BMW, one of the world’s most successful premium carmakers, also boasts an excellent position in the all-wheel-drive market, a segment it first entered 30 years ago. Around one in three BMW cars sold around the world is now equipped with the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system. BMW’s success in this segment has been driven not only by the ever-popular BMW X models but also by all-wheel-drive models based on the other model series, from the BMW 1 Series to the BMW 7 Series. Across these model series, a large choice of AWD models is offered in a wide range of engine versions. At the same time, BMW continues to refine this technology and take it in new directions. By offering BMW xDrive in combination with a hybrid drive and with a front-wheel-drive platform, the company has repeatedly demonstrated its proficiency in the all-wheel-drive field, proficiency that will secure BMW’s position at the forefront of this sector well into the future. Today, BMW offers more than 110 models – of either transmission type – with BMW xDrive in 12 different model series, as well as the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 sports car and the compact BMW 225xe with electrified all-wheel drive.

The focus from day one: traction and dynamics.
BMW’s first foray into the all-wheel-drive market came with the unveiling of the BMW 325i “Allrad” at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in 1985. From the outside, the newcomer didn’t immediately reveal its inner qualities, so its performance when the journalists took it out on the test track was even more of an eye-opener. This very first BMW all-wheel-drive system not only improved traction away from surfaced roads and in adverse weather conditions, but also made for more dynamic handling through corners. “The new BMW is the new champion when it comes to handling,” was the verdict of the testers from German car magazine Auto Zeitung not long after the first unveiling.

Today, the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system takes typical BMW driving dynamics to new levels. The current generation of this system is controlled by the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) system, which ensures that xDrive always responds appropriately at the earliest possible moment, based on reliable sensing and monitoring of the current driving situation. The interventions may be performed either entirely by BMW xDrive, or by xDrive in combination with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Dynamic Performance Control (DPC). The resulting fast and precise control of drive power distribution ensures typical BMW handling characteristics even under extremely dynamic cornering.

The all-wheel-drive system is biased towards the typical BMW rear-wheel-drive characteristics. That is to say, on the all-wheel-drive models a greater share of the drive power is sent to the rear wheels, even under normal driving conditions. This maintains the typical BMW precise steering response, with virtually no torque steer. For crisp turn-in and high tracking stability, the latest-generation BMW xDrive system starts increasing the amount of power sent to the rear wheels as soon as the vehicle enters a corner, further enhancing the driving pleasure for which BMW is a byword.

BMW all-wheel-drive technology: continuous evolution since 1985.
The full-time all-wheel-drive system featured on the BMW 325i “Allrad” of 1985 split the drive power in a ratio of 37 to 63 per cent between the front and rear wheels. In response to wheel speed differences, visco locks in the transfer case and rear differential were capable of providing a virtually rigid connection between the front and rear wheels, in order to improve traction and stability. This model’s name was soon changed to BMW 325iX, and from 1988 it was offered in a “touring” version as well (lower-case spelling up to and including the E46 series).

1991: BMW 525iX.
Three years on, BMW introduced an all-wheel-drive model in the BMW 5 Series too. For the first time, the power split was now electronically controlled. The newly developed system featured multi-plate clutches that allowed the default 36:64 front-to-rear power split to be varied seamlessly and automatically in line with driving conditions. Initially a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch was used at the rear axle, but this was later replaced by electronically controlled selective braking intervention. The system monitored the driving situation using wheel speed signals from the Anti-lock Braking System, supplemented by further information about brake status, engine speed and throttle valve position.

From the outset the all-wheel-drive system of the BMW 525iX was a class apart. The electronic control system delivered a very fast and precise response, resulting in safe, neutral handling characteristics even in difficult driving conditions, such as on wet roads or snow. In the BMW 5 Series, too, the first all-wheel-drive models were offered in both Sedan and touring versions.

