Known internally as the F98, the X4 now incorporates styling derived from the X2 and X3 and aside from a more sloped, fastback roofline and rear-end styling mirroring those of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and Porsche Macan, measures 81 mm longer (4 752 mm) in overall length with wheelbase stretched by 54 mm (2 864 mm), width by 37 mm (1 918 mm) and height dropped by three millimetres (1 621 mm).
According to BMW, these gains in dimensions have upped luggage capacity by 25-litres to 525-litres, and by 30-litres to 1 430-litres with the rear seats folded flat.
As it now rides on the same CLAR platform underpinning the 5-and 7-series, as well as the X3, the X4 weighs in at 50 kg lighter than the F26, and also comes with BMW's Active Air Flap and extra underbody protection to improve aerodynamics. Wheel size meanwhile range from 19 to 21-inches.
Further changes underneath its skin include a retuned electric power steering system, new axle components and on models fitted with the optional M Sport package, adaptive M Sport suspension, M Sport differential, variable M Sport steering and M specific brakes.
Available in three trim levels; xLine, M Sport X and M Sport, each with their own selection of exterior and interior finishes, the inside of the X4 takes after the X2 and X3, and features a redesigned dashboard, optional Heads-Up Display, upgraded materials, optional BMW Smart Key, larger dimension panoramic roof and a 6.5-inch or 10.25-inch iDrive infotainment system with gesture control.
In terms of driver assistance tech, either optional or standard, the X4 can be specified with items such as Parking Assistant Plus, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Lane Change Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, 3D around view monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, Cornering Brake Control and Automatic Differential Brake.
At launch, the X4 will offered with a choice of three turbocharged petrol engines and four turbodiesels, all connected to a eight-speed Steptronic gearbox with standard xDrive all-wheel drive.
Starting the petrol line-up off, the xDrive 20i comes powered by a 2.0-litre mill that produces 135 kW and 290 Nm, which allows for a top speed of 215 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. Moving one up, the xDrive 30i utilises the same engine but with power lifted to 185 kW and torque to 350 Nm. Top speed is a claimed 240 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.
At the sharp end, and as previously spied, the new M40i joins the X3 equivalent as the most powerful petrol engine option in the range, and produces 265 kW and 500 Nm of torque from its 3.0-litre straight-six turbo. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h with 100 km/h form naught coming up in 4.8 seconds.
On the diesel front, both the xDrive 20d and xDrive 25d make use of a 2.0-litre mill with the former producing 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque, and the latter 170 kW and 500 Nm. Performance for the 20d has not been revealed, although the 25d will dispatch the 0-100 km/h mark in 6.8 seconds and top out at 230 km/h.
Sporting a 3.0-litre straight-six setup, the 30d churns out 195 kW and 620 Nm of torque, which means a top speed of 250 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. Capping the range off, the new M40d builds on the 30d with power going up to 240 kW and torque to 680 Nm. Top speed is again limited to 250 km/h but standstill to 100 km/h is reached in 4.9 seconds.
Final pricing and spec will be announced closer to the X4's local launch date in the third quarter.
