X-citing Drive

With M Sport suspension as standard, the new BMW X4 is the German carmaker’s best-handling X model yet.

- Tony Tan

HOT on the heels of the X2 that was launched earlier this year is the BMW X4, the latest “SUV coupe” in the German carmaker’s lineup.

The first-generation X4, which was introduced four years ago, offered interested buyers a coupe-like version of the X3. Like its predecessor, the X4 is also based on the X3, and both are built on the German carmaker’s CLAR (cluster architecture) platform.

This new platform is used for larger rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models. That includes the X7, which will be introduced next year.

When viewed from the front, the similarities between the X3 and X4 are quite clear, with both having similar grilles, bumpers and LED headlights. The more significant differences between the current X4 and the previous one are the larger kidney grilles and fog lights, which are now a row of LEDs on either side of the bumper instead of circular units.

However, it is when the X4 is viewed from the side that its updated design becomes far more distinguishable. The wheel arches are less circular and more angular in shape, while the gentler rake of the rear section of the roof makes the whole car look more aerodynamic.

The changes to the rear are noticeable, too, with slimmer LED tail-lights and a more steeply raked rear windscreen. There is also a uniquely shaped roof spoiler with two raised ends. Lovers of twin exhausts will be pleased to know that these are standard on every X4 variant.

All of the above, combined with an 81mm increase in length and a slight (3mm) decrease in height, makes the X4 look less bulbous and much sleeker and sportier.