A new flagship has arrived for the 2016 BMW X4 range, in the form of a six-cylinder diesel. The X4 xDrive35d makes use of a new three-litre unit from BMW that is substantially torquier and more powerful than the outgoing xDrive30d.
The new motor produces 230kW of power and 630Nm of torque. Those figures are 40kW and 70Nm improvements over the old block, while returning 6L/100km on the combined cycle. Power heads to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox only.
The 35d will be the fastest X4, sprinting to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds. Shawn Ticehurst, BMW’s head of product and market planning, has told us the the xDrive35d will take its place as the ‘flagship’ of the X4 range.
The quick new diesel will assume the same equipment levels as the swiftest petrol, the xDrive35i. That means the new model will gain an M Sport design package standard, pairing 20-inch wheels to an M steering wheel. Dynamic damper control provides adjustable dampers, while adaptive cruise control keeps the car in check on highway runs.
Inside, Nevada leather is the standard upholstery. There’s also a 16-speaker Harmon-Kardon sound system, internet access for the satellite navigation and a powered tailgate out back.
The X4 xDrive35d arrives later this month.
2016 BMW X4: Australian price
- X4 xDrive20i: $69,510
- X4 xDrive20d: $73,700
- X4 xDrive35i: $87,510
- X4 xDrive35d: $89,900
