[imagebrowser id=141]
BMW has gone and built another entirely impractical vehicle, making a smaller version of the already impractical X6 Sport Activity Coupe (SAC). This is the utterly pointless BMW X4, and we absolutely love it!
Don’t ask us why, because we can’t really answer you, but there’s something about the X6 and now the X4 that just makes me love it. It’s pointless and all that, but it just looks brilliant, and we know it’ll be rather brilliant on the road. But besides good looks, what does the X4 have to offer?
The X4 is based on the X3, which has recently been upgraded, but fits into BMW’s SAC vehicle segment. Taking styling cues from the X3 and 4 Series Coupe, the X4 features sporty looks with large air intakes, and BMW’s twin-headlights, with LED technology should you tick the right boxes.
It’ll also be equipped with 6 rather feisty engines to match the looks. Models available will be the X4 xDrive35i, xDrive28i, and xDrive20i on the petrol front, and xDrive35d, xDrive30d, and xDrive20d. Fuel consumption and specification for the engine range can be seen below:
| Model: | Power: | Torque: | 0-100km/h: | Fuel Consumption: |
| xDrive20i | 135kW | 270Nm | 8.1s | 7.3l/100km |
| xDrive28i | 180kW | 350Nm | 6.4s | 7.4l/100km |
| xDrive35i | 225kW | 400Nm | 5.5s | 8.3l/100km |
| xDrive20d | 140kW | 400Nm | 8.0s | 5.4l/100km |
| xDrive30d | 190kW | 560Nm | 5.8s | 6.1l/100km |
| xDrive35d | 230kW | 630Nm | 5.2s | 6.0l/100km |
All X4 models come standard with xDrive permanent all-wheel drive, and all models come standard with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, with the exception of the xDrive20d which is available with a 6-speed manual.
The X4 offers a sportier setup than its X3 sibling, with the driver and front passenger sitting 20mm lower than in the X3. It does however offer space for 5 passengers – 3 of which may have to be midgets thanks to the sloping roofline – and features a 40:20:40 rear seat split for improved luggage space.
As standard in BMW products, the options list is extensive, with extras including the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, the anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, and Driving Assistant Plus including Lane Departure Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, preventive pedestrian protection and a Collision Warning system, which applies the brakes with anything up to maximum stopping power as required.
The BMW X4 is scheduled for South African launch in September 2014.