1999: The Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) opens a new chapter.
In the run-up to the new millennium, a highly innovative vehicle concept from BMW made its sensational debut. The BMW X5, the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), impressed customers with driving dynamics that were unmatched among other all-terrain vehicles of the time. The outstanding all-wheel-drive system played a big part in this. A planetary gear system split the drive power in a ratio of 38:62 per cent between the front and rear wheels, while electronic control systems such as DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ADB-X (Automatic Differential Brake) and HDC (Hill Descent Control) ensured the new BMW X5 was both sporty on the road and equipped to handle challenging conditions off the beaten track.

In the years following the successful launch of the SAV concept, there was no let-up in the fast pace of all-wheel-drive development at BMW. The next year, 2000, a model-specific version of the BMW X5’s all-wheel drive technology became available for the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series.

2003: BMW xDrive makes its debut in the BMW X3 and BMW X5.
Four years on from the debut of the BMW X5 in 1999, BMW kept up the momentum by launching the SAV concept in a further vehicle segment. The new BMW X3 was more compact than the BMW X5 and offered even more agile handling. It set new benchmarks and remained the only premium model in its class for years to come.

The newly developed BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which was introduced in the same year in both the BMW X3 and the BMW X5, soon extended BMW’s lead in the AWD segment. Based on an extremely fast-acting electronic multi-plate clutch in the transfer case, xDrive worked in tandem with the Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC) to continuously adapt the drive power split to the current driving situation. In addition to wheel speed, for the first time the electronic control system also took into account Dynamic Stability Control data, for example about steering angle, accelerator position and lateral acceleration. This is what makes BMW xDrive the world’s first, and still only, “intelligent” all-wheel-drive system. Unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems, which only react when at least one wheel is already spinning, xDrive is able to detect a risk of oversteer or understeer at the very first signs, and proactively corrects this by redirecting the flow of drive power.

In the years that followed, the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system was fitted not only on the X models but also on the xDrive versions of the BMW 3 and 5 Series Sedan and Touring models. By the time the second generation of the BMW X3 was introduced in 2010, more than 600,000 units of this series had already been sold worldwide. A little earlier, sales of the BMW X5 – which entered its second generation in 2006 – had topped the one million mark.

2008: SAC with Dynamic Performance Control and hybrid drive.
With the two Sports Activity Vehicles now firmly established in their respective segments, in 2007 BMW went on to present the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), the brand-new BMW X6 elevated the typical dynamic character of the BMW X models to a new level of intensity. For the first time, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system was combined with Dynamic Performance Control (DPC), which varies the drive power split between the rear wheels when cornering to ensure unrivalled agility and stability, even under sudden throttle changes or on overrun. In 2009, the BMW Active Hybrid X6 demonstrated a further perfect pairing – between BMW xDrive and hybrid propulsion. Meanwhile, in the same year, BMW M GmbH added two very special models to its range of high-performance sports cars. With an M-tuned BMW xDrive system, including Dynamic Performance Control, the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M boasted performance that was previously unknown in the all-wheel-drive market.

2009 also saw the arrival of a new X model, the BMW X1. For many years to come, the BMW X1 was destined to remain the only vehicle of its kind in the premium compact segment. Its intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, like that of the new BMW X3 (2010), was also combinable with Performance Control. This system selectively brakes the wheel on the inside of a turn while simultaneously increasing engine power, resulting in quick and precise turn-in to corners and taking the agile handling of both models to new levels.

BMW xDrive also available for other model series.
The steady advance of the BMW X models has been accompanied by an increase in the number of xDrive versions offered in the other BMW model series too. Designed to improve cornering agility and precision, BMW xDrive provides an enhanced driving experience and an optimal combination of dynamics and comfort. So it was only a matter of time before this intelligent drive technology made its debut in the BMW 7 Series as well, in 2009. In spring 2012, the first all-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible models were then offered in the sporty BMW 6 Series. BMW xDrive can also be specified on the current BMW 3 and 5 Series and, since 2013, on the Convertible, Coupe and Gran Coupe models of the new BMW 4 Series.

