The BMW X4 crossover/coupe was born back in 2014 as a 2015 model. Just four short years later, it is being completely redesigned for 2019. It may have a familiar four-door sleek roof shape, but most of the car is changed. What is the new X4 all about? Spoiler alert: it’s larger, quicker, and more efficient than before.
Check out this TFL Expert Buyer’s Guide for all the details. After all, the 2019 BMW X4 will be reaching your local dealer in July 2018, which is just several weeks away.
Chassis
The all-new X4 grew in all dimensions with the exception of one. It’s 3.0 inches longer, rides on a 2.1 inch longer wheelbase, it’s 1.4 inches wider in the back, but the roof is 0.1 inches lower than before.
What does it all mean? Rear passengers get just 0.7 inches more legroom, and there is approximately one more cubic-foot of cargo volume in the back. Yep, you can now fit a standard-sized microwave oven back there. Unfortunately, there is now also 0.2-inches less headroom for the rear passengers. Rear-seat headroom is not a high priority for the sleek X4, but this is the cost of style and athletic appearance.
There is another penalty for the larger size of the new X4. It’s the increased curb weight that goes up a little by 88 pounds to 4,323 lbs overall.
Power & Performance
The new X4 is available with two engine options: 2.0-liter turbo-four in the xDrive30i, and a 3.0-liter turbo-six in the M40i xDrive. Although, these engines are already available in some other BMWs, they are the latest versions.
| 2.0L turbo I4 (B46) | 248 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| 258 lb-ft @ 1,450 rpm |
| 3.0L turbo I6 (B58) | 355 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| 365 lb-ft @ 1,520 rpm |
What’s the big deal? The older generation four-cylinder made about the same power, and the straight-six makes the exact same 355 horsepower. Well, the new I6 has a 22 lb-ft torque advantage over the outgoing engine in the M40i.
The increased torque allows the X4 M40i to shave 0.1 seconds for the sprint to 60 MPH, which now registers at 4.6 seconds (according to BMW). The 30i does the 0-60 MPH in six seconds flat.
Increased performance does come at a cost of fuel economy. It’s quiet the opposite. The M40i boost EPA rating significantly from 19/26/21 to 20/27/23 MPG. Fuel efficiency is helped by a 10% improved in the coefficient of drag. Both available engines are paired to the same 8-speed automatic transmission.
[Note: Driving impressions for the 2019 BMW X4 are embargoed until July 1, 2018.]
M Performance Goodies
Those looking for maximum performance and aggressive appearance from their X4 can add several M Performance options. There is an M Sport Design appearance package that adds $3,000 to the price of an xDrive30i. There is a Dynamic Handling Package that offers a slightly different suspension setup for less body roll in corners at an additional $1,450. Another noteworthy item is the M Sport Differential in the rear, which is a limited slip differential – not a true torque-vectoring setup. When it senses slip on one side, it transfers power to the other side.
Naturally, there is also variable ratio Sport steering and variable damper control that adjusts behavior in accordance to speed or the selected drive mode. There are still the Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual driving modes.
Pricing & Options
The U.S-spec 2019 X4 is only available with xDrive all-wheel-drive, and it starts at $50,450. If you are also considering a new BMW X3, then the X4 boasts a heafty $8,000 premium over its SUV counterpart.
There are Premier and Executive tiers that add optional equipment ranging from heated seats and steering wheel, heads-up display, gesture control, surround-view camera system, adaptive full LED headlights and more. When combined together these two package will boost the price of the X4 by about $4,850.
The xDrive30i has a choice of seven exterior colors, four wheel choices in 19 and 20-inch sizes, eight interior themes, and four interior trim options.
The M40i starts at $60,450. The six-cylinder offers five wheel choices with an option to go to 21-inch rims. Then there are several more levels of driver assistance technologies. If you want wireless charging and a WiFi hotspot – this is a $400 option. The Harmon Kardon surround stereo system comes in at a reasonable $875 price increase.
A fully loaded X4 M40i xDrive will ring the bell at over $71,000.
Competition
Why buy a BMW X4? BMW has several options for a four-door coupe in the $50K-70K range. For example, you could get an AWD 4-Series GranCoupe in the similar price range. BMW says that the X4 is more of an emotional choice for their customers. It offers some of the conveniences of a traditional high-performance crossover/SUV in a more aggressive package.
Other competitors include a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, Audi Q5, Porsche Macan, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Jaguar F-Pace. It’s difficult to come up with an apples-to-apples competitor as the GLC Coupe has a slightly lower starting price, and a Macan can be optioned with a lot more power and a much higher price tag.
Verdict
If I was shopping for a 2019 X4 right now, I would configure an M40i xDrive in white, with the red interior option, 21-inch rims, and I would add every M-performance optional part available. Yes, this would make it the most expensive X4 out there, but if it is an emotional purchase in the first place – then just go all the way for maximum performance and style.
Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for more news, views and real-world reviews!
