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Spartanburg, South Carolina – You'll understand if the second-generation BMW X4 felt a bit lost amidst all the hype around BMW's ever wider X range, with just recently the focus on the micro X2, the noisiest sympathetic X5 fourth generation and the highly anticipated X7 in Texas. And yet, among the modern Xmen of BMW, the X4 remains arguably the most faithful to the original USP of BMW's squeaky driving dynamics
Like its predecessor, it is essentially a non-identical evil twin of the X3, although the time that surrounds it has a more distinct personality, both in its appearance and in its operation. To have a first experience of the latter, BMW invited us to the X4 production house, its Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, which also has the distinction of being the largest BMW factory in the world. In fact, this facility has become so overwhelmed by the global demand for X models that our own Rosslyn plant has had to switch to X3 production to help lighten the load.
Back to the evil twin, there could be very little of The new X4 stands out from the X3 compared to the front corner, but it's a brand new ball game to the other end, where he sports fine 3D style taillights and a sleek new tailgate, with the license plate going down to the bumper. As in the past, a sloped roofline inspired by the coupe gives the vehicle a lowered position and ready to pounce (although it still has a fairly useful ground clearance of 204 mm), reinforced by the 37 mm increase and new musculature.
Speaking of dimensions, the second generation X4 is 81mm longer than its predecessor, with 54mm going in the wheelbase to improve legroom. Medium-sized humans will be very comfortable there, although this sloped roof will make people squat more. The 525 liter boot is surprisingly useful too, keeping in mind that it is large but shallow. But the biggest fan of the X4's design is perhaps its weight loss, up to 50 kg depending on the model, thanks to more generous use of aluminum and high-strength steels
. The xDrive models will be offered to South African consumers in the form of four 20i and 20d cylinders and the six-cylinder M40i, all arrived in September, the M40d arriving on our shores in early 2019 (see prices below). Needless to say, all X4s offer the standard safety net of the xDrive permanent all-wheel drive, as well as the eight-speed automatic transmission, the "40" models receiving the "Sport" version, as well as the 20i gasoline derivative is good for 135kW, 290Nm and a 8.3 seconds sprint 0-100km / h, says BMW, while the 20d burner is credited with 140kW, 400Nm and an acceleration time of 8.0 seconds.
BMW SA is jumping on the 25d, 30d and 30i versions due to a lack of demand for the intermediate models, which means that the following rungs are the six-cylinder M Performance, which also benefit various design and chassis settings.
The M40i gasoline model generates 265kW and 500Nm, while the M40d grows 240kW and 680Nm, with a respective zero to 100 times of 4.8 and 4.9 seconds. The M40d was the only locally relevant model to test at the US launch site, and it turned out to be an absolute hacker of an engine, with instantaneous torque mountains providing acceleration and a overtaking ability, while raising the mood The xDrive has a torque distribution bias towards the rear in all versions of the X4, while the M Sport suspension and variable-ratio steering are also part of the transaction. In addition, the M40i and M40d receive a M Sport differential, as well as M Sport braking and 20-inch alloys with mixed tires.
Our launching itinerary included winding sections where the X4's sense of agility impressed. The suspension is firmer than that of the X3, but it has proved quite comfortable on the road, although the jury still does not know how it handles the more rugged roads.
Back at the BMW Performance Center near the Spartanburg factory, we had to launch the M40d on a tight circuit in three different chassis modes
In the first tests, with the standard traction control left To do, the X4 has felt stuck and underlain, but it's still the perfect setting for protection against hazards in everyday driving conditions. Then we tried it with BMW's Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) system, which immediately felt more refined, better balanced and able to tackle turns at higher speeds, while by completely deactivating the traction control for the last races.
It is arguable that these dynamic capabilities really mean a lot to the average target customer, but those who appreciate the BMWs of the past will no doubt find an easier transition to the crossover market than most rivals. Those who wish to adapt the chassis characteristics can opt for the adaptive suspension with adjustable dampers, or the M-tuned version in the case of M40i and M40d.
Models & # 39; 40 & # 39; display their raw status through unique interior styling and cab features, including 20-inch alloy wheels, Cerium Gray exterior trim, sports seats and M badges, but regular "20" derivatives can also be animated by one of three optional versions: xLine, M Sport X and M Sport, each with distinctive design touches and 19-inch wheels (standard X4 bearing on 18 "alloy).
xLine models, for example, are equipped with Glacier Silver metal exterior trim and a combination of black and pearl chrome trim the cabin, which also receives sports seats covered with a fabric and a leather combo. The M Sport X switches to Frozen gray exterior accents and the cabin receives aluminum trim and pearl chrome effect with a specific M steering wheel.M Sport is the most racy of the versions, with a glossy black treatment on the outside.
Do you want to stand out even more? Look no further than the catalog 'Individual & # 39; from BMW
The X4 cabin is widely used by the X3 and also features the latest generation iDrive control center. A 16.5 cm screen is standard, while the optional 26 cm Professional Navigation System offers you tactile features and a tiled layout. A next-generation Head-Up display, featuring a significantly enlarged projection area, is also on the list of options, along with a multimode digital dashboard and a whole range of driver aids, including included Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Assistant Plus Pack with Executive Assist, Parking Assistant Plus (including vertical parking aid) and BMW Digital Display Key.
BMW X4 PRICE
| X4 xDrive20i | R843 000 |
| X4 XDrive20d | R843 000 |
| X4 M401 | R1 132 800 |
| X4 M40d | TBC [196590] 19659025] IOL Motoring
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