When the BMW X6 was launched, it was, if I remember correctly, nothing like the world had ever seen: an SUV with a coupé roof, sports-car-aping performance, and road presence that was second to none. The critics didn’t appreciate the styling, but it went on to become successful, and the formula has been successfully replicated by many brands across a variety of budgets. BMW also diversified by offering smaller versions of the X6, one of those being the BMW X4. Following the arrival of the updated X3, its latest Sports Activity Coupé version, the new BMW X4 has now been launched in India, at prices starting at Rs 70.5 lakh, ex-showroom.
Apart from the unique shape (not as unique as it was in the late noughties, of course), the BMW X4 gets M goodies like the aero package, high-gloss grille, black window frames, 20-inch wheels, etc. There’s adaptive LED headlamps with Matrix function and wraparound LED tail-lamps as well.
On the inside, you notice sport seats, an M leather steering wheel and an M headliner at the front. There’s also a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, a 3-zone climate control, a welcome light carpet, and automatic tailgate. The 12.3-inch all-digital instrument panel includes 3D navigation, and an infotainment screen that is receptive to pre-defined gesture inputs and will connect to Android and Apple phones through the respective proprietary connectivity suites; wirelessly, too. The onboard audio system is decked up with 16 Harman Kardon speakers. There are plenty of driver and parking assists which make the X4 safe (in addition to passive safety features like six airbags) and easy to drive and park.
Ensuring that there’s no loss of grip, there’s also BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and the engine choices include both petrol and diesel units. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine makes 252hp and 350Nm, and gives the X4 xDrive30i a claimed 0-100kph time of just 6.6 seconds. BMW says that its peak torque is available from as early as 1450rpm, which isn’t just surprising but also reassuring that one wouldn’t need to rev the nuts off this to make decent progress. Although the diesel engine’s peak torque of 620Nm does dwarf everything I just said.
The diesel is a 3.0-litre, straight-six unit which makes 265hp and can propel the X4 to 100kph from standstill in 5.8 seconds. BMW is proud of certain things that it achieves with its cars; driving pleasure is at the top, and the X4 is expected to exhibit similar traits. It’s got a 50:50 weight distribution, too.
Locally assembled by BMW India, the X4 is available in the ‘Black Shadow’ edition in limited numbers. There are two colour choices: Black Sapphire and M Brooklyn Grey. Prices start at Rs 70.5 lakh for the BMW X4 xDrive30i and Rs 72.5 lakh for the xDrive30d.
