BMW X4 confirmed

What, was it too fugly to reveal at the show or something?

With most hacks home from the Geneva show after two days of unrelenting new car reveals, press conferences and concept unveilings you might think we were all due a pause for breath.

'Elegance of a classical coupe' reckons BMW

Apparently not, BMW taking the odd course of action of confirming the production version of the X4 just as most of the industry was turning out the lights after two Geneva press days thinking 'well, that's done and dusted then!'

We actually got the gist of the X4 almost a year ago now so it's not exactly the bolt from the blue, beyond the slightly odd timing of the announcement.

Wearily we once again drag ourselves into the realm of tub-thumping press release lingo with BMW claiming the X4 has "the hallmark features of the BMW X family with the sporting elegance of a classical coupe." Elegance of a classical coupe? Really?

What else have we got? Blah blah "cuts a dynamic profile", "distinctive sporting character", "unmistakable presence on the road" (that's a polite way of putting it), "harmonious synthesis of sportiness and exclusivity" and so on. And on.

Like an X3 but uglier, pricier and with less headroom

But what have we actually got? As predicted, the X4 is based on the X3, as reflected in the F26 internal code (X3 is F25). It's 14mm longer overall than the X3 but 36mm lower in overall height. While we've got the tape measure out driver and passenger sit 20mm lower than in the equivalent X3, rear seat passengers 28mm lower to compensate for that sloping roofline.

Engines are all diesel initially, comprising 190hp 20d from £36,590, 258hp 30d from £44,890 and 313hp 35d for a burly £48,990 upwards. Equivalent X3s would start at £32,990, £39,790 and £46,385 respectively, offering an idea of the premium you'll pay for the X4's more assertive stance. Add £1,500 for xLine trim comprising 18-inch wheels, aluminium exterior trim, sport seats and xLine leather and £3,000 over the price of SE models for M Sport. 19-inch wheels, M Sport suspension and the usual smattering of logo'd up trim are all included. All but the entry level X4 xDrive20d come with the familiar eight-speed auto as standard, that car's standard six-speed manual optionally upgradeable to match and probably a default tick for most buyers.

Nicer from in here; avoid reflections in buildings

As the flagship of the range the 35d is probably the one most attuned to our tastes (relatively) and the best equipped to go Macan chasing. Indeed, the 35d is considerably faster (and more expensive) than the Macan S Diesel. The Porsche's 258hp and £43,300 starting price actually compare more closely to the 30d. The 30d's 5.8 seconds to 62 and 145mph top speed are token improvements on the 6.3 and 142mph of the Porsche, the X4's 47.9 combined mpg and 156g/km marginally better too.

If the 35d really wants to prove itself the Audi SQ5 is probably a more honest test, 313hp, 0-62 in 5.1 and a mighty 479lb ft all giving the X4 a proper for its money. The Audi is also £4,285 cheaper with a starting price of £44,705.

Orders are now open and the first X4s will be in dealerships from early July.

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andrewparker

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