A Greater Good - The All New BMW X4

The new car will be available in Singapore with the same engine options as the new X3. Two 2.0 units are available with different power and torque ratings, one each for the xDrive20 (184hp), and xDrive30i (252hp) models, and a sweet six-cylinder straight unit for the stonking high-performance M40i (360hp). All cars have their drive power relayed via an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, through all four wheels, and utilising BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.

All engines deliver their maximum torque from a very low sweet spot of 1,350rpm for the xDrive20i engine, 1,450rpm for the xDrive30i and 1,520rpm for the six cylinder unit. The low rpm delivery makes the cars easily drivable in town traffic, with a generous spread of torque throughout the rev-range. Unfortunately for Singapore, we will not be getting the M40d diesel model, with its earth-shifting 680Nm of torque, which we absolutely loved!

Ride quality is also one of the strong points, and all thanks to an overall larger vehicle, where there is greater ride comfort over the previous car; with the suspension happy to pick up undulations on the road surface. But unlike the X3, which has a greater lean to a comfortable ride, the X4 suspension setup is a little firmer, offering better handling, helping the X4 to stay true to its performance-leaning intent. Other “performance enhancing” features like a Variable Sport Steering and M Sport differential not only keeps the drive lively, but helps in making the X4 an extremely nimble car to drive.

We put the mid-range 30i model through its paces, around the twisty and winding back roads of South and North Carolina; incidentally the proving grounds of many BMW X range vehicles (we did actually catch a glimpse of a few camouflaged new X5 SUVs pass us along the way), and were impressed at how the X4 soaked up directional changes with ease, and the potent 2.0 with 350Nm of torque easily takes the car uphill, and around tight bends, at speeds which would easily unsettle the average sedan.

With an ideal 50:50 weight distribution, the X4 makes for a true driver’s car, and its 6.3 second 0-100km/h sprint timing would simply mean that it would easily be ahead of the pack in most situations.

It will certainly cost a quite a bit more than the X3, engine option for engine option and the cars will have a little less boot space, due to the downward sloping rear end. But the X4 is not just about making an SUV, or in this case an SAC handle like a dream, while being practical.

The X4 is a serious car, built with the purpose to do ‘everything’.

The all new X4 will be available locally from 3Q 2018.

Additional images by Fabian Kirchbauer and Barry Hayden

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