By DERRICK NDZAVI
The South African launch of the new BMW X4 was short of a beauty pageant with the German car maker pulling all the stops to deliver a glamorous event in Durban this past week. The KwaZulu/Natal roads became the stage in which the second generation X4 showcased its abilities and capabilities. The German princess kept composure as it was taken through its paces both on open highway conditions and some dirt farm roads. In almost all conditions, the new X4 proved to be a worthy, in BMW talk, Sport Activity Vehicle, as it ascended and descended through the villages where one has to be always wary of the surroundings and observe speed limit due to many livestock and pedestrians going about their day.
The route schedule gave us an opportunity to test the X4’s agility, engine power handling and all the other elements that an SUV is expected to pass. Firstly, comfort cannot be ignored, anyone buying an SUV demands comfort, so ride quality is of the essence in this regard. Secondly, one of the important elements of a medium SUV is handling, most car buyers do not want to compromise on handling. Well, the X4 has ticked both boxes with utmost ease. On tar, the X4 offers the driver a sense of control without taking away the joy and feeling of being in charge. On dirt, the suspension adapts and adjust to the conditions without losing that sportiness associated with the BMW brand.
BMW prides itself with innovation and technology. The X4 is no different from other models in the stable as it is armed with modern tech and safety. The new digital services from BMW ConnectedDrive becomes a much needed assistant with personal mobility planning. The mobility assistant BMW interfaces the vehicle with a simple touch such as smartphones, smartwatches and voice-controlled personal assistants, and hands gestures controls. BMW is the first carmaker to offer a secure server connection for exchanging and editing emails, calendar entries and contact details using the Microsoft Office 365 function. The Driving Assist Plus safety package includes the new-generation Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the Steering and lane control assist, the Lane Keep Assist with active side collision protection.
Approximately 200 000 units have been sold around the world since the first-generation X4 was launched in 2014.
Model Range and Pricing:
xDrive 20d: R846 542
xDrive 20i: R850 337
xDrive 20d M Sport: R891 442
xDrive 20i M Sport: R895 237
M40i: R1 144 185
