The baby X6 is here! With the luxury sport SUV segment receiving a number of strong offerings, such as the Porsche Macan, in the past few months, it’s no surprise that German rival BMW plans to roll out the brand-new 2015 BMW X4 Sport Activity Vehicle at this year’s New York International Auto Show. Sharing a platform with the elegant and successful X3, the X4 slots in between the economical X1 and the more opulent X5, providing a nice medium of performance and price.
Like its stablemate, the X3, the X4 will be available in xDrive28i and xDrive35i guises for the American market. The xDrive28i will receive BMW’s famous 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo I-4, developing 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, while the peppy xDrive35i will receive the famous turbo inline-six making 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque from just 1,200 RPM. Both engines will receive updated direct injection systems and variable valve timing, technologies that help the X4 xDrive35i get from 0-60 in a scant 5.2 seconds. In addition, all 2015 BMW X4 models will receive the standard Steptronic 8-speed automatic unit, allowing for efficiency and quick-shifting character.
The X4’s styling shares many dimensions with the current BMW X6, which may alienate some BMW enthusiasts. The X6’s lines have been a topic of debate since its launch, and many describe the car as high, wide, and disproportionate. Its raked roofline, integrated rear spoiler, and coupe-like shape move from the X6 to the X4, all cues that make it a distinguished member of a competitive segment. And of course, the 2014 BMW X4 receives the signature twin-kidney front grille with halo LED running lights, making it instantly recognizable as a BMW product.
The 2015 BMW X4 will also be available in M Sport and xLine specifications that allow for an even greater dose of style. M Sport-equipped X4s will receive an exclusive aerodynamic package, shadow-line trim, firmer suspension, six exclusive paint finishes, and M accenting throughout the cabin. And of course, M Sport X4s will receive striking 19″ or 20″ light alloy wheels to complete the transformation. Customers opting for the xLine package will receive solely cosmetic upgrades, with special paint schemes, interior and exterior trim, and alloy wheels available.
The 2015 BMW X4 harbors a number of creature comforts that make it an ideal everyday driver. A foot-activated lift gate, an ECO PRO mode, and BMW driver assistance and apps lend a helping hand to the X4 owner. Though no official fuel economy figures have been released, the X4’s start-stop function should lead to competitive numbers. In addition, the X4 gets a full suite of BMW connectivity and technology, with a heads-up display, real-time traffic information, active cruise control, and apps accessible through the iDrive system. The car can even document the severity and location of an accident through BMW’s eCall system, making the X4 a state-of-the-art safety machine.
Expect sales of the X4 to begin this Spring, with the xDrive28i starting at $45,625 and the top-of-the-line 35i starting at a more hefty $48,925.
Please enjoy this TFLcar.com review of the 2013 BMW X5…
Frank caught automotive fever early in life. Hailing from a long line of car fanatics, he was able to recite the year and model of every car that passed him by age five. His passion and love for the automobile have only grown since then. When not thinking about cars, he is reading, writing, learning, or dreaming about them. His area of expertise is in the realm of German and Italian cars, of which Porsche is a favorite. Frank currently resides in the heart of NASCAR country in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his family. He enjoys driving exotic cars in the beautiful Carolina weather.
