We've said it before, and we'll say it again – people love their SUVs. It seems like every year, the segment gets bigger and more diverse, with a seemingly never-ending parade of tall-riding, off-road-styled, utility-oriented models filling every niche possible. One of the fresher entries in this space is the BMW X4, which hit the scene as recently as 2014 as the Bavarian's take on compact/mid-size crossover luxury in a sporty, coupe-like package. Making its initial debut at the New York International Auto Show, the first-gen X4 has performed quite well for the brand in terms of sales, moving some 200,000 units since its introduction, nearly 10 percent of which went to the U.S. market. Now, just four years after its release, the X4 is gaining a second generation. Framed as a sporty, yet practical, yet off-road capable evolution of the Bavarian's upscale SAC (BMW doesn't like to call it an SUV, instead preferring the “Sports Activity Coupe” nomenclature), the 2019 BMW X4 offers consumers a surprising number of “sporty” updates, including a wider track, new suspension settings, more aggressive proportions, a lower center of gravity, and a more aerodynamic exterior.

The model line once again includes two equipment levels, starting with the xDrive30i, which replaces the outgoing xDrive28i, and ending with the more aggressive M40i, a carryover from the previous model year. Overall, the updates seem to double down on what the X4 does best, and will surely tempt buyers looking for something that can “do it all.” Read on for the details.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 BMW X4.

2019 BMW X4 - Exterior

The overall look of the second-generation X4 doesn't differ all that much from the first-gen model, although it does appear to take cues from the latest BMW X3. That said, it's still big and beefy, with a menacing appearance on the road that seems to dominate with a broad fascia, pumped-up features, short overhangs, and a low roof line. However, BMW does point out the X4 gets refreshed proportions aimed at giving it a “sportier” and more exciting aesthetic.

To begin, let's take a look at the front, where we find a new, more three-dimensional look for the classic BMW kidney grille intake in the nose. The headlight housings are also reshaped into a smoother design, while the twin headlight projectors get a few hard angles that lend them a geometric vibe. Further down the fascia, you'll find horizontal fog lamps, which integrate with the outer-edge air intakes in a single cohesive shape. It's also worth mentioning that every one of the lighting features on the X4 utilize LED elements as standard.

Moving around to the rear, we find a few side character lines and faux vents that help to chop up the solid body-panel faces. The canopy falls quickly into the rear, emphasizing the coupe part of the “Sports Activity Coupe” design concept, while the roofline seems to hug the body, creating an odd tension against the Bimmer's otherwise tall stance. Hexagonal wheel arches are in the rear. The X4 also comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels across the model line, although the wheel designs are specific to the trim level picked. There's also optional designs in the 19-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch sizing range. Additionally, BMW offers something called the xLine design, which, according to the manufacturer, “combines bespoke front and rear underguard elements and side skirts in Glacier Silver metallic with side window surrounds and styling accents in a satin Aluminum finish.”

Moving to the rear, we find the LED taillights take on a fresh 3D shape as well, with a slim design and shape that adds even more of a horizontal emphasis to the already flat-brimmed tail section. Twin exhaust pipes can be found lurking in the rear bumper's lower corners regardless of the engine configuration in the nose.

In terms of exterior dimensions, the 2019 BMW X4 now sports a wider track front and back, which should help it grip the road with a bit more tenacity. It's also bigger thanks to an increase to the overall length, which gets an extra 3 inches and now measures in at 187.5 inches total. BMW also added an extra 2.1 inches to the wheelbase, bringing it to 112.7 inches total, while the width was increased by 1.4 inches to 75 inches total. The height, however, gets a drop of 0.1 inches to 63.8 inches total.

The new look is also more aero-efficient than before, with aerodynamic drag reduced by about 10 percent thanks to a more streamlined design, active air flaps, redesigned Air Curtains in front, and more effective underbody components. All told, the 2019 X4's Cd is now rated at 0.30, which isn't amazing, but not terrible either, especially considering the SUV's hulking shape in front.

To help it stand out from the crowd, the M40i performance model gets a few details meant to underline the sporting intent of the model, starting with aero-optimized front and rear aprons and side skirts, as well as high-gloss black accents. The wheels on the M40i use a double-spoke M twinspoke design, and can be upgraded to two different 20-inch designs, or a 21-inch M Double-spoke design finished in Cerium Gray. Further M Performance touches include Cerium Gray finishers for the side-view mirrors and the front intake trim pieces, while the standard M Sport exhaust gets trapezoidal exhaust tips in a black chrome finish.

Finally, both X4 model lines can be optioned with the unique BMW Individual paint finish Sunstone metallic.

