The X that’s a fit for Gen Y

The naming convention of car-makers even in the luxury segment follows a set alpha-numeric pattern, with a few exceptions that choose either only an alphabetic or a numeric progression to signify model hierarchy.

So, what do you do if the market evolves to a point where luxury car buyers are becoming more choosy and looking for vehicles that fall into new segments within segments?

Answer is, you fill the gaps in your portfolio with new models that conveniently fall into the same alpha-numeric progression. You find the odds by filling the gaps in your ‘evens’.

That is what BMW did with its model series — it had the 1,3, 5, and 7 Series; and later added the 2,4, and 6 series. Seeking to fill the niches, BMW has done the same with its SUV range adding the X6, X2, and later the X4 to its range, which already had the X1, X3, and X5.

Of course, we all know by now that the X7 is due to join the family next year and will then become the flagship SUV from the Munich-based luxury car brand.

As part of its strategy to widen its portfolio in India, BMW will be bringing more of its models here during the next couple of years and one of them will surely be the X4. But, what we will get here will be the updated 2019 model, which was launched recently.

Late last month, I got a taste of the 2019 model, which has a substantial bump up in features and capability.

The X4 was introduced as a new model line in 2014 and was meant to offer a more compact option for buyers who were increasingly in favour of coupe-like crossovers.

Design

This model was originally targeted at buyers in the US, which explains why the X4 continues to be assembled in BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.

The X4 is based on the same platform as the third generation X3, but in the flesh it seems to have no connections. Instead, the X4 looks a lot like a compact version of the ‘Beast’ X6. But, when you walk up to the X4, it’s more compact footprint becomes obvious, though the similarities in overall design still linger in your head.

From some angles, the X4’s stance also resembles that of a raised GT. But, the coupe-like crossover is the fast-emerging body style in the luxury class, and despite its similarities, the X4 still has its bits of individuality. Compared to the predecessor, the 2019 model has also grown in proportions. It is longer by 81 mm, wider by 37 mm and sports an increased wheelbase (+54 mm). With a slightly lower height and improvements to the aero package, the X4’s co-efficient of drag is now ten per cent lower than the outgoing model. BMW calls the even numbered Xs ‘Sports Activity Coupes’ and this mixture of characters comes through best at the rear of the X4, with its steeply sloping roofline that ends at the bottom of the spoiler integrated to the bootlid lip.

Dual tone fenders at the front and the rear merge and continue into the wheel arches. The track at the rear axle is wider and gets nicely camouflaged into the body work thanks to the prominent rear haunches, which also deliver that squat powerful stance of the X4. It is also the reason why the rear overhang doesn’t seem too unwieldy or out of place in the design. The side character line is the other design element that catches the light and your eye under the sun. A rising shoulder line and sloping roofline merge into what looks like a revised hoffmeister kink on the C-pillar. Headlamps and tail-lamp units are narrower in keeping with the coupe-like profile of the X4.

The other elements such as the kidney grille are all mild variations over the familiar BMW design regulars. Bold twin exhausts at the rear also boost the sporty character of the 2019 model.

A class above: The X4’s interior gets a few features from the larger BMW models

 

Interior

The cabin of the X4 exudes the classic BMW layout signature. In fact, many trim elements seem to have been picked from the X3’s parts bin. The standard hexagonal centre stack layout with the central vents, and all the aircon and music controls set within is what I find in the X4’s cabin too. The quality of materials used and the choice of trim elements make the X4’s cabin quite plush.

The seats are particularly well-bolstered and offer excellent support, leaving me feeling fresh even after four hours behind the wheel. The dash layout is driver-oriented and the sides of the centre console also get knee pads. BMW engineers say that the leg room in the new X4 is up 27 mm over the predecessor.

The 2019 model also gets an automatic tailgate as part of standard equipment, like the 12-inch black panel design instrument cluster. The 10.25-inch touchscreen interface at the top of the centre stack now gets gesture control features just like in some of the bigger BMW models. The rear seats are foldable from the trunk and feature a 40:20:40 split for more practical storage. The boot also sports some innovative storage ideas, and while it can offer 525 litres of space with the seats in use and can be expanded up to 1,430 litres, it also features an underfloor compartment for additional storage. A head-up display, three-zone auto climate control and ambient lighting are optional additions.

 

The new BMW X4 xDrive M40d

 

Performance

The new X4 is being offered with three petrol and four diesel engines, which range in power outputs from 184 hp to 360 hp. Drive power is relayed via an eight-speed steptronic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel system; both are standard across the model range. The two engine variants that I got to experience were the X4 xDrive30i, which features a two-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 252 hp of power and 350 Nm of torque; and the X4 M40d, which features a three-litre, inline-six diesel engine that generates 326 hp of power and 680 Nm of torque. A X4 M40i variant with a three-litre, inline-six petrol engine is expected to join the range (for the European market) by next month.

Both the engine variants that I test drove in Spartanburg performed with trademark BMW vigour. The M40d of course felt much quicker with the potential to do the sprint to 100 kmph in 4.9 seconds. Both the mills are refined; and the NVH level in the cabin of the M40d is really well contained. Thanks to the xDrive all-wheel system, the X4 is also very agile for a vehicle of its size. Turn-ins are quick and there is a lot of grip from the HP tyres. The new X4 is also 50 kg lighter than the predecessor with a lower centre of gravity, both of which help in its cornering stability. All these characteristics are enhanced in the M40d with its sportier steering set-up, M Sport brakes and differential lock. The suspension is a bit rigid in the M40d, but there are more pliant settings possible in the other modes like comfort. Overall, the suspension set-up is dynamic, but not too bouncy unlike some of the BMWs of the past.

Bottom Line

The new X4 is also offered with a clutch of radar-based driving assistance systems as optional additions. Driving Assistant plus includes steering and lane control assistance, and lane keeping assist with side collision protection.

The BMW X4 will be a good addition to the Indian portfolio. The luxury car market is deepening and the age profile of buyers here too is getting younger every year. With its sports activity coupe design and profile, the X4 has the potential to woo customers looking for a versatile, yet stylish vehicle that also delivers the advantages of an SUV. I expect prices for the X4 to range between ₹50-₹60 lakh.