2019 BMW X4: Initial details for Australia revealed
New coupe-crossover arriving in Q3 2018
BMW Australia has announced the initial X4 model range that will go on sale in local dealerships in the third quarter of 2018 though full pricing and specifications will be finalised closer to launch.
"Expect the price range to be between $75,000 and $110,000," BMW's local corporate communications manager, Adam Davis, told CarAdvice in Spartanburg, South Carolina ahead of the international launch drive for the new X4, "We'll finalise those details soon though."
The 2019 BMW X4 will comprise of the 20i, 20d, 30i and M40i model grades from launch, with other variants to be considered as they become available. Only one diesel model makes up that initial offering, illustrating the skew towards petrol engines in the current sales figures, but a second diesel engine will be considered after the initial launch.
"In the larger segments like X5 and X6 the diesel still sells well, as you'd expect," Davis said, "The 30d, if it's available, is something to consider but the shift to mid-grade petrol engines means we will look more closely at other diesel engines. Petrol engines are now more fuel efficient, and quite responsive, especially in smaller vehicles like the X4."
"Specification will align largely with the X3, but the X4 is likely to have more standard equipment than comparable X3 models," Davis continued.
"Traditionally the 20d has been the popular seller in Australia, but the 30i looks to be the most likely at this point in the new model."
The xDrive20i is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine, which generates 135kW and 290Nm. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds. Next up, there's the xDrive20d, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel with outputs of 140kW and 400Nm. The oiler gets from 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds.
BMW Australia expects the xDrive30i to be the sweet spot - and new sales favourite - in the new X4 range. It's also powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol but with higher outputs - 185kW and 350Nm. It shoots from 0-100km/h in just 6.3 seconds.
The range will be rounded out by the M40i performance flagship. The 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six makes 265kW and 500Nm and helps the X4 get from 0-100km/h in an impressive 4.8 seconds.
For the first time, the M Sport package will be standard across the range for all X4 models.
"That's not the case with the current X4, but the take-up was so high (almost 86 per cent), that we are offering it as a no-cost option," Davis said.
Quizzed on whether X4 buyers were new to the brand, Davis commented that the coupe SUV appeals more to new customers than existing owners.
The BMW X sales success shows no signs of slowing down either, with 2016 the first year that BMW sold more X models than passenger cars in Australia. X sales sat at 52 per cent for 2016, climbed up to 54 per cent in 2017 and are currently sitting at 58 per cent YTD in 2018.
The new 2019 BMW X4 will go on sale in Australia in the third quarter of 2018. Stay tuned for our international launch review.
Note: Overseas model shown
Want more? Listen to the full discussion below and catch more of the CarAdvice podcast here.