BMW Introduces Mid-Sized Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) – The X4
Kuala Lumpur, 21st August 2014 – BMW Group Malaysia today introduced the all-new BMW X4 as the first ever Sports Activity Coupé in the premium compact crossover segment. It doesn’t really matter what you call it, but I would call it the little brother of the X6, and at a more affordable price if you like the X6 but either cannot afford it or you really want something a little smaller.
The unveiling held at the car park of the Sepang International circuit was a memorable event in itself, in that it was Dr Gerhard Pils’ last appearance as the outgoing Managing Director of BMW Malaysia, who is due for retirement, and the first official appearance of the incoming Managing Director, Mr. Alan Harris. We bid a fond farewell to Dr Gerhard Pils who has taken the BMW brand to new heights both in terms of new model introductions and market leadership, and a warm welcome to Mr. Alan Harris.
The all-new BMW X4 combines hallmark BMW X features, an unmistakable coupé character, a distinctive emotive design, and supreme dynamic ability with excellent driving comfort and low fuel consumption- and presents a new concept in Sports Activity vehicles to the Malaysian consumer.
Presenting the all-new BMW X4, Mr. Alan Harris, new Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “When BMW first presented the BMW X6 in late May 2008, the premium motoring world was introduced to an exceptional and revolutionary vehicle concept that redefined how premium four wheel drive vehicles should look and feel. The BMW X6 was a runaway success with over 250,000 units sold globally. This success demonstrated that there was indeed a demand for a premium activity vehicle with Coupé-like styling and proportions. Now, we at BMW are proud to introduce the first ever BMW X4 which will carry forward the success story of the BMW invention of a Sports Activity Coupé in the midsize segment.”
Dr. Gerhard Pils meanwhile said, “As the leader in the premium automotive segment, we at BMW Group Malaysia are constantly looking to build and introduce premium vehicles that will continue to position us at the forefront of development within the segment. The all-new BMW X4, the latest addition to the BMW X family here will further strengthen our number one position in the Malaysian market and this can be reflected in BMW Group Malaysia’s latest year-to-date sales performance. Up to the month of July, a total of 5,039 vehicles comprising of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad were delivered, marking a 10% increase as compared to the same period in 2013 where we delivered 4,575 vehicles.”
Introduced in two variants, namely the BMW X4 xDrive28i and the BMW X4 xDrive28i M Sport, the X4 is powered by the 245 horsepower, 350Nm torque, four-cylinder 2.0 litre turbo-charged gasoline engine that is found in the 3 Series and other models in the range, and the well-known xDrive all-wheel-drive system. In addition, the X4 comes with an exclusive spread of standard equipment features such as Performance Control and Variable Sport Steering as well as a comprehensive range of BMW ConnectedDrive Driver Assistance Systems, Services and Apps.
Technically, the all-new BMW X4 is based on the technical blueprint of the BMW X3, but its design features mark a clear differentiation from the latter to exude an extrovert, standalone and deliberately powerful coupé design. At 4,671mm in length and 1,624mm in height, the all-new BMW X4 stands 14mm longer and 36mm lower to the ground than the BMW X3, which BMW claims are perfectly balanced proportions to emphasise the car’s good roadholding.
Presenting a muscular front design, the all-new BMW X4 features large air intakes positioned on the outer edge of the car’s front end as well as precise character lines in the front apron. This allows the car to appear visually lower with a centre of gravity closer to the road, further signalling the all-new BMW X4’s sharper dynamics. The effect is further enhanced by light bands around the outer edges of the twin headlights which are slightly flattened at the top and back to accentuate a broader appearance. Its distinctive radiator grille also makes for the all-new BMW X4’s sporting potential.
In profile, the all-new BMW X4 also clearly sets itself apart by carrying a low coupé-style roofline which reaches its highest point over the front seats, reflecting the traditional driver focus of BMW cars, before dropping gently down towards the trailing edge of the tailgate.
The xLine equipment package which arrives as a standard option gives the all-new BMW X4 owners the chance to shine an even brighter spotlight on the BMW X character of the car. With 19-inch light alloy wheels and a wealth of aluminium details, the xLine equipment package also features door sill finishers with the BMW xLine wordmark, seats with elegant leather upholstery in Black, Mocha and Ivory White with embossed xLine wordmark, interior trims in Dark Copper, and a stainless steel loading sill – all of which come together to emphasise the sophistication of the car’s interior as well as enhance the elegance of the all-new BMW X4.
Further to this, customers can also select the M Sport package at an additional RM 30,000 to lend an even greater degree of individuality to the extrovert looks of the all-new BMW X4. Geared towards especially sporty BMW X4 drivers, the M Sport package features the M Aerodynamics package, BMW Individual Shadow Line in high-gloss Black, as well as 19-inch M light alloy wheels with mixed tyres and attractive paint finishes which include the exclusive Carbon Black metallic shade. Internally, the M Sport package includes leather sport seats for the driver and front passenger, BMW Individual headliners in Anthacite, and the M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons to further convey the sporting ambience of the all-new BMW X4.
Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is achieved in 6.4 seconds, while fuel consumption is rated at 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres. (Readers must also be aware that these are test figures based on a standard European cycle, and are used to do an ‘apple to apple’ comparison across vehicles of different makes, and real world figures are somewhat different depending of driving conditions and driving habits.)
While delivering impressive performance, BMW has also ensured that the all-new BMW X4 keeps to its commitment of driving-pleasure-to-fuel-consumption ratio through BMW EfficientDynamics features. This includes the ECO PRO mode with ECO PRO Route which offers the ability to modify the overall character of the car for more fuel savings. Meanwhile, the ECO PRO mode’s coasting function works to lower even more fuel consumption by uncoupling the engine of the all-new BMW X4 from the drivetrain at speeds between 50 and 160km/h whenever no pressure is applied to the accelerator pedal.
The driving pleasure and agility of the all-new BMW X4 is further emphasized with the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and Performance Control, both featured as standard to provide optimal traction and exceptional cornering ability under all conditions. By using engine output management, Performance Control functions to perform deliberate braking of the inner wheels (which in effect transfers the drive to the outer wheels) in a bend to eliminate any tendency of understeering.
Other engineering highlights in the all-new BMW X4 include a double-joint front axle for an optimal synthesis of ride comfort and dynamism as well as a five-link rear suspension for perfect directional stability and excellent steering characteristics. Additionally, the all-new BMW X4 is also equipped with Variable Sport Steering which is featured as standard to further adapt the steering angle of the front wheels to the driving situation. This allows easier manoeuvring as well as more agility in bends for greater safety at high speeds. As for those who prefer an even sportier style of driving, owners of the all-new BMW X4 can simply activate Dynamic Traction Control to increase the amount of wheel slip permitted to experience better propulsion on loose terrain.
The interior of the all-new BMW X4 reveals a harmonious synthesis of sportiness, exclusivity and high-level functionality. Every control element is angled towards the driver for optimal ergonomics and with an elevated seating position, the driver and passengers of the all-new BMW X4 will see a more sporting seating experience as well as comfortable headroom in the rear despite the car’s lower roofline. The classical sports coupé sensation is then further reinforced by the rear seat bench, which comes with two elegant coupé-style individual seats which provide enough room for up to three passengers.
Equally impressive is the load capacity of the all-new BMW X4 from 500 to 1,400 litres which can be used in a variety of ways with the standard 40:20:40 split rear backrest, allowing the car to achieve greater versatility. Everyday usability is further enhanced by automatically opening tailgate which when combined with comfort access system allows for even more convenience.
Subsequently, the all-new BMW X4 sets its mark as the leader in intelligent in-car connectivity with a set of comprehensive BMW ConnectedDrive features comprising of a plethora of Driver Assistance systems and Services & Apps. This includes Navigation System Professional and BMW Apps which enable convenient in-car use of smartphone apps such as AUPEO! Internet radio and access to music platforms such as Deezer. For an elevated infotainment level, owners can also opt to fit their all-new BMW X4 with a high resolution, full colour head-up display and Harman Kardon Surround Sound System by upgrading to the optional M Sport package.
Colours available for the all-new BMW X4 include Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey and Sparkling Brown. Further accentuating its sporty elegance, the all-new BMW X4 features interior upholstery options consisting of Leather Nevada Mocha and Leather Nevada Black.
The estimated retail prices (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI) ) for the all-new BMW X4 are:
BMW X4 xDrive28i – RM 438,800.00
BMW X4 xDrive28i M Sport – RM 468,800.00
