It's been only four years since BMW introduced the X4 and the coupe-style SUV was redesigned from the ground up. Unveiled without much fuss today, it will make its public debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March.

So what's with the rush? It might seem awkward at first glance, but it probably has to do with the fact that the previous X4 was released three years after the X3 which it was based on arrived. With a brand-new X3 launched in 2017, BMW probably wants the X4 to be on par with its sibling. On the other hand, it's really awkward that BMW kept these plans hidden and unveiled the X4 without the usual teasers and marketing campaign.

Be that as it may, let's have a closer look at the changes.

Continue reading for the full story.

What's New on the Outside?

Not surprisingly, the X4 borrows more than 90 percent of its features from the X3. The front fascia is actually identical so you won't be able to set it apart until you look at the profile. This is good news though, as the latest X3 looks fresh and sporty thanks to the larger, more stylish grille, the organic-looking headlamps, and the aggressive bumper with large vents. The X4 begins to stand out once you move onto the sides. It's here where it retains the styling of the first-generation model, itself based on the larger X6. Specifically, it's again similar to the X3 from the nose to the B-pillars, but the glasshouse and the roof changes toward the back.

Much like the old model, the sloping roof and the short decklid place the X4 between a raised coupe and fastback styling-wise. But the new model feels sportier, whereas the first-gen X4 had a slightly boxier look. The rear fascia is tall as usual, but the bigger spoiler and the slimmer taillights give it a more modern look. Below, we can see a more aggressive diffuser-like element with big exhaust pipes on the M Sport model. The standard version has a milder appearance, but it's still significantly more appealing that the outgoing X4.

What about the Interior?

We've seen this before, right? Yes, the new X4 is identical to the X3 inside the cabin. Down to every little detail, except for limited rearward visibility and the coupe roofline that decreases headroom for rear-seat passengers. Just like the X3, it comes with various trims that include different equipment lines, with the M Sport X or M Sport models getting more leather and fancier materials. A panoramic glass roof is finally available in the X4, alongside heated and cooled seats, and a three-zone climate control system.

It also gets the latest iDrive system, which includes a free-standing 6.5-inch display on top of the dashboard. You can upgrade to the Professional system, which brings a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and order gesture control from the options list. The ConnectedDrive services allow the car to work with Apple and Android smartphones, the Amazon Alexa, and Google Home personal assistants. Rear legroom has grown by 27 mm (1.06 inches), while the trunk now offers 525 liters (18.5 cubic feet), 25 more than the outgoing model. Fold the seats and the trunk can take up to 1,430 liters (50.5 cubic feet) of luggage, 30 more than the old X4. However, that's 200 liters (seven cubic feet) less than he X3.

Engines?

Yes, the drivetrain range is also similar to the X3. U.S. data is not yet available, but the Euro-spec model will get xDrive20d, xDrive30d, xDrive20i, and xDrive30i versions. North American variants should include the X4 xDrive30i and the X4 M40i. The former will get its juice from a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Expect this model to hit 60 mph in six seconds. The M-inspired model will use a 3.0-liter six-cylinder unit that generates 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of twist. In this configuration, the sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be achieved in 4.6 seconds. Both models will use an eight-speed automatic transmission.

References

BMW X4

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW X4.

Read more BMW news.

Read more Geneva Motor Show news.