The second-generation BMW X4 has been revealed with a new look and improved driving dynamics as the German firm looks to eat into the hugely popular Range Rover Evoque’s sales.
Released just four years after the original X4 first hit dealer forecourts, the new model will take advantage of the new X3’s underpinnings. The SUV coupe styling – dubbed sports activity coupe by the German firm – gets a sportier look than its sister car, plenty of BMW’s latest technology, and a couple of M-badged trims.
The five-seater SUV is 81mm longer and 37mm wider than before, but thanks to the use of more lightweight materials, it’s 50kg lighter than its predecessor. Coupled with 50/50 weight distribution and a lower centre of gravity, BMW claims the new X4 has “noticeably superior driving dynamics”.
Highlighted features include an acoustic windscreen to reduce noise in the cabin, LED headlights, tail lights and fog lights, and twin exhaust pipes. The interior has a new 12-inch instrument cluster, BMW’s new iDrive infotainment system and more storage.
There are six engines available, evenly split between petrol and diesel, each mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The headline powertrains are in the new M trims. The M40i uses a six-cylinder petrol engine making 355bhp and 368lb/ft of torque, while the M40d uses a six-cylinder diesel with 322bhp and 442lb/ft.
Other M model-specific enhancements include M badging inside and out, a noisier exhaust system and 20-inch alloy wheels.
BMW says it has sold 200,000 X4s since introducing the model in 2014, and it will be hoping that number increases dramatically with the introduction of this new version. UK deliveries are expected to begin in August.