BMW X4 2019 FIRST LOOK

BMW X4 2019 FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

BMW’s X6 and X4 pioneered a new sub-segment of sport utilities designed with coupe-like styling; created for people who are willing to sacrifice a little usefulness for a dose of fetching flavor.

BMW has now revealed the 2^nd generation X4, due in dealer showrooms this summer with a starting price in the low 50s for the 30i model and low 60s for the racier M40i.

The 2019 X4 has been engineered to deliver a sportier drive courtesy of wider tracks, a lower center of gravity and reimagined suspension which also aims to deliver a high degree of ride comfort.  An increase of approximately 3” in length and 1.5” in width better frame the coupe-style roofline; now featuring a much larger, standard panoramic glass moonroof.

Sport seats and 19” wheels are standard.  The xDrive30i model produces 248 horsepower via a twin-scroll turbo 4-cylinder enabling a 0-to-60mph time of 6 seconds while the M Performance model comes with an inline 6-cylinder engine making 355 horsepower cutting that time to 4.6 seconds.

The M40i adds a SPORT + mode and launch control to its 8-speed automatic transmission as well as numerous other mechanical enhancements to its go-faster arsenal. BMW says the X4’s weight has been substantially reduced through the greater use of aluminum in the body structure.

The latest version of xDrive all-wheel drive is also lighter and more efficient, rear biased for a sportier driving experience.

Inside, a large 10+” touchscreen delivers the most current iteration of iDrive infotainment while the X4 is also updated with BMW’s latest driving assistance features including Traffic Jam Assistant for semi-automated driving capability.