Share

X6's baby sister headed for SA

BMW has carved itself another niche with the debut of its SA-bound X4. We have local engine details for the upcoming Sport Activity Coupe - a baby for the monstrous X6.

The new X4 - the monstrous X6's baby sister - combines the features of the automaker's X family with the design of a class coupe, resulting in BMW’s first SAC for the premium mid-size segment.

IMAGE GALLERY: 2014 BMW X4

The X4 will arrive in South Africa in September 2014. The new 2 series and 4 Series convertible are due for launch in South Africa towards the end of March 2014 and Wheels24 will be there to drive them.

CROSSOVER SUV

At 4.6m, the X4 is 14mm longer than an X3 (on whose platform it's based) but is 36mm closer to the ground at 1.6m, cutting, BMW says, "dynamic profile with its perfectly balanced proportions and distinctive sporting character".
 
The new X4's design follows that of the BMW X6, visually combining the character of a SAC (BMW-speak for an SUV) with the outline of a coupe. It's certainly hard to miss...

The driver and front passenger sit 20mm lower and rear passengers 28mm lower than in an X3.

All derivatives are equipped with xDrive all-wheel-drive system. According to BMW: “Working in tandem with the standard variable sport steering, these systems allow the X4 to deliver driving dynamics that surpass even those of the X3 in terms of sportiness."

AND THE ENGINES...

At launch in Europe, the X4 will be available with a choice three diesel engines...

xDrive20d: 141kW/400Nm, six-speed manual or eight-speed auto (optional), 0-100km/h in eight seconds. In auto, fuel consumption given as 4.3 litres/100km, CO2 emissions 138g/km.

xDrive30d: Six-cylinder 192kW/ 560Nn, standard eight-speed Sport auto, 100km/h in 5.8sec, fuel consumption  five litres/100km, CO2 emissions 156g/km.

xDrive35d: 233kW/630Nm. Equipped with launch control, 100km/h in 5.2sec, top speed 246km/h, five litres/100km , CO2 emissions 157g/km.

South Africa will get the xDrive35i, xDrive28i, xDrive20i, xDrive20d and xDrive30d

EQUIPMENT

Standard kit includes auto boot, variable sport steering, 18” alloy rims, park assist, performance control and xenon headlights. Inside it has split-folding rear seats, a leather sport steering wheel, heatable front seats and BMW Business Media package. Load capacity is rated at 500 litres and can be expanded to 1400 litres with seats folded.

The xLine version adds exlusive 18” alloys, aluminium exterior trim, copper interior details, sport seats and leather upholstery.

The M Sport pack adds M Sport suspension and aerodynamic styling, black exterior trim and an exclusive 19” M Sport alloys. The interior benefits from sport seats and aluminium trim.

CONNECTED DRIVE, e-CALL

The new SAC benefits from BMW ConnectedDrive and its latest generation multimedia navigation system. The optional BMW ConnectedDrive services allows drivers to access smartphone applications as well as innovative mobility services via the built-in SIM card.

An xDrive status display uses three-dimensional graphics to keep the driver informed of body roll and pitch.

In Europe, the e-Call function triggers automatically during a crash or can be used to manually alert the authorities. As soon as the vehicle’s crash sensors report an airbag deployment, the system sends the vehicle location and key information to the BMW Call Centre, enabling quicker response to crashes.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE