The new BMW X4 Sports Activity Coupe could be described as the poor man’s BMW X6, but the truth is, the crossover has a lot more in common with the BMW X3. The X4 is a more expensive X3 with sportier looks that shares the same platform, engines and even interior with BMW’s more conventional SUV.
Of course, the interior is not quite the same in terms of space, as the X4’s lowered roofline affects room especially for the rear passengers. BMW insists on the X4’s sportier nature, with the driver and front passenger sitting 20mm lower than in the X3, while the rear bench is profiled for two passengers – there is room for three, but the shape of the bench in the center doesn’t look too comfortable for a long ride.
The BMW X4 is available with three petrol engines and three diesels in Europe, with outputs ranging from 184PS (181hp) to 313PS (309hp). All units feature the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and comply with EU6 exhaust gas standards. The flagship petrol model, the X4 xDrive35i, is powered by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 306PS (302hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.5 seconds.
The range-topping 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel unit in the BMW X4 xDrive35d produces 313PS (309hp) and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h sprint of 5.2 seconds. Average fuel economy is rated at 6 l/100 km (39.2 mpg US). The most frugal engine is the 190PS (188hp) 2.0-liter diesel in the X4 xDrive20d which averages 5 l/100 km (47 mpg US).
BMW X4 sales begin this summer in the U.S. with prices starting from $45,625 including destination and handling. Prices in Germany start from €45,600.
By Dan Mihalascu
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