Sporty mid-size SUV gets improvements in the same manner as its function-oriented X3 sibling.
Oh, the time has already arrived for the X4’s renewal?
True, the X4 has been on the market for only four years, and models usually last around 6-7 years in one generation before being renewed.
However, BMW has decided to forward the second-generation X4 quite prematurely probably due to the state of the competition.
Seen here in official pictures before making its world debut in Geneva next month, the all-new X4 now has a bolder exterior appearance with the same sloping roofline of its predecessor. Note horizontal tail lights that are now slimmer.
Although the main rival for the X4 is the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, it will have the additional task of stealing some attention from punters of the Porsche Macan and Range Rover Evoque.
What kind of improvements does it get?
As the X4 is more like a sporty derivative of the function-oriented X3, the improvements mirror those of the donor vehicle.
Like in today’s X3 (which has just been launched in Thailand recently in third-gen form), the X4 get a bigger body for more passenger and cargo room. The wheelbase, in particular, has grown by 52mm.
The interior of the X4 shared with the X3 including a redesigned fascia with a freestanding infotainment screen. Likewise, the materials are claimed to be higher in quality that before.
After launching in the X2 for the first time, BMW’s M Sport X trim now comes to the X4 which includes grey claddings around the vehicle and coloured stitching for the interior trim.
And in spite of the enlarged package, the X4 is around 50kg lighter than the outgoing model thanks to more use of lightweight materials around the vehicle.
Any novel engines being introduced?
All the usual suspects range from four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines up to a 360hp performance-oriented six-potter for the so-called M40i . New to the lineup is the diesel-powered M40d developing 326hp.
Although not announced yet, the X4 is expected to spawn a hotter M model for the first time. With around 450hp, the X4 M would go in direct contention with the GLC63 and Macan Turbo Performance Package.
But the core-selling model for the X4 is expected to be the 20d armed with 190hp 2.0-litre diesel-turbo, eight-speed automatic and xDrive four-wheel drive. There’s also 184hp 2.0-litre petrol-turbo.
The first-gen X4 was priced at 3.629 million baht in Thailand for 20i and an extra 300k for the 20d, both in M Sport grade. Expect the new one to cost similarly because today’s GLC250d Coupe goes for 3.999 million baht
