Now in
its second generation, the new BMW X4 is larger yet lighter and altogether more
advanced than the model it replaces. It’s a “sports activity coupe,” in
Bimmer parlance, serving as a sleeker take on the X3 and a smaller counterpart
to the X6 that arguably started the trend. On a global basis, BMW will offer
the new X4 – internally dubbed as the G02 – with no fewer than seven engine
options.
In the US, those will be limited to just two: the xDrive30i and the
more performance-oriented M40i. The former packs a 2.0-liter turbo four good
for 248 hp and 350 Nm of torque, the latter with a
3.0-liter turbo six rated at 355 hp and 500 Nm.
With test drives now taking place in and
around Spartanburg, South Carolina, BMW has released no fewer than 245 photos of the new X4 – in both
xDrive30i spec and in M40d trim.
That last part’s a bit of a shame,
because with 322 hp and 680 Nm of torque, the top diesel
model is nearly as quick as the gasoline-burning M40i, but runs on cheaper oil.
But such is the state of diesel propulsion in America that the Bavarian
automaker will only export the M40d from the US and not keep any here for us.
Powertrains, the new X4 looks like a heck of a machine. That is, at least, for those
who are willing to sacrifice a bit of utility for more sport in their
sport-utility equation. But don’t take our word for it: check it out for
yourself in all its slant-roofed splendor in the mega-gallery of images below.
