BMW X4

Development and launch

The F26 X4 is previewed by the BMW Concept X4 that was unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2013.[21] The production model was later unveiled in 2014 at the New York International Auto Show.[22] The X4 shares its powertrains with the X3, including a variety of four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.[23] The X4 is slotted above the X3 but below the X5 in the model range,[24] and is 23 mm longer and 37 mm taller than the F25 X3 it is based on.[25]

A total of $900 million was invested in the BMW Spartanburg plant in preparation for the production of X models, including the F26 X4.[26]

Equipment

Models are offered in a standard, xLine, or M Sport trim.[27] All feature BMW EfficientDynamics program that includes an engine start stop system and brake energy regeneration.[28] Available equipment includes 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, iDrive, a head-up display, and real-time traffic information.[29] M40i models feature 19-inch alloy wheels, a sports exhaust system, a stiffer suspension setup, and M Sport styling.[30]

All models are only available with all-wheel drive (xDrive), and meet Euro 6 emission regulations.[31]

M Performance Parts were released in the facelift and can be installed to all models. These include carbon fibre mirrors, a sport steering wheel, M rims, black kidney grilles, a carbon fibre spoiler and Aluminium pedals. 30d models also get a power boost kit making 27hp more (286hp) and 20d models can be fitted with a dual exhaust.

Models

Petrol engines

Diesel engines

Development and launch

The G02 X4 was developed alongside the G01 X3, on which it is based on.[37] The X4 features dual ball joint front axle and five-link rear axle suspension, and uses BMW's Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform that incorporates aluminium and high strength steel.[38] Compared to its predecessor, the X4 is 50 kg lighter and is 52 mm taller, 81 mm longer, and 37 mm wider.[39]

Equipment

Standard equipment consists of bi-LED headlights, an automatic tailgate, 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, and iDrive 6.0.[40] Models are offered in xLine, M Sport, and M Sport X trim.[41] xLine trim models feature underbody protection, 19-inch alloy wheels and sports seats, while M Sport models include M Sport styling, and M Sport suspension and brakes.[42] M Sport X models include the same features, as well as anthracite headliner and Frozen Grey exterior trim elements.[43] The M40i and M40d also gain a rear M Sport Differential—a single-clutch electromechanical rear differential which emulates the behavior of a conventional LSD.[44] Optional ConnectedDrive features also enable Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration.[45]

All 20-30 models with M Sport pacage and all M40 models can be fitted with M Performance Parts. These include carbon fiber mirrors.

In the spring of 2020, the X4 xDrive20d was given a mild hybrid 48 volt system.[46]

X4 M

In 2019, BMW introduced the X4 M and X4 M Competition (F98), being the first time an X4 had a M version. The X4 M is fitted with a 3.0 L S58 straight-six that produced 473 horsepower with the Competition models producing 503 horsepower.[47][48]

Full M models can be fitted with full M specific M Performance Parts. These include a splitter, spoiler, sport steering wheel, carbon fibre vents and kidney grilles.

Models

Petrol engines

Diesel engines

Alpina XD4

The Alpina XD4 debuted at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.[50] It is fitted with a modified version of the B57 diesel engine with four turbochargers,[51] and outputs 285 kW and 770 Nm.[52][53] The XD4 is the fastest accelerating diesel-powered production SUV, and can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 4.6 s and has a top speed of 268 kph.[54] It is available in left-hand drive markets only.[55]

Safety