BMW is launching its second-generation X4 in Ireland this summer and the emphasis is on its SUV coupe profile.
The new car will be seen first at the Geneva motor show next month and should be in Ireland by summer, with an on the road starting price of €67,190, which means it won't exactly be commonplace on Irish roads. BMW says the car will bring together all the "hallmarks of an X model" and the influence of the X3 is pretty striking in the profile of the new car. The LED fog lights integrated into the outer air intakes are among the other nods to the X3.
The first engines here will be diesel units - a 2.0 litre and a 4.0 litre - and these will be joined later by two bigger six cylinder units - a petrol 4.0 litre and a diesel 3.0 litre. All models will feature the Drive full-time four wheel drive system and will be matched to the familiar BMW seven-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox.
The interior is also reminiscent of the X3 styling.
The interior features X range styling, with a freestanding 6.5" screen just offset to the driver with a tile format layout and touch control.
There are three full-sized seats in the rear, with some 27 mm of legroom being added over the dimensions of the first generation model. Boot space is a generous 525 litres, opening up to over 1430 litres with the rear seat folded, which means it can accommodate pretty much any load.
It will be interesting to see where the customer base for this car is but Volvo had better start looking over its shoulder. Its XC models are big sellers in this end of the market and the X4 may have an edge when it comes to classier styling.
