2015 BMW X4 is a budget X6

Wed, 16 Apr 2014

We won't argue that crossovers are hugely successful vehicles, with automakers working to provide functional CUVs in a wide range of sizes. But over at BMW, things are just getting out of hand, as evidenced by this new X4 "Sports Activity Coupe" that debuts here at the 2014 New York Auto Show.

BMW is seeing fit to offer vehicles in even the most niche of niches, and the X4 is no exception. Want proof? Have a look at the X4, and the compare it to the X3, the 3 Series Gran Turismo, the 3 Series Sport Wagon, and the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Aside from marginal differences in things like ground clearance and the exact slope of the hatchback, what, exactly, is the difference?

Like the other models we just mentioned, the X4 is powered by either a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 240 horsepower or a more powerful, 3.0-liter turbo-six with 300 horsepower, and unsurprisingly, power is sent to the ground exclusively via the company's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. An eight-speed automatic transmission is the sole gearbox available with either engine. All sounds very familiar, right?

Even the shape is familiar, the X4 looking like a smaller, less-functional X6. It's not exactly what we'd call pretty, and it certainly isn't cheap, either. Pricing for the X4 whatcha-mobile starts at $45,625, including destination. Six-cylinder power will cost you just under $50,000, and considering BMW's extensive options list, we don't doubt that you'll easily be able to get one of these up into purely lavish territory.

Scroll down for BMW's official press blast, and check out our fresh crop of live images in the gallery above.

BMW at the 114th New York International Auto Show 2014.

BMW is showcasing two world and two US premieres at this year's New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), thereby underlining the high prominence of this event, which is being staged for the 114th time on 18 – 27 April 2014. Not only does the New York show date back longer than any other motor exhibition in North America, it is also the car show that attracts the greatest public interest in the USA, with around one million visitors every year.

New York marks the world premiere of both the new BMW X4 (fuel consumption combined: 8.3–5.0* l/100 km [34.0–56.5* mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 193–131* g/km), the BMW M4 Convertible (fuel consumption combined: 9.1–8.7 l/100 km [31–32.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 213–203 g/km. These are joined by a trio of models making their US debut: the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 8.1–4.5 l/100 km [34.9–62.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 189–119 g/km), the new BMW X3 (fuel consumption combined: 8.3–4.7 l/100 km [34.0–60.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 193–124 g/km) and an innovation-packed concept study in the form of the BMW Concept X5 eDrive.

BMW X4: a powerful presence.
The BMW X4 opens up a brand new niche in the premium mid-size segment and sees BMW combine the strengths of the BMW X models with the sporting elegance of a classical coupe and enough room for five people. The new BMW X4 really brings its dynamic character to the fore with large air intakes in the front apron, a roofline that slopes down in coupe-like fashion, powerfully sculpted rear wheel arches and diffuser-look styling at the rear. This impression is further reinforced by the engine line-up: the BMW X4 xDrive28i (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 9.3–8.7*/6.3–5.9*/7.4–7.0* l/100 km [30.4–32.5*/44.8–47.9*/38.2–40.4* mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 172–162* g/km) and BMW X4 xDrive35i (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 10.7/6.9/8.3 l/100 km [26.4/40.9/34.0 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 193 g/km) both employ BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, generate outputs of 180 kW/245 hp and 225 kW/306 hp respectively, and are supremely efficient.

* Figures with optional low rolling resistance tyres on 17-inch Streamline style 306 light-alloy wheels.

The BMW X4 xDrive35d likewise makes its mark with compelling power delivery and exceptional CO2 efficiency (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 6.7/5.5/6.0 l/100 km [42.2/51.4/47.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 157 g/km). The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line unit under the bonnet musters up 230 kW/313 hp and peak torque of 630 Nm (464 lb-ft), and whisks the car from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.2 seconds. The BMW X4 xDrive 30d (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 6.6–6.2*/5.7–5.4*/6.1–5.7* l/100 km [42.8-45.6*/49.6-52.3*/46.3-49.6* mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 159–149* g/km) is likewise powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six unit with 190 kW/258 hp and peak torque of 560 Nm (413 lb-ft). The entry-level engines comprise the BMW xDrive 20i (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 9.2–8.7*/6.3–5.9*/7.3–6.9* l/100 km [30.7–32.5*/44.8–47.9*/38.7–40.9* mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 171–161* g/km), a 184 hp four-cylinder petrol unit, and the BMW X4 xDrive20d (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 5.8–5.4*/5.1–4.8*/5.4–5.0* l/100 km [48.7–52.3*/55.4–58.9*/52.3–56.5* mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 141–131* g/km), a newly developed four-cylinder turbo diesel with 190 hp. The standard specification makes impressive reading and includes xDrive all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic gearbox, variable sport steering, Performance Control and a sports leather steering wheel with shift paddles.

