SUVs are all the rage right now. All self-respecting manufacturers have SUVs in their stable or they have plans to build one. New entrants include Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce and even Ferrari is planning to build an SUV.
We’re unleashing addictive curves this #Valentines. Meet the all-new #BMW #X4. pic.twitter.com/J7iEuuTmhX
— BMW South Africa (@BMW_SA) February 14, 2018
BMW is one of the pioneers in the field. The
X5 was a game changer when it was first introduced in 1995. Since then, the BMW
X-range has grown substantially. It now ranges from the X1 all the way up to
the upcoming X7.
The new car is also based on the current X3,
which is not a bad thing. The current X3 has been getting rave reviews from
journalist all over. The new X4 gets styling cues from its more conventional
brother.
It adopts the X3's pig face. The big grille dominates the front end. The headlights have divorced the grille just like on the new X3. The headlights are LEDs as standard with the striking Adaptive Headlights as optional extras.
The new car is 37 millimetres wider than the outgoing model, adding to the car's dynamic profile. The old car always looked slim and tall and it didn't really look anymore dynamic than the X3. The side profile is much sleeker than the outgoing model which always looked odd. This is helped by the fact that the new car is 81 millimetres longer and 3 millimetres shorter than the outgoing car.
The rear-end is where I'm sure most negative comments will be coming
from. I'm also conflicted as to whether I like it or not. My opinion on the
design changes depending on the angle I’m looking at it. Maybe seeing it in the
flesh will convince me of the design. It reminds me a lot of the GLC Coupe,
another car whose rear end I'm not really feeling.
You'd be hardpressed trying to differentiate the new X4 from the current X3 from the inside. The interior is almost the same. Again this is not a bad thing. The G02's interior is one of the best, if not the best interior in the Premium mid-size SUV range.
The X4 will be offered with a whole range of engines including the raucous 3-litre six-cylinder petrol in the X4 M40i. The M40i engine puts out 265kW and 500Nm of torque The 0-100km/h dash is dealt with in 4.8 seconds and the top speed is limited to 250km/h in the M40i. The smooth eight-speed Steptronic transmission comes standard.
The M Performance models comprising of the BMW X4 xDrive30i, BMW X4 xDrive30d and BMW X4 xDrive25d come with the eight-speed Steptronic Sports transmission which offers quicker gear changes and launch control.
xDrive is standard across the range. There’s also a new X4 M40d which features an in-line six-cylinder diesel pushing 240kW and a whopping 680Nm of torque. The M40d will hit 100km/h in 4.9 seconds and go on to a limited top speed of 250km/h.
BMW says that this new X4 is more dynamic to drive than the previous generation and even the current X3. This is thanks to the 50kg weight loss which has resulted has a lower centre of gravity.
The X4 will be hit our shores in the third quarter of the year.