Driving progress ever forward.
BMW took things forward in the premium mid-sized segment with the launch of the BMW X4 in 2014. The new Sports Activity Coupe offers a unique blend of driving enjoyment, sophisticated style and contemporary practicality. It comes with BMW xDrive as standard and is available in a wide range of engine versions. In the same year, BMW also presented the third generation of the BMW X5, the second generation of the BMW X6, and M Sport versions of both models. BMW xDrive also made its debut in the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. This was a debut with a difference, being the first time BMW had combined its intelligent all-wheel-drive system with an all-new front-wheel-drive format.

With the BMW i8, unveiled in 2014, the BMW Group took a bold new step in new directions – which also extended to the all-wheel-drive system. This 2+2-seater sports model is powered by a highly advanced plug-in hybrid drive system that pairs an internal combustion engine driving the rear wheels with a high-performance electric motor driving the front wheels.

Focused on the future: BMW xDrive meets BMW eDrive.
BMW’s latest all-wheel-drive models bring technology advances that are firmly focused on the future of mobility. The BMW i8 was followed by the international launch of the first production plug-in hybrid model from the BMW core brand: the BMW X5 xDrive40e. Thanks to full-time BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive and eDrive BMW EfficientDynamics technology, this Sports Activity Vehicle mates thrilling and effortless sporty performance with outstanding efficiency. Intelligent hybrid power management synchronises the operation of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to maximise efficiency at all times, while also responding perfectly to the driver’s demands. The drive from the two power units is transferred to the road via the full-time BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

BMW 7 Series: Integral Active Steering combinable with BMW xDrive.
In September 2015, the sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series makes its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). This high-end BMW luxury model pioneers groundbreaking innovations on all fronts, and will be available with BMW xDrive from its market launch in October. The new luxury sedan will also be the first model to allow intelligent all-wheel-drive to be combined with Integral Active Steering – that is to say with passively steering rear wheels.

Please find attached the complete press kit for download.

The new BMW X4 press pack includes:

   Words

   Presentation

   Specification

   Pricelist

   Images

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, 26-29 June 2014, will see a trio of spectacular BMWs drive up the famous 1.16 mile hill.  BMW’s most advanced sport car ever, the new BMW i8, will be seen for the first time in the UK along with the BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition – the most powerful production car in the history of the brand.  With a special M4 Coupé in action too, and a line-up of the hottest new BMW M cars on stand, this summer’s Festival promises one of the most exciting displays ever for the Bavarian manufacturer.

The new BMW i8 will steer its way up Goodwood’s hill, showcasing the searing acceleration of the new plug-in hybrid sport car. The BMW i8 uses a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, with a 1.5-litre capacity, in conjunction with an electric motor that takes BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy to a new high. Utilising both power sources enables the sprint from zero to 62mph to take just 4.4 seconds, going on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.  All the while combined fuel consumption stands at 135mpg and CO2 emissions come in at 49g/km.

With the introduction of optional BMW laser headlights, the BMW i8 is the world’s first production car to offer this innovative lighting technology. The BMW i8 launches in the UK in July 2014,  costs £99,845 OTR and will qualify for a HM Governement Plug-In Car grant of £5,000. At the wheel of the BMW i8 in the ‘Supercar’ category will be British born factory BMW GT driver, Alexander Sims.

The BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition

To celebrate 30 years of the BMW M5, BMW has created an exclusive, special-edition of the current, fifth-generation model boasting performance that sets it apart from its stablemates. The BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition (30 years of the M5) will be produced in a limited run of just 300 vehicles worldwide. Only 30 cars will come to the UK.

Developing 600hp and peak torque of 700Nm, this special-edition (combined fuel consumption 28.5mpg; CO2 emissions: 231g/km) is not only the most powerful BMW M5 ever to emerge from series production under the auspices of BMW M, but also the most powerful production car in the history of the brand. The M5 30 Jahre Edition sprints from zero to 62mph in a lightning fast 3.9 seconds. Its BMW Individual-inspired looks and dynamic and comfort-enhancing equipment make this special edition M5 set to be a highly desirable collector’s item.

The M5 30 Jahre Edition represents a new high point in 30 years of success that began at BMW Motorsport GmbH in Munich in 1984, and continues to raise the pulses of car fans around the world today. It is on sale now and costs £91,890 OTR. At the helm of the BMW M5 in the ‘First Glance’ category at Goodwood will be one of the UK’s best ever international racing drivers, Steve Soper.

An Individual M4 in action

The first ever BMW Individual M4 Coupé built for the UK will premiere at Goodwood. The Tanzanite Blue metallic Coupé will be the first M4 built in a BMW Individual colour and with a Merino leather upholstery interior from the BMW Individual Collection.

Components from the new BMW M Performance Accessories range, which launches on 12 September 2014, have been provided to significantly add to the M4’s aerodynamic and athletic appearance. These include a carbon-fibre front splitter, carbon-fibre rear spoiler, carbon-fibre rear diffuser and carbon-fibre wing mirrors. The distinctive look is complemented by the M Performance sports exhaust, with Titanium exhaust trims, and by interior enhancements including an Alcantara steering wheel with race display.

Built especially in time for the Festival of Speed, the vehicle’s specification was chosen by fans of ‘PistonHeads.com’ and two lucky competition winners will drive the car up the hill as part of the Moving Motor Show. During the Festival, in the ‘First Glance’ category, the car will be driven by one of the UK’s best known television presenters and ex-racing driver, Tiff Needell.

Two UK premieres and a packed BMW stand

The BMW Pavilion will host the fifth-generation of the iconic high-performance sports car from BMW M. The new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé will entice visitors to an already exciting stand featuring the BMW i8, the special anniversary M5 30 Jahre Edition, other models from the company’s M division, and two UK premieres.

Also on show is the eagerly anticipated new BMW M4 Convertible - the fifth-generation high-performance open-top car of its kind. Powered by the same 431hp M TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder engine as the M3 Saloon and M4 Coupé, the Convertible offers the option of six-speed manual or seven-speed M Double Clutch transmissions.

The M4 Convertible exhibits all the hallmarks of a car created by BMW’s high-performance specialists – lightweight engineering, carefully honed aerodynamics, advanced race-derived chassis tuning and electronic driver assistance technologies and a sporty elegant profile, open or closed. The BMW M4 Convertible launches in the UK on 6 September 2014, priced at £60,745 OTR.

On stand too will be the new BMW X4. It combines the hallmark features of the BMW X family with the sporting elegance of a classical coupé, resulting in BMW’s first Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) for the premium mid-size segment. The BMW X4 arrives in dealerships on 12 July 2014 and will be priced from £36,595 OTR for an X4 xDrive20d SE.

Whilst Alexander Sims, Tiff Needell and Steve Soper will all be aiming for a quick run up the hill, they will also be in the BMW Pavilion for interviews and autographs. They will be joined by legendary Formula 1 commentator, Murray Walker OBE, and by presenter for BT Vision’s Premier League football coverage, Jake Humphreys. Visitors with a culinary interest will also be in for a treat: the BMW Pavilion will also host one of the world’s best chefs, Jason Atherton, for a series of interviews.

Once again this year, BMW and MINI owners will be able to access the exclusive BMW Owners’ Lounge, on the first floor of the Pavilion, by presenting their keys at the entrance.

Visitors will also be able to view the BMW Dashboard – an imposing 10 metre LED screen that will form the main focal point of the BMW Pavilion. This will contain live feeds from Instagram, Twitter, show weather updates and will also be interspersed with interesting BMW and Goodwood facts. Performance-oriented fans will be able to play on a BMW simulator game pod, whilst fans of BMW M will be able to enjoy the Heritage totem – an interactive totem that takes visitors through the history of BMW M.

Representing BMW Group UK at Goodwood will be Martin Harrison, Media Relations Officer on 07815 377083, who will be available to answer media enquiries. 

Ends

For further information please contact:

Martin Harