makes 262PS and a staggering 560Nm of torque.

We also expect the2015 BMW X4 to be available with a few petrol engines. In India, we think BMW will offer the X4 with the turbocharged, 4-cylinder xDrive28i making 248PS and a range topping xDrive35i, making 310PS. According to BMW, the 6-cylinder, twin turbocharged xDrive35i is capable of achieving 0-100kmph in 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 250kmph. We also expect BMW to bring in an entry-level xDrive20i option. The xDrive20i is powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine that makes 189PS, propelling the car from 0-100kmph in about 8.1 seconds.

We expect the 2015 BMW X4 to be priced between Rs 50-70 lakh, filling the gap between the BMW X3 and the BMW X5. The BMW X4 should be launched in India by early next year and be available as a completely built unit (CBU). The BMW X4 might not see high sales in a more traditional SUV market like India but will certainly be helpful in stirring up some excitement for the rest of the newly refreshed BMW SUV line.