The BMW X4 is a mixture of a car’s body and SUV chassis, and although this is slightly unusual, people seem to love it. This is true because if it weren’t, the German carmaker would not be testing its second-generation X4 at the moment. It is still too early to talk about the 2018 BMW X4’s chassis improvements and powertrains, but there are some rumors which can help us solve the mystery.
2018 BMW X4 Release Date
The new 2018 BMW X4 has been caught on camera on the streets of Munich, and we expect to see it for the first time officially in September at the 2017 Frankfurt Car Show.
Exterior
Based on the first spy photos it is easy to conclude that the new model will have more of a coupe than SUV DNA. In other words, the new X4 will not be as large, and this is pretty clear when you compare it to the previous version. The roof is shorter, and the front fenders are not too tall, whereas the other significant modification includes different stationary glass on the rear door and the rear quarter. Moreover, it appears that the sharp line the current X4 has will be slightly changed so the new car may lose some of its aggressiveness.
The front grille will remain the same size, but the vertical slats will be more angular, whereas the headlights will wrap around to the fender slightly further than on the current vehicle. When it comes to the lights, there is a possibility for the production version to get the hexagonal layout which was previewed in the facelifted 2 Series. Sleek and horizontal LEDs will replace the round fog lights but all of these changes are small, and the front end of the 2018 BMW X4 will be almost identical to the one on the current model.
The vehicle is heavily camouflaged, and it is hard to see any significant design cues around the back, but the rear glass seems shorter while the taillights will be more rectangular. Sleeker and shorter hatch-mounted portions of the taillights are expected, whereas the inserts around the exhaust outlets are redesigned.
BMW X4 2018 Interior
Even though we don’t know the final look of the interior, we can predict that it will be identical to the cabin of the new X3 model in every aspect except the roof line. This means that the HVAC controls will come with the new styling whereas the center stack will be shaped up differently than it is now. The latest version of the iDrive infotainment system will be featured; the shifter will be reworked while the center console will go through some minor tweaks.
BMW is working on the new steering wheels design, plus the German manufacturer prepares a semi-digital instrument cluster, and it is not just for the new X4, but for the other models as well. Brand-new door trim panels, stitching layout of the seats that should come with heating and power adjustment will be included, but only higher trims will have ventilation. The headroom in the rear should increase modestly, but don’t expect anything spectacular.
Engine options and Platform
As we have said, what lies under the hood remains a mystery. However, BMW will use the CLAR platform while the ongoing model is equipped with a 2.0-liter I4 rated at 240 hp and a 3.0-liter engine that delivers 355 horsepower. The probable outcome is that these two units will be carried over but with some power boost which means that the smaller powerplant might generate 255 hp, while the latter could reach 365 hp.
When it comes to the CLAR platform, it supports both diesel drivetrain and hybrid tech. This is the reason BMW will most likely launch the hybrid variant of the next-gen X4, while an all-electric model remains just an unlikely possibility. The engines will be mated to an upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission, but the manual should be offered as an option.
2018 BMW X4 Price
There are two current X4 trims available – the $47,600 xDrive28i and the $59,250 M40i, but this is not enough, and the lineup needs to grow. The 2018 BMW X4 xDrive28i will be a base trim that will start around $48,000, while the plug-in hybrid is expected to slot below the M40i, which will remain the top dog. The other M model is rumored, and it should be placed at the very top, but until that is confirmed, the M40i occupies this position. The starting price of the BMW X4 M40i will be around $60,500, while this rumored version could reach $70,000. The 2018 BMW X4 will compete against Mercedes GLC Coupe and Porsche Macan.
