5 facts about the 2019 BMW X4

Gallery: 2019 BMW X4 handling course

The 2019 BMW X4 will mark the second generation of the jelly-bean shaped, X3-based crossover (BMW calls it a Sports Activity Coupe) for the brand from Bavaria. We’re not going to debate here whether these weird, middle-size SUV/crossover/coupe things should exist at all, or why the Germans keep building new ones. The fact of that matter is that the X4 is here. We’ll have driving impressions early next month, but for now, here’s a look at the details.

The 2019 BMW X4 made short work of the BMW Performance Center’s handling course.

Size

The new X4 is bigger than the old X4, which was produced from 2014-18. It gains about 2 inches of wheelbase, 3 inches of length and 1.5 inches of width. That’s good for an extra inch or so of rear legroom and bit of extra cargo space. The short overhangs remain while new, “slightly hexagonal” wheel arches catch eyes from the profile. The stretched and slicker sheetmetal helps decrease its coefficient of drag 10 percent to 0.30.

The 2019 BMW X4 gets either a turbocharged four or turbocharged I6.

Power

Motive force comes from either a turbocharged four making 248 hp and 258 lb-ft (2018 model was 240 hp and 260 lb-ft) in the xDrive30i or a TwinPower turbocharged I6 making 355 hp and 365 lb-ft (2018 model was 355 hp and 343 lb-ft) in the X4 M40i. Both get an eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, paddle shifters on the wheel and driving modes for sport, comfort and eco pro. The M40i also gets a sport plus mode.

The 2019 BMW X4 is almost driftable, but not quite.

Suspension

The X4 meets the pavement with 19-, 20- or 21-inch wheels, wrapped in either Bridgestone or Yokohama tires. It has a double-joint spring strut axle at the front, which BMW says reduces the effects of uneven road surfaces, and a five-link rear. Aluminum parts and tubular antiroll bars reduce unsprung weight. As for the driving features, the X4 gets dynamic stability control, which includes an antilock braking system, dynamic traction control, automatic differential brake, cornering brake control, dynamic brake control, start-off assistant and hill descent control, all to help you stay on the pavement when corners get tighter or the slopes get steeper.

Gallery: 2019 BMW X4 interior

Interior

Inside the new X4 comes with redesigned sport seats, new ambient lighting, large storage trays and door pockets. A huge two-section panoramic sunroof allows a ton of light into the passenger compartment, while the rear seats get a 40/20/40 split for folding down. You get 18.5 cubic feet with them up and 50.5 when folded down.

All 2019 BMW X4s get all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Technology

All of the tech is upgraded for the 2019 X4. It gets the latest version of iDrive, BMW’s infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display. Voice control can be used freely by saying things like “I’m hungry” or “Find a bookstore near the university.” A head-up display is optional and in full color. A full array of safety features is available as well including, active cruise control with stop and go, blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, frontal collision warning and more. The Driving Assistant Plus Package has the autonomous-like features including active lane keeping assistant with side collision avoidance, traffic jam assistant, evasion aid and cross traffic alert front and rear.

The 2019 BMW X4 goes on sale in July with the 30i stickering for $50,450 and the M40 going for $60,450. Look for our drive review in July.

Gallery: 2019 BMW X4

Jake Lingeman

Jake Lingeman has been with Autoweek since 2006 and career highlights include driving the Silverstone Circuit in England, taking the Corvette ZR1 around Road Atlanta and going to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. When he’s not writing about, driving, working on or thinking about cars, he’s reading liberal books and playing video games. In his opinion, the best new car in the world is the Ferrari 488 Pista. The Ford Shelby GT350, the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911 GT3 are favorites too. He owns a 1963 Pontiac Star Chief, a 2014 Ford Mustang GT and 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL.