There is important BMW news at the International Motor Show in Geneva in March 2018: BMW will present there its second generation mid-size Sports Activity Coupé. The design is attractive as ever, and is paired with the well proven BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology. The chassis has been extensively lightened and upgraded.

The range is also enhanced by the addition of two new M Performance models – the BMW X4 M40i and M40d – to further underscore the high performance of the vehicle and cater to customer tastes.

The all-new BMW X4 is 81mm longer than its predecessor, with 54mm added to the wheelbase and 37mm extra width. It is also lower by 3mm. All of these elements come together to give it dynamically stretched proportions that emphasize its perfect 50:50 weight distribution and hint at the enhanced performance potential.

The driver-focused layout of the cockpit – a BMW tradition – helps to create a supremely assured and wonderfully sporty driving experience at all times. Redesigned sports seats with boldly contoured side bolsters provide outstanding lateral support even in extreme handling situations.

More space

Three full-size seats are fitted in the rear compartment of the X4, providing passengers with an additional 27 millimetres of legroom over the previous model. The boot has a capacity of 525 litres and the load space can be expanded to a maximum of 1,430 litres by folding down the sections of the rear backrest, with its standard 40:20:40 split.

The legendary BMW driving experience retained…

The new X4 will be launched with a choice of latest-generation power units comprising of two diesel engines – xDrive20d and M40d. Their advanced BMW TwinPower Turbo technology promises dynamic power delivery accompanied by remarkably low fuel consumption and emissions.

Joining the BMW M Performance model of the M40d will be the petrol-powered six-cylinder in-line engine M40i as well as another straight-six diesel unit – xDrive30d. All model variants direct their engine’s power to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive as standard.

The BMW M Performance models and the BMW X4 xDrive30d are equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission offering exceptionally fast gear changes as well as a Launch Control function. The standard-fit Driving Experience Control switch lets drivers choose from SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO set-ups, while the BMW X4 M40i, BMW X4 M40d and BMW X4 xDrive30d models also add a SPORT+ mode.

BMW improves the cleanliness of their diesel engines still further: the diesel models boast BMW BluePerformance technology comprising a particulate filter, an oxidation catalyst, a NOx adsorption catalyst, as well as an SCR catalyst with AdBlue injection.

Superb handling

Standard specification for the all-new BMW X4 includes not only M Sport suspension but also variable sport steering. Specially tuned to deliver extra-dynamic handling qualities, this version of the Electric Power Steering system ensures precision through keenly taken corners and supreme straight-line stability. The speed-sensitive Servotronic power assistance, meanwhile, makes light work of manoeuvring.

In sport mode, the digital instrument cluster hue changes into red and more bold lettering in the displays…

The car’s impressively sporty and sure-footed handling characteristics are further helped by the powerful lightweight braking system and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, whose features includes an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Start-Off Assistant and Hill Descent Control (HDC).

BMW X4 xDrive30d and BMW X4 xDrive20d: efficient pulling power.

A latest-generation six-cylinder in-line diesel engine gives the all-new BMW X4 xDrive30d vast reserves of pulling power.

The maximum output of 265hp and peak torque of 620Nm propel it to 100 kph from rest in 5.8 seconds. The X4 xDrive20d is powered by a 190hp diesel engine whose torque peaks at 400Nm. It accelerates in 8.0 seconds from zero to 100 km/h.

A six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the all-new BMW X4 M40i and a straight-six diesel unit in the all-new BMW X4 M40d provide the underpinnings for an exhilarating form of driving pleasure.  The engines under the bonnets of the two BMW M Performance Automobiles stand out with their instantaneous response and tireless power delivery.

With its trademark free-revving performance, maximum output of 360hp and peak torque of 500Nm, the power unit in the X4 M40i enables it to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds.

The all-new BMW X4 M40d makes its mark on the road with prodigious pulling power. Its BMW M Performance diesel engine generates output of 326hp and peak torque of 680Nm. The BMW X4 M40d darts to 100 km/h from rest in 4.9 seconds.

The X4 comes with the latest version of the iDrive operating system, designed to offer even more flexible and ergonomic control of vehicle, navigation, communication and infotainment functions.

The Driving Assistant Plus safety package – unmatched by any rival – offers X4 drivers even more extensive assistance. Its features include the Steering and Lane Control assistant operational at speeds between 0 and 210 km/h (0 – 130 mph), Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection, and Crossing Traffic Warning and Crossroads Warning systems.

The state-of-the-art character of the X4 shines through in the wealth of digital services on offer through BMW ConnectedDrive.

Using a flexible Open Mobility Cloud platform, BMW Connected works alongside Apple iPhones and Watches, smartphones and smartwatches running the Android operating system, and the Amazon Alexa voice-controlled personal assistants. So the business driver is also truly spoiled …

We can’t wait to sample this remarkable BMW, which can be ordered already within the coming days!

Hans Knol ten Bensel