2019 BMW X4 Arrives Bigger Yet Lighter And Sleeker Than Before

BMW practically invented the crossover coupe with the launch of the X6 in 2007. Seven years later, it rolled out not only the second-generation X6, but downsized the same formula into the smaller X4. And now it’s revealed the replacement for that model, too.

Set to debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show next month, the new 2019 BMW X4 is both larger and altogether more advanced than the model it replaces.

In its second iteration, the “sports activity coupe” has grown by over three inches in length and an inch and a half in width, riding on a 2-inch longer wheelbase. (Height remains about the same at 0.1 inches lower.) That hasn’t stopped the engineers from trimming as much as 110 pounds off the curb weight, though, with a lower center of gravity and perfect 50/50 weight distribution for optimal handling.

The designers have also integrated LED head, tail and fog lights, and active air vents, and streamlined the shape to a slippery drag coefficient of 0.30. Under that slanted roofline, they’ve still managed to fit an 18.5-cubic-foot luggage compartment – which may not seem like much for a crossover, but it’s still more than you’d find in a 3 Series sedan. Fold the rear seats down (in a variable 40:20:40 split) and that figure expands to over 50 cubic feet. And a proliferation of stowage areas help with the versatility aspect as well.

The new BMW X4 xDrive M40d

The cockpit has been redesigned around the driver, with a lower instrument panel and a higher seating position for a more commanding view of the road ahead. The extended exterior dimensions translate to more legroom for the back seats, too, with a panoramic moonroof to enjoy the view out the top.

There’s an oversized 10.25-inch touchscreen, optional head-up display (now 75 percent larger), and both gesture- and voice-control functionality. And there’s a wide array of active safety systems on offer, too – including active cruise control, lane-keeping assist, cross-traffic warning, parking assistant, around-view monitor… everything, in short, that you’d expect from the latest premium German offering.

Globally, the new X4 will be offered with three gasoline and four diesel engine options, ranging in output from 184 horsepower and 360. US buyers will choose between two models: The xDrive30i packs a 2.0-liter turbo four rated at 252 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque to deliver a 0-62 time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph. The M40i performance model boasts a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 360 hp and 369 lb-ft for a 4.8-second 0-62 time and a 155-mph top speed.

The lower-spec xDrive20i (with 184 hp) and three diesels (with 190, 231, and 265 hp respectively) we’re fine doing without. But the M40d (the version pictured) is a tempting proposition, with 326 hp and a massive 501 lb-ft of torque to match the M40i model’s top speed and come in just a tenth behind its 0-62 time (at 4.9 seconds) – but return much better fuel economy on oil: as much as 47.9 mpg on the Euro cycle instead of 31.4.

All engines come mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive as standard. The Bavarian automaker will also offer an array of packages – including xLine, M Sport X, and M Sport – to help customers cater their vehicle to their taste. Wheels range in size from 19 to 21 inches, and further options from BMW Individual stand to make it even more personal.

To date, BMW has sold over 200,000 X4s around the world, including nearly 20,000 in the US. These improvements ought to help it sell even more. The 2019 BMW X4 reaches US dealers in July, priced from $50,450 for the four-cylinder model, and $60,450 for the M40i.