The BMW X4 Is The Latest Car In The Stupidly Complicated BMW Line-Up

As if the BMW range wasn't already complicated enough, a new model has entered the fray: the X4. Just as the X6 is to the X5, the X4 is a lower, sportier and swoopier-styled X3 SUV.

It's certainly not a car for diesel-phobes; despite its sporting pretensions, the X4 range will only feature oil-burners to begin with. There are rumours of BMW's exceptional N55 twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six petrol (as seen in the brilliant M235i) eventually making an appearance, which would be an interesting proposition in the X4.

The range kicks off with the xDrive20d, which gets a 2.0-litre four-pot with 187bhp and 295lb/ft of torque. The xDrive30d and 35d both get 3.0-litre straight-sixes, producing 254bhp and 413lb/ft, and 307bhp and 465lb/ft respectively. Opt for the latter, and you'll be able to sort 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds, and top out at 153mph. Not bad, considering a few years ago that sort of performance in the BMW range was restricted to the full-fat M cars.

Economy-aiding features such as auto start-stop and regenerative brakes are standard across the X4 range. If you're the sort to get excited by economy and emissions figures, you'll be pleased to hear this helps the XDrive20d achieve 54.3mpg and 138g/km. More interesting to us is how this thing will drive; and sure enough we're promised a stiffer, sportier experience than the X3.

The idea of an SUV with sporty ideals and a coupe-like body seems like a weird mix, but with the X6 having sold in big numbers, making a 'junior' version in the form of the X4 is a bit of a no-brainer.

Despite being announced in the week of the Geneva motor show, it's the New York motor show that the X4 will be making its debut at. It'll go on sale in the UK this July with prices starting at £36,590.