VIDEO: BMW X4 – G02 versus F26, what’s different?

The original F26 BMW X4 lived a rather sweet but short life, having served the premium mid-size Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) scene for a mere four years. Then, on Valentine’s Day this year, the Bavarian giant unveiled its sleeker successor, the second-gen G02 X4, and it gets all the technologies and engines from its close cousin, the G01 X3.

On the whole, the new X4 is new in pretty much all aspects, save for the general form factor. On the design front, it gets a more evolutionary styling approach, but to good effect. The comparison video by BMW highlights all the changes, from the subtly revised front fascia to the divisive rear end.

From the front, it’s obvious that the kidney grilles are larger, as are the headlights. Remember the oddly-placed fog lamps on the F26? Yeah, they’re gone now (thankfully), replaced instead with horizontally-mounted LED daytime running lights.

The characteristic sloping roofline is retained, but the rear haunches look more muscular, adding drama to the overall rear portion of the vehicle. Those slim three-dimensional L-shaped tail lights and a bumper-mounted number plate recess look somewhat reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz SUV-coupés. Twin tailpipes come as standard.

Size-wise, the G02 X4 has grown in nearly all areas, with an 81 mm increase in length to 4,752 mm – 52 mm of which goes to the 2,864 mm wheelbase. It’s 37 mm wider at 1,918 mm, although it’s three millimetres shorter at 1,621 mm. As usual, BMW claims a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

Inside, the main dashboard is pretty much lifted off the X3, with a lower dash profile and a freestanding infotainment display. It comes with a 6.5-inch centre display, with the optional Professional navigation system adding a 10.25-inch touchscreen and gesture control. Buyers can also opt for the 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display that’s 70% larger than before.

For engines, the X4 comes with a range of petrol and diesel mills, starting from the xDrive20i. This variant is powered by a 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 184 hp at 6,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque from 1,350 to 4,250 rpm.

That same 2.0 litre four-potter is also fitted on the xDrive30i, but there it’s tuned to make 252 hp and 350 Nm. A 2.0 litre turbodiesel is also available, churning out 190 hp and 400 Nm in the xDrive20d and 231 hp and 500 Nm in the xDrive25d. A 3.0 litre straight-six powering the xDrive30d will join the range later, pushing out 265 hp and a whopping 620 Nm from 2,000 rpm.

As before, the range-topping M40i (for now, before an X4 M exists) gets a 3.0 litre turbo petrol straight-six that punches out 360 hp and 500 Nm. It does the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.8 seconds. For the M40d, it gets a higher-tuned straight-six motor taken from the xDrive30d, producing 326 hp and 680 Nm of torque. All models get an eight-speed auto and a rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive system.

So, where do you stand? Do you prefer the original F26 X4 or are you smitten by the sleeker G02 model? Watch the video above to get a full grasp of the changes made. Then, tell us what you think in the comments section below.

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