After being in business for nearly a century, BMW has finally discovered even numbers, with the comparatively release of the 2-series and 4-series creations, allowing this very popular German manufacturer to spread across a wider range of market segments. With the creation of the BMW X4 Petrol, the manufacturers have come up with a chunky, stylish medium-sized crossover vehicle.

When one discussed crossovers, it’s important to think about what has been crossed with what, given the tendency these days for body styles to cross-pollinate like never before. To judge from the looks – if one can get past the twin headlights, the touches of chrome and the 19-inch alloy wheels (20 inches on the xDrive 35i) highlighting the rather aggressive styling – the BMW X4 Petrol looks to be a cross between an SUV and a coupé, at least if the combination of extra ground clearance, BMW’s xDrive four-paw drivetrain and the sloping curve of the roof at the rear are anything to go by.  As the 4 in the name suggests, this is a medium to large vehicle, which will appeal to drivers who need to fit a bit more in but don’t want to have anything too grand and ostentatious.

Two offerings area available for the BMW X4 Petrol. These are the most basic and the most luxurious forms of the X4, the 20i and the 35i respectively.

Let’s start with the 20i. This is the most fuel-efficient of the BMW X4 Petrol offerings, with a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.2 L/100 km.  The 2-litre four-cylinder engine is capable of wringing out 135 kW of power and 270 Nm of torque, so it’s certainly no slouch in spite of being the smallest of the range.  This can probably be put down to the twin-scroll single turbocharger with valvetronic and double VANOS valve control, plus BMW’s high-precision fuel injection system.  This engine is harnessed to the four-wheel-drive system via an 8-speed automatic transmission that can be controlled by the driver via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.  On the inside, the 20i has a 6-speaker sound system with CD or MP3 input, plus the other bells and whistles available to all BMW X4 Petrol models.  In the styling department, the BMW X4 20i is fitted with a single chrome-trimmed exhaust plus the other fun bits like the massive air intakes and the LED fog lights.

The 35i, however, packs a lot of extra zing. This extra zing isn’t just found in the driver convenience and comfort features such as the comfort access system that incorporates no-touch opening of the tailgate, the sports suspension, the Surround View visibility aid, the fold-in anti-dazzle exterior mirrors, the M-leather trimmed multifunction steering wheel, the 16-speaker sound system with nine channels, and the dynamic damper control.  It goes beyond the 20-inch alloys, the M aerodynamics body kit package and the dual chrome exhaust.  Where the zing really kicks in is under the bonnet. This is the zestiest of the X4s, what with a 6-cylinder engine with 2979 ccs of capacity, a twin-scroll turbocharger, double VANOS and high precision fuel injection. All these technical bits add up to a whole lot going on: 225 kW of power, 400 Nm of torque and a 5.5-second zero-to-hero (i.e. 0 to 100 km/h) sprint time.

Both of the BMW X4 Petrol offerings have the features that are common to all X4 models. These include the fuel-saving auto stop/start function with keyless ignition; the ability to select the ECO, Sport and Comfort driving mode when you want to (those with the 35i can also select Sport +); the full shebang of safety features from the active headrests to the stability control system (ABS brakes with brake assist and EBD, cornering brake control, traction control, pullaway assistant and braking readiness) and hill start control; cruise control; park distance control front and rear; a rear view camera; interior ambient lighting that can be switched from orange to white; dual-zone air con; Bluetooth preparation; an 8.8-inch display screen for the navigation and audio files (and an electronic version of the owner’s manual); lumbar support for the driver and rear passenger, with memory function for the electrically adjustable driver’s seat; and some very nice Nevada leather upholstery in classic beige, black or black with red stitching.

So if you want AWD ability, a touch of luxury, a reasonable amount of room for a growing family plus the quality guaranteed by the BMW name, the BMW X4 Petrol is going to be a good choice for you.

Current model series include:

• BMW X4 Petrol xDrive 20i
• BMW X4 Petrol xDrive 35i

For any more information on the BMW X4 Petrol, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of BMW dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!