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- Frugal turbo-diesel engines
- Impressive dynamics
- Steering is accurate and well-weighted…
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- … but lacks feel
- Poor rear visibility
- Less cargo space than related BMW F25 X3
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Overview
Released in Australia in July 2014, the BMW F26 X4 was a mid-size SUV with a tapered roofline. Manufactured in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the four-wheel drive BMW X4 was available in xDrive20i, xDrive20d, xDrive30d and xDrive35i variants (see table below). All X4 variants however, had eight-speed automatic transmissions, an ‘Auto Start Stop’ function which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic and satisfied Euro 6 emissions standards.
In November 2015, the X4 range was expanded with the introduction of the X4 xDrive35d. [su_table responsive=”yes”]
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| xDrive20i | 2.0-litre turbo petrol I4 (N20 B20) | 8sp auto | 135 kW at 5000-6250 rpm | 270 Nm at 1250-4500 rpm |
| xDrive20d | 2.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 (B47 D20) | 8sp auto | 140 kW at 4000 rpm | 400 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
| xDrive30d | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I6 (N57 D30O1) | 8sp auto | 190 kW at 4000 rpm | 560 Nm at 1500-3000 rpm |
| xDrive35i | 3.0-litre turbo petrol I6 (N55 B30) |
8sp auto | 225 kW at 5800-6400 rpm | 400 Nm at 1200-5000 rpm |
| xDrive35d | 3.0-litre turbo-diesel I6 (N57 D30T1) | 8sp auto | 230 kW at 4400 rpm | 630 Nm at 1500-2500 rpm |
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Dimensions
Compared to the BMW F25 X3 on which it was based, the F26 X4 was 14 mm longer (at 4671 mm) and 36 mm lower (1625 mm), though width (1881 mm) and wheelbase length were unchanged (2810 mm). Inside, the X4 had cargo capacity of 500 litres, though this increased to 1400 litres when the 40:20:40 split rear backrest was folded forward.
Steering and suspension
Like the F25 X3, the BMW F26 X4 had electric rack-and-pinion steering, double-joint spring-strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. The xDrive30d and xDrive35i, were also fitted with BMW’s Dynamic Damper Control which could adjust damper characteristics to suit road quality and driver settings.
xDrive four-wheel drive
BMW’s ‘xDrive’ permanent four-wheel drive system utilised an electronically controlled, multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. In normal conditions, the clutch was partially engaged and provided a 40:60 front:rear torque split. In addition to partial engagement, however, the clutch could be fully engaged (for a 50:50 front:rear torque split) or completely open (all torque to the rear wheels) – the latter would occur when driving at high speed or when parking.
Furthermore, xDrive interacted with the electronic stability control system such that torque distribution could be varied in response to oversteer or understeer, and individual wheels could be braked to transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfers).
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the BMW X4 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front and outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Features
Standard features for the BMW X4 xDrive20i and xDrive20d included 19-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, BMW’s ‘Professional’ navigation system with an 8.8-inch screen, voice control, 20GB hard drive for music storage, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, dual-zone climate control air condition, cruise control, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, bi-xenon headlights with daytime LED lights, LED fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, driver memory settings (for the seat, steering wheel and mirrors), 12 volt power sockets, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
Beyond this, the BMW X4 xDrive30d added a HiFi sound system with nine speakers and seven channels, Surround View camera system with 360 degree visibility and electrochromatic door mirrors with power folding.
The BMW X4 xDrive35i and xDrive30d were further equipped with a harman/kardon sound system with sixteen speakers, proximity key and standard ‘M Sport’ package which includes 20-inch M double spoke alloy wheels, sport suspension settings, M aerodynamics package, anthracite roofliner, M door sills, M steering wheel, aluminium interior trim and high-gloss shadowline exterior trim.
Specifications
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