* Figures with optional low rolling resistance tyres on 17-inch Streamline style 306 light-alloy wheels.

BMW M4 Convertible: a new dimension in aesthetic appeal and sporting ability.
The second highlight on the BMW stand at this year's New York International Auto Show is the world premiere of the new BMW M4 Convertible. The newcomer is powered by the newly developed 3.0-litre straight-six engine boasting M TwinPower Turbo technology and high-revving performance. Its vital statistics are as follows: 317 kW/431 hp, 550 Nm (405 lb-ft) at 1,850 – 5,500 rpm, and 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds (with optional 7-speed M double-clutch transmission). Having so much torque on tap over such a broad rev band means that the BMW M4 Convertible is able to unleash peak power at any time. The three-part folding metal hardtop is fully lined on the inside and offers excellent sound insulation as well as being perfectly suited to winter driving. It opens and closes on demand in the space of 20 seconds – even when moving at a speed of up to 18 km/h (11 mph).

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe: new benchmark for elegance and extravagance.
Following on from its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is now making its debut appearance in the USA at the New York International Auto Show. Built in the mould of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, its arrival sees BMW add a further scintillating premium mid-size model to its 4 Series range. The new four-door coupe succeeds in melding the visual charm of the two-door coupe with the functional benefits offered by two extra doors, a wide-opening tailgate and the abundant space found within. At the same time, the principal dimensions and dynamic performance abilities are unchanged compared to the two-door coupe. The elongated roofline neatly brings out both the elegance and the extravagance of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. It is being launched with a choice of two highly refined and fuel-efficient engines. The BMW 435i Gran Coupe (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 11.4/6.2/8.1 l/100 km [24.8/45.6/34.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 189 g/km) is propelled by the range-topping six-cylinder in-line engine with an output of 225 kW/306 hp, while a lightweight four-cylinder unit delivering a mighty 180 kW/245 hp is the driving force behind the BMW 428i Gran Coupe (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 8.9/5.3/6.6 l/100 km [31.7/53.3/42.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 154 g/km). This second engine version is also being made available with the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system from launch. Two four-cylinder diesel engines complete the range.

BMW X3: power, prestige and supreme everyday practicality rolled into one.
Another model being unveiled for the first time in the North American market is the new-generation BMW X3. Like the BMW X4, it is being built in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The previous version of the BMW X3 already made a name for itself thanks to its class-leading cabin and luggage compartment dimensions and superior versatility. The new BMW X3 has been designed to consolidate this edge over the competition. The exterior design has been revamped and now sports new twin circular headlights (with the option of LED technology), a more prominent double-kidney grille, restyled front and rear bumpers, as well as exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. Chrome detailing and new cupholders with a sliding cover in the centre console add to the premium feel that characterises the interior. The four- and six-cylinder petrol engines and four-cylinder diesel unit produce outputs ranging from 135 kW/184 hp to 225 kW/306 hp. All engine versions are coupled with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with the exception of the BMW X3 sDrive28i, which is only being marketed in the USA and employs the traditional rear-wheel-drive system.

BMW Concept X5 eDrive: a pioneering combination offering supremely efficient driving pleasure.
The further refined BMW Concept X5 eDrive being exhibited at the New York Auto Show demonstrates the lengths that BMW is going to in an effort to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in the luxury Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment. The 180 kW/245 hp four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology works in unison with a 70 kW/95 hp electric motor to enable the concept study to drive purely on electric power at speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) with a maximum range of 30 kilometres (approx. 20 miles). The electric motor draws its power from a lithium-ion battery that can be charged from any domestic socket. Thanks to its plug-in hybrid drive concept, the BMW Concept X5 eDrive returns a highly impressive average fuel consumption of just 3.8 l/100 km (74.3 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle. The electrification of the powertrain under the umbrella of BMW eDrive enables BMW to unlock huge potential for reducing the fuel consumption and emissions of large models.

Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: "Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen" (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from the Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html. LeitfadenCO2 (GuidelineCO2) (PDF - 2.7 MB)

By Steven J. Ewing