By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / photos BMW US Press Information
For 2019, the second-generation BMW X4 is making its debut as the BMW X4 xDrive30i, with sportier proportions, wider tracks, the latest generation suspension settings, a lower center of gravity and improved aerodynamics.
Exterior
An increase of approximately 3 inches in exterior length to 187.5 inches, 2.1 inches added to the wheelbase, an extra 1.4 inches of width and an approximately 0.1-inch drop in height give to the all-new BMW X4 xDrive30i dynamically stretched proportions. Short overhangs and powerfully formed, subtly hexagonal wheel arches emphasize the nearly perfectly balanced 50:50 distribution of weight between the front and rear axle.
In the center of the striking front end stands a large BMW kidney grille in a new three-dimensional look. Twin headlight units with dynamic contours and horizontal fog lamps integrated into the outer air intakes form a new interpretation of the familiar six-eyed face embraced by BMW X models.
All the light functions feature LED technology as standard. The shoulder line following the door handles to the rear lights and the character line between the wheel arches break up the surfaces of the car’s flanks. This creates clearly defined lines which are additionally emphasized by the drawn-in glasshouse at the rear. The coupe style roofline slides into the rear window with an elegant flourish before dipping down more steeply to the rear. The window design also underlines the dynamic proportions, thanks to a smoothly rising sill line and an elongated take on the Hofmeister kink “counter-swing” at the base of the C-pillars. Clearly structured surfaces and horizontal lines shape the car’s tail. The LED rear lights, with their three-dimensional shaping, are slim in design and positioned at the extreme edges of the rear. Combined with the twin exhaust tailpipes, they magnify the width of the rear end.
Interior
The interior cabin is roomier with a premium feel. All controls are clearly arranged and set within trim finishers featuring a distinctly pared-down design. The low instrument panel and the slightly raised seating position typical of BMW X models afford drivers a superb view of the road ahead. The driver-focused layout of the cockpit always helps to create a wonderfully sporty driving experience. Redesigned sports seats with boldly contoured side bolsters provide outstanding lateral support even in extreme handling situations. Top-class materials, precise build quality and a host of meticulously crafted details set the tone for the modern and individual premium character of the all-new BMW X4 xDrive30i.
The surfaces of the instrument panel and door paneling merge smoothly into one another, while the X logos embossed into the electroplated surfaces of the front and rear doors are eye-catching details. The ambient lighting, adding extra light sources around the center console and instrument panel, in the door paneling and in the foot wells, enhances the sense of wellbeing in the interior. The lighting mood can be adjusted as the driver pleases thanks to a choice of six colors. Large storage trays, roomy door pockets, cup holders and various compartments are all testimony to the functional qualities of the all-new BMW X4 xDrive30i.
A far wider array of options offers greater scope for customers to increase both the comfort and functionality. The range includes electrically adjustable and heated seats, active seat ventilation and three-zone automatic climate control with separately adjustable temperature control in the rear. A standard panoramic glass moon roof with much larger dimensions than the predecessor offers passengers additional comfort. The two-section glass surface with an overall length of 36.4 inches and a width of 35 inches allows the amount of light in the interior and the supply of fresh air to be varied as required and creates space. The sun blind is electrically operated, as is the front section of the glass roof.
Three full-size seats are fitted in the rear compartment providing the passengers there with an additional 1 inch of legroom over the predecessor model. The trunk features a capacity of 18.5 ft and the load space can be expanded to a maximum of 50.5 ft as required by folding down the sections of the rear backrest, with its standard 40:20:40 split. For added ease, the backrest sections can be released remotely from the trunk, while their angle to be individually adjusted, too. The standard storage package adds additional compartments, USB ports and 12V sockets, as well as multifunctional hooks and lashing rails in the trunk.
Powertrain
Under the hood, the all-new BMW X4 xDrive30i will have the latest-generation power unit. The four-cylinder unit generates 248 hp and peak torque of 258 lb-ft, which is on tap between 1,450 and 4,800 rpm. This enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds.
The BMW Twin-Power Turbo technology for the gasoline engines comprises a twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control. The BMW X4 xDrive30i directs its engine’s power to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive as standard, resulting in effortless progress over smooth roads and rough terrain alike. Gear selections can be selected manually using the shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The standard eight-speed Sport transmission offers exceptionally fast gear changes as well as a Launch Control function. The standard-fit Driving Experience Control switch lets drivers choose from SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO set-ups, and BMW X4 xDrive30i model also adds a SPORT+ mode.
The latest version of the BMW xDrive system is lighter and more efficient. Plus, the precise electronic control of the intelligent all-wheel drive also splits drive power to the sporting effect for which the brand is renowned; the rear-biased set-up produces a highly rewarding driving experience, especially when powering through corners. Besides offering BMW handling stability, BMW xDrive also enhances traction over loose terrain, providing tremendous off-road capabilities. With a ground clearance of 8 inches a fording depth of 19.6 inches, break over angle of 19.4° and angles of approach and departure of 25.7° and 22.6° respectively, the Sports Activity Coupe takes everything in its stride, from crests and bumps in the road to gravel tracks, icy roads and steep slopes.
Summary
The all-new BMW X4 xDrive 30i boasts a marked increase in agility combined with a high degree of ride comfort, courtesy of chassis technology that has been systematically refined and honed for the specific requirements of the Sports Activity Coupe.
Its predecessor, the first ever Sports Activity Coupe at the premium end of the mid-size segment broke new ground. The all-new BMW X4 xDrive30i underscores its individual character with significantly enhanced driving dynamics, standout exterior design accentuating the car’s sporting instincts, a refined premium ambience in the interior, state-of-the-art driver assistance systems and leading-edge connectivity technologies. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $50,450.00, EPA fuel economy estimates 22 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
