It’s no secret that America loves its SUVs. What does it seem to love more than SUVs? Coupe-like SUVs. Or, in BMW-speak, “SACs” (Sport Activity Coupes). Don’t ask me why, because I don’t have a solid answer for you, but Americans love SUVs that look sportier than their traditional counterparts, even if that means eating into cargo space and rear headroom. Thankfully, these sorts of “SACs” are getting quite interesting, as with this new BMW X4.
We’ve already seen the X4 but this is its first time on American soil, as it’s just made its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show.
The BMW X4 shown here is the M40i variant, the M Performance model that packs more power, more performance and a sportier, more aggressive demeanor. Under the hood lies a 3.0 liter turbocharged I6, BMW’s B58 engine, that makes 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired up with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Despite being a pretty large and heavy SUV, excuse me SAC, that B58 engine can get it from 0-60 mph in about 4.5 seconds, which is properly quick for something of its size.
We haven’t driven the X4 M40i yet but we have driven the X3 M40i and it’s a superb all-around performance machine. So we’re very much looking forward to getting some time behind the wheel of this.
The first BMW X4 was a polarizing car. Its styling was a bit odd and it had a love-it-or-hate-it design. However, we think this new, second-generation model is much better looking. The design is more cohesive and it’s far smoother than before. Oddly enough, it’s almost a mirror image of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe (which is also in NY), so it’s for sure a handsome car.
It’s not as good looking as the X3 M40i, at least to these eyes, but it’s definitely a bit more visually interesting and will surely attract some buyers over.
