BMW X4 (2015)

BMW EfficientDynamics: driving pleasure meets fuel economy

The unparalleled BMW EfficientDynamics technology package also minimises the fuel consumption and emissions of the new BMW X4. Included are features such as the Auto Start Stop function and coasting function (if an eight-speed automatic gearbox is fitted), Brake Energy Regeneration and on-demand operation of ancillary units, ensuring an admirable degree of environmental compatibility to go with maximum driving pleasure. Also available as an option to add further efficiency to the mix are fourth-generation reduced-rolling-resistance tyres, which reduce the CO2 emissions of selected variants of the BMW X4 by another 7 g/km.

BMW ConnectedDrive: Services & Apps and assistance systems

The BMW ConnectedDrive features available for the new X4 allow BMW to restate once again its leadership in the link-up of driver, vehicle and outside world. Among the highlights in the new BMW X4 are the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, the anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, and Driving Assistant Plus including Lane Departure Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, preventive pedestrian protection and a Collision Warning system, which applies the brakes with anything up to maximum stopping power as required. Added to which, the optional ConnectedDrive Services also allow drivers to sign up to innovative services such as Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI), the Concierge Service and Remote Services. Facebook, Twitter, AUPEO! personalised internet radio and music platforms like Napster and Deezer have also been optimised for in-car usage and can be accessed easily on board the BMW X4.

Design and functionality

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.

A unique expression of pure driving pleasure

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.

Sporty and exclusive interior

The interior of the new BMW X4 reveals a harmonious synthesis of sportiness and exclusivity. The X4's body is mounted 36 millimetres closer to the road than that of the BMW X3. The driver and front passenger sit 20 millimetres lower and the rear passengers 28 millimetres lower, creating the feeling of a classical sports coupe. It is a sensation reinforced by the rear seat bench, which comes with the type of continuously moulded side supports normally only provided by two individual seats, but still offers space for three passengers. Equally impressive is the load capacity available (500-1,400 litres), which can be used in a wide variety of ways thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split rear seat bench. Everyday usability is further enhanced by the standard-fitted automatically opening tailgate. This can be specified as an option with the extra convenience of the Smart Opener, which allows it to be opened with a movement of the foot. All BMW X4 variants are fitted with the Radio Professional with iDrive Controller and central display. Among the features contributing to the flawless ergonomics inside the new BMW X4 is the touch-sensitive surface of 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 - a navigation destination, for example.

The premium quality and exclusivity of the interior are underlined by selected materials, subtle electroplated accents, a high-gloss black-panel look (in models with the two-zone automatic climate control system) and aluminium trim strips in the wood panelling. The unmistakable character of the BMW X4 is further highlighted by a level of standard equipment even more generous than that found on board the BMW X3. Indeed, the BMW X4 comes as standard with an automatically opening tailgate, a sports leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles (not available for the X4 xDrive20d with six-speed manual gearbox), variable sport steering, Performance Control and Park Distance Control at the rear.

M Sport package and xLine for extra individualisation

The M Sport package brings the outstanding dynamics of the BMW X4 even more impressively to the fore. One element of the M Sport package is the M Aerodynamics package, which gives the BMW X4 a particularly striking appearance. The BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim lends even greater emphasis to the unique character of the Sports Activity Coupe and the sporty suspension set-up raises driving pleasure another notch. Six selected paint finishes (including the new colour Melbourne Red metallic), four special interior trim strips, sports seats with various cloth/leather and leather upholstery variants, a BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite, an M leather steering wheel, M door sill finishers, an M driver's footrest and 18, 19 and even 20-inch light-alloy wheels exclusive to M add the finishing touches to the car's premium appearance.

In addition to the broad-based and high-quality selection of different colours, light-alloy wheels, upholstery variants, interior trim elements and trim strips for which BMW is renowned, the xLine equipment package gives BMW X4 customers the chance to shine an even brighter spotlight on the X character of their car. Customers can choose from two exclusive light-alloy wheel variants in 18 and 19-inch formats, six individual cloth and leather upholstery variants and a special trim strip.

Powertrain

The first Sports Activity Coupe in the premium mid-size segment also presses home its leadership credentials when it comes to powertrains. Indeed, customers can choose from three petrol engines and a trio of diesels from the launch of the new BMW X4. All the power units meet the EU6 exhaust emissions standard and promise driving pleasure of the highest order. The output spectrum ranges from 135 kW/184 hp to 230 kW/313 hp. Exclusive BMW TwinPower Turbo technology ensures outstanding performance while keeping fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to a minimum.

Powerful and refined petrol engines

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.

Powerful diesel engines: 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds

The BMW X4 xDrive35d ranks as a bona fide member of the dynamic elite. Its optimised 3.0-litre diesel delivers 230 kW/313 hp at 4,400 rpm and puts peak torque of 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) on tap between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. With its standard-fitted Launch Control, the X4 xDrive35d dispatches the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) dash in a mere 5.2 seconds and hits a top speed of 247 km/h (153 mph). This is exceptional performance, but the X4 xDrive35d still posts fuel consumption of just 6.0 litres/100 km [47.1 mpg imp] and emits only 157 grams of CO2 per kilometre. The further developed 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW X4 xDrive30d (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 6.6-6.2/5.7-5.4/6.1-5.7 l/100 km [42.8-45.5/49.6-52.3/46.3-49.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 159-149 g/km) displays an even sharper dynamic edge. Indeed, with output of 190 kW/258 hp at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) on stream between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a suitably sporty 5.8 seconds. The BMW X4 xDrive20d is powered by a newly developed 2.0-litre diesel engine with an all-aluminium construction, which achieves injection pressure of 2,000 bar thanks to common rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors. This cutting-edge power unit develops 140 kW/190 hp at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). As a result, the X4 xDrive20d requires just 8.0 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph). And yet, linking up with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, it pins fuel consumption to 5.4-5.0 litres/100 km [52.3-56.5 mpg imp] and sets the CO2 emission benchmark with figures of just 141-131 g/km.

Intelligent all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission

All X4 models have a sporty suspension set-up and come with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system xDrive with standard Performance Control. This ensures that drive is also split between the rear wheels continuously and as required, which further improves traction, turn-in and directional stability. Working in tandem with the standard variable sport steering, these systems allow the BMW X4 to deliver driving dynamics that surpass even those of the BMW X3 in terms of sportiness. An xDrive status display in the Control Display uses three-dimensional graphics to keep the driver informed of the car's body roll and pitch. If a navigation system is specified, all BMW X4 models also feature a compass display in the instrument cluster.

The BMW X4 xDrive20d can be ordered with either a six-speed manual gearbox or the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while the X4 xDrive20i is only offered with the eight-speed Steptronic. The other X4 models come with the eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission as standard. With all automatic models, gears can also be changed using paddles on the sports steering wheel.

BMW EfficientDynamics: ECO PRO mode and coasting function reduce fuel consumption

Further reductions in fuel consumption can be achieved courtesy of ECO PRO mode (selected using the Driving Experience Control switch), the ECO PRO Route option and the eight-speed Steptronic transmission's coasting function. As an option, fourth-generation reduced-rolling-resistance tyres combined with 17-inch light-alloy Streamline style 306 wheels cut CO2 emissions by another 7 g/km.

Proactive Driving Assistant offers recommendations

The innovative BMW Proactive Driving Assistant offers additional potential for fuel saving. This technology uses route data supplied by the car's navigation system to identify situations in advance which will require the car to slow down - e.g. on the way into towns and villages, speed limits etc. - and give suitable recommendations.

BMW ConnectedDrive

With its BMW ConnectedDrive technology, BMW has led the way in the link-up of driver, vehicle and outside world for many years. The new BMW X4 provides further evidence of BMW ConnectedDrive's position at the forefront of development.

Driver assistance and Services & Apps

Providing added safety and greater convenience in the BMW X4 is the optional full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects all important driving information and the assistance systems displays into the driver's field of view in high resolution. What's more, the latest-generation Navigation System Professional with ECO PRO route guidance now teams up with the iDrive Touch Controller whose touchpad allows texts - e.g. a navigation destination - to be easily inputted by using a finger. Safety and convenience can be further enhanced by optional premium features like the anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, Driving Assistant Plus including Pedestrian and Collision Warning with City Braking function, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Lane Departure Warning. Available as options are Lane Change Warning, Surround View and the Parking Assistant, which steers the car autonomously into parking spaces parallel to the road. The option of BMW ConnectedDrive Services allows customers to access smartphone applications such as AUPEO! (personal internet radio) or Deezer (music platform) as well as innovative mobility services via a built-in SIM card. The Concierge Service connects the car with a BMW Call Centre, allowing restaurant tables to be booked or describing the way to the nearest out-of-hours pharmacy. Remote Services and Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) can likewise be used from the comfort of the car. Online Entertainment provides direct access to music services such as rara or Napster with their millions of music tracks as well as audiobooks. The Intelligent Emergency Call function, meanwhile, takes safety to another new level. It is triggered automatically or can be used manually. As soon as the crash sensors report an airbag deployment, the system sends the vehicle location (accurate within metres) and all key information to the BMW Call Centre via the built-in SIM card, thus enabling fast and effective assistance at the accident location. In 2015 it will be mandatory for all new vehicles in the EU to be equipped with an automated emergency call system. With Intelligent Emergency Call, BMW ConnectedDrive already offers as standard in the BMW X4 a safety system that goes far beyond the statutory requirements for 2015.