2019 BMW X4 Exterior Dimensions

2019 BMW X4 - Interior

Thanks in part to its larger exterior dimensions, the 2019 BMW X4 now offers passengers extra space inside the cabin as well. The look and layout are more or less the same as the outgoing model, with Bimmer once again underlining the model's premium approach to SUV transportation by the inclusion of high-end materials and a sleek appearance. Standout features include a driver-oriented control scheme mounted low on the center console, a tall seating position, and an instrument panel that melds together with the door paneling to create a singular, cohesive look that enhances the car's horizontal proportions and grants it an increase in spacious feel.

Adding to this is a new, larger panoramic roof, which comes as standard equipment across the line and features a two-section glass construction. Measurements for this come to 36.4 inches in length and 35 inches in width. The latest 2019 model year also introduces extra ambient lighting sources, which were added to the center console, the instrument panel, the door paneling, and the foot wells. Further features include an electrically operated sun blind, optional electrically adjustable heated and ventilated seats, optional three-zone climate control with separate controls for the rear, and an optional Wi-Fi hotspot with the capacity to serve up to 10 devices. There's also the standard X logos embossed into the electroplated front and rear door kick plates.

Customers get a roster of six interior colors to choose from. The X4 also gets standard Dark Oak Wood trim, and accent strips in Pearl-effect Chrome in the xDrive30i model. Pearl-effect Chrome with glossy black highlights are used for the audio and A/C controls.

Go for the xDrive30i and you'll get a Sensatec-covered instrument panel and door shoulder with the option for Vernasca leather upholstery. This is exclusively available to the X4 and comes in a Tacora Red finish, or you can get it in black with either blue or red contrast stitching. The options list also throws in extended Merino leather upholstery with finishes that include Ivory White on Black, Fiona Red on Black, or Tartufo on Black.

Then you've got the M40i model, which gets a slew of options from the BMW Individual portfolio, as well as new M-specific sport seats with solid side bolsters meant to provide support “even in extreme handling situations.” Drivers get to grips with a sport leather steering wheel, while a standard anthracite headliner is above and trim strips in Aluminum Rhombicle with accents in Pearl-effect Chrome are scattered hear and there. The X40i also comes standard with Sensatec covers for the instrument panels, door shoulders, sport seats, instrument panel, and instrument display. Performance-flavored gear like M-branded pedals and an M-branded driver's footrest can be found in the foot well.

As you might expect, the list of infotainment gear is extensive. It all starts with the iDrive infotainment platform, with inputs made through the onboard iTouch controller, or the intelligent voice control with cloud-based support. Navigation is standard, as is the 10.25-inch display main display mounted in a freestanding fashion on the dash. The screen utilizes a familiar smartphone-esque tile-style layout for the UI, while the standard voice control will recognize commands as simple as “I'm hungry” to execute the proper action (in this case, finding a nearby restaurant). There's also gesture control as an available option, plus a heads-up display. Go for the HUD, and you'll find it offers a 75-percent larger projection area, with full color and a resolution of 400 by 800 pixels, which is quite useful when displaying navigation directions and other important driving info. The 2019 BMW X4 is also optionally available with a Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster, which offers a selection of display modes customized to match the current driving mode selected.

Another useful feature is the the ParkNow service and On-Street Parking Information. First offered on the 5 Series, ParkNow enables the user to find an empty spot, book it, and pay for it, all right through the service. There's also Apple CarPlay capability with a complimentary 1-year trial subscription and a wireless smartphone connection. Added user friendliness comes courtesy of the Top View, Panorama View, and 3D View functionality that allows you to digitally scope out the scene all around the large SUV, as well as call up the images on your smartphone if desired. Added connectivity comes courtesy of Amazon Echo and Google Assistant, which you can use to check specs like the fuel level, remotely lock and unlock the doors, activate the ventilation system, and more.

And even though BMW insists on calling the X4 a “Sports Activity Coupe,” we all know it's really an SUV, and as such, it needs to offer some degree of utility. To that end, the X4's practicality is enhanced thanks to a bevy of storage trays, door pockets, and cup holders. There's also three seats in the rear bench that offer an extra inch of rear legroom compared to the outgoing model. Continue to the rear, and the trunk offers up 18.5 cubic feet of cargo room, which expands to 50.5 square feet when you fold down the bench. That's more or less in line with the rest of the X4's competitors, and in all honesty, if cargo room is a big ticket item on your priority list, there's all kinds of alternatives out there that offer a lot more (blame the X4's small cargo room on that low roof line). Regardless, there's a 40/20/40 split for the rear bench to make the most of what's there. The bench can also be folded from the trunk for easier operation, with adjustments made to each of the individual fold-down sections. The 2019 model year also comes with additional storage compartments, USB ports, 12-volt sockets, and multi-function hooks with lashing rails.

Per usual, the X4 gets outfitted with a slew of new standard safety features, starting with Active Protection, which will “initiate protective measures when an accident situation is imminent such as belt tensioning and the closing of windows and moon roof to a small gap.” The standard spec also includes Active Guard, which tosses in features such as Frontal Collision Warning, City Collision Mitigation with Braking, Pedestrian Braking with City Braking, and Speed Limit Information.

Further driver assists and semi-automated driving can be had with the optional Driving Assistance Package, which includes features like Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Daytime Pedestrian Protection, Frontal Crash Warning with City Collision Mitigation, and Cross Traffic Alert for the rear. Finally, the Driving Assistant Plus Package adds Active Cruise Control with a stop and go functionality, Active Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance, Traffic Jam Assistant, and Evasion Aid with Cross Traffic alert for the front and back.

2019 BMW X4 - Drivetrain

The biggest difference between the two model lines for the 2019 BMW X4 is what they got going on behind that kidney grille in the nose. The powertrain specs make a huge difference in the “Sport” part of the equation, so let's dive right in, starting with the base-model xDrive30i. Pop the hood, and you'll find a boosted inline four-cylinder engine that makes a maximum of 248 horsepower, as well as 258 pound-feet of torque between 1,450 rpm and 4,800 rpm. Standout features include a TwinPower turbocharger (basically just a twin-scroll snail), High Precision Injection for the fuel, Valvetronic fully variable valve timing, and Double-Vanos variable cams. Properly motivated, the xDrive30i will do the 0-to-60 mph shimmy in 6 seconds.

Meanwhile, the M40i replaces the turbo 'four with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, making upwards of 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque when you put your foot to the floor. The extra power makes the M40i quite a bit quicker, and BMW says that it can complete the 0-to-60 mph run in 4.6 seconds – not bad for such an enormous, heavy machine. It should also sound as good as its able to go, as the X40i comes with an M sports exhaust system with flap-controlled aural feedback.

Both the 'four and the 'six mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system as standard, with manual gear selections made via steering wheel-mounted paddles. The eight-speed even offers a launch control feature because, you know, “Sport” and all that. Speaking of which, there's also multiple drive modes, including Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro, as well as Sport+.

Finally, BMW says the newest version of its xDrive AWD system is both lighter and more efficient than before, and it comes with an electronically controlled torque split that naturally biases output to the rear axle for a more performance-oriented handling experience.

Chassis And Handling

With this latest generational changeover, the 2019 BMW X4 now offers a few well-placed suspension updates to help it feel sportier, and Bimmer promises a more engaging experience behind the wheel overall. The standard layout includes double-joint spring strut in front and a five-link set-up in the rear. What's more, the Bavarians claim a “nearly perfectly balanced 50:50 distribution of weight between the front and rear axle,” and a lower curb weight with a lower center of gravity to boot.

To help it achieve the weight loss and those sports aspirations, the X4 focused on new materials in the construction. First and foremost, the SUV now uses more aluminum, as well as higher quantities of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel. There are aluminum swivel bearings, tubular anti-roll bars, and new wheel location components in front, all of which help to reduce the SUV's overall unsprung weight.

Of course, this is still a massive SUV we're talking about, so we have to question how it'll hang in the corners, even with all the gear and engineering that went into its creation. You can only cheat physics so much.

In addition to the corner carving claims, BMW also says the X4 offers “tremendous off-road capabilities,” and that it can handle everything “from crests and bumps in the road to gravel tracks, icy roads and steep slopes.” To back the claim, the 2019 X4 comes with a bevy of off-roading specs – for example, the ground clearance is set at a decent 8 inches, which isn't as impressive as more dedicated off-roading models like the Land Rover Range Rover Sport (11.3 inches), but it's not terrible either. The X4 also offers a fording depth of 19.6 inches, a break over angle of 19.4 degrees, a 25.7-degree angle of approach, and a 22.6-degree angle of departure.

Still, will anyone really ever take this thing off-roading? Most likely not.

Much more useful is the standard lineup of electronic handling features, which include stuff like Dynamic Stability Control, an Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Traction Control, an Automatic Differential Brake, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Start-Off Assistant, and Hill Descent Control.

The standard spec for the xDrive30i tosses in M Sport suspension and variable sport steering with electric assistance and a speed-sensitive ratio. Meanwhile, the X4 M40i also gets standard M Sport brakes with plus-sized discs and blue calipers, as well as an extra large master cylinder for better pedal feel. M40i buyers can also get theirs with the optional Adaptive M Suspension, which offers electronically controlled dampers and an expanded variety of driving modes for either spirited cornering or relaxed cruising, all of which can be adjusted via the Driving Experience Control switch in the cabin. The M40i also includes an M Sport differential, and firmer suspension settings overall, plus variable Sport Steering.

Finally, the standard 19-inch wheels come wrapped in either all-season run-flat tires or performance run-flats.

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The second-generation 2019 BMW X4 will head to dealers as soon as July of 2018. Pricing starts at $50,450 for the base model xDrive30i model, and $60,450 for the M40i. That's an increase of $2,850 and $1,200 respectively.

Prices

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

When it comes to performance-flavored luxury SUVs with a low-sloping roof line, the BMW X4 is certainly not alone. Say hello to Mercedes' take on the formula, dubbed the GLC Coupe. Power is derived from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which produces upwards of 241 horsepower. Routed through its nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD system, the GLC Coupe manages a run to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. Alternatively, you could spring for the much-faster AMG GLC 43 model, which replaces the single-turbo four-cylinder with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, pumping output up to 362 horsepower and cutting the 0-to-60 mpg time to just 4.8 seconds.

Read our full review on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

Porsche Macan

If it's SUV performance that you're most concerned about, then the Porsche is what you really want. Not only does it look the part of a Stuttgart speed star, but its got the gear to match. Under the hood is a wide variety of engine choices, starting with a 3.0-liter V-6 making 340 horsepower in the S model, and 360 horsepower in the GTS model. At the top of the heap is the 400-horsepower Macan Turbo, which blitzes the competition in the 0-to-60 mph test with a time of just 4.4 seconds when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono package. All-wheel drive is included across the line. The interior is also pretty nice, sporting Alcantara for the upholstery on the highly bolstered sport seats, and carbon fiber for the driver-focused dash.

Read our full review on the 2015 – 2017 Porsche Macan.

Conclusion

These days, new car buyers are frequently looking for something that can do it all, and the BMW X4 seemingly ticks all the boxes. It's quick, it's got loads of go-fast gear, and its got that high-riding off-road attitude that's so common in the segment. The interior is also quite pleasing, and extra tech can be had at just about every turn.

Inevitably, though, we have to question this machine's usability. While adding oodles of power can make anything quick in a straight line, the X4 is still quite heavy, and no amount of fancy suspension tuning can change that. Add in the reduced practicality of the coupe roof line, and the questionable off-roading chops, and we can't but help but wonder if the X4 is more poseur than superstar.

Nevertheless, that's the sort of problem you'll find just about everywhere in this segment. Put it all to one side, and what you're left with is a well-equipped high-riding SUV with a good dose of power under the hood, and for the vast majority of buyers out there, that's more than enough.

References

BMW X4

BMW Quietly Releases the New X4 SUV

Read our full review on the 2017 BMW X4.

Read our full review on the 2015 BMW X4 Concept.

Read more BMW news.

Read more New York Auto Show news.

Update History

Updated 05/29/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming BMW X4 out for a new testing session on the streets of Munich. The X4 is expected to be unveiled in September at the 2017 Frankfurt Car Show.

Spy Shots

8/28/2017 – The X4 Settles in for a long trip to an undisclosed location

The last time we saw the X4 laying some rubber in Munich, it was still heavily camouflaged and sporting some non-production styling cues that dulled it down quite a bit compared to the official production model. This is the first time we’re getting to see the X4 in its entirety with everything in place, and it’s quite stunning. Up front, you’ll notice that the lower lip on the fascia seen in the prototypes is gone, and replaced with more aggressive undercuts in the corners and a center portion that wraps around to the undercarriage. The corner vents are also larger than expected thanks to the design of the fascia around them, and there’s a nice grey insert that matches the trim around the kidney grilles. The air dam is much larger than what was spotted on previous prototypes, but this model is also not rocking a front plate, so there is a thick horizontal louver/overhang above the air dam that is garnished with chrome in the corners.

We’re also getting a first full look at the headlights which are a bit sleeker than the outgoing models and forgo the angular LEDs seen on cars like the M2 in favor of circular lights around the projectors in the headlight unit. On the sides, we can make out three distinct body lines below the waistline, one of which is in line with the door handles and another that’s part of the side skirts and the lower portion of the doors. A fender vent marks the starting point for the center body line, which actually wraps around the vent before heading back toward the rear doors. Around back things are even more interesting where we finally get to see the production taillights that are integrated into the rear quarters and rear deck so well that they just blend in and almost look flush with the body. BMW even went so far as to design the interior matrix of the lens to carry on the small body line from the rear quarter. The rear deck sits quite high and is slightly curved while down below we finally get to see what kind of insert will adorn the rear fascia. It’s pretty uneventful, to be honest, but it does sport rectangular exhaust outlets in the corners and recessed reflectors. To be honest, the X4 looks a little weird from the rear end, but that’s the nature of cars in this niche, so what can you do?

What are your thoughts so far? Is the new X4 absolutely hideous or are you going to rush to your local Bimmer dealership to order one as soon as you can? Let us know in the comments section below.

BMW X4 caught testing on the streets of Munich