2019 BMW X4 revealed before Q3 Australian launch

Hot off the press of the 2018 BMW range event in Victoria, BMW has unveiled its new mid-size luxury coupe SUV before a third quarter Australian release. The 2019 BMW X4 is the second-generation of the nameplate, and is positioned to the X3 like the X6 is to X5 and X2 is to X2 – a sportier, sexier equivalent for those not looking for outright practicality.

The 2019 BMW X4 will feature a wider range of drivetrains than before upon its launch in Australia, including the hot M40i version previewed in the images shown. Like the new X3 on which it’s based, the X4 is based on BMW’s new CLAR platform, which allows weight savings of up 50kg compared with the previous generation X4.

“The second-generation BMW X4 brings together a distinctive, dynamic silhouette with a clear, pared-back use of forms,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.

Like the previous generation of X4, the new model’s design is the centerpoint of the car. It employs the coupe SUV design theme from the larger X6 – the first implementation of the coupe SUV design theme in 2008. Rather than taking the squashed wagon styling of the new X2, the X4 continues the ‘traditional’ coupe SUV look, albeit with updated styling elements from the new X3, including the application of the wider kidney grille styling. The new X4’s tailights are a new design for the brand as well – the traditional BMW tailights have been replaced by much sleeker and longer units.

The company’s new CLAR platform has allowed for the new X4 to grow dimensionally yet lose 50kg of weight. Its 4,752mm length is 81mm longer, whilst its 2,864mm wheelbase is 54mm longer and its 1,918mm width some 37mm wider than before. The car’s overall height has dropped by 3mm to 1,621mm, which in addition to its extra length, contributes to the X4’s overall sportier look. The X4’s front and rear tracks are also wider than before, which contribute to “even sportier driving dynamics”, according to BMW.

The new X4’s boot space is 25-litres more than before at 525-litres – this increases to 1,430-litres with the rear seats folded. For comparison’s sake, an X3 measures 550-litres and 1,600-litres respectively.

The interior of the 2019 BMW X4 borrows almost totally from the current generation of X3. Its dashboard layout is identical, whilst its trim colours and options are more varied. Like the X3, the new X4 incorporates BMW’s latest iDrive 6 infotainment system with a wider range of concierge services, optional wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring technology and an available 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.

Like the new X2, BMW’s new M Sport X package will be available on the X4. Best described as a combination of BMW’s M Sport and xLine off-road styling packages, M Sport X includes up to 21-inch alloy wheels, sports bumpers with skid plates and bumper cladding in grey for a tougher, more off-road oriented look. Like the X2, the M Sport X package will likely be a no cost option for X4 owners.

The available drivetrain choices with the 2019 BMW X4 has been increased, with new models available including higher-performance M40i and M40d specs with turbocharged six-cylinder engines – all models in the X4 range are currently all-wheel drive, and are mated to an eight-speed automatic as standard.

Sitting at the entry point of the range is the xDrive20i with a 135kW/290Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine – it claims a 0-100km/h time of 8.3 seconds and fuel consumption of as little as 7.1L/100km. Sitting above that is the xDrive30i, which uses the same engine with a 185kW/350Nm tune with a quicker 6.3 second run to 100km/h and a tiny increase in fuel consumption to 7.2L/100km. Sitting atop the range of petrol engines is the X4 M40i, which features a 265kW/500Nm turbo six cylinder engine, capable of a 4.8 second 0-100km/h sprint, a 250km/h top speed and fuel consumption of 9.0L/100km.

On the diesel side of the X4 offerings, the range opens with the xDrive20d and its 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged unit with an 8.0 second sprint to 100km/h and fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km. Sitting above this is the xDrive25d, with a higher output 170kW/500Nm 2.0-litre turbo engine which offers a 6.8 second run to 100km/h and 5.5L/100km. Above this is the highest non-M X4 you can buy, the xDrive30d. This uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, with 190kW and 620Nm – good enough for a 5.8 second run to 100km/h and 5.9L/100km combined. Finally, the M40d uses a higher output version of the 3.0-litre engine, with 240kW and 680Nm, a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.9 seconds and 6.4L/100km combined.

BMW Australia has confirmed that the 2019 BMW X4 will be launched into Australia in the third quarter of 2018, with drivetrains and pricing yet to be confirmed. We predict the 20i, 30i, 30d and both M40i and M40d variants making it down under – just like the X3.

Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for news and reviews regarding the BMW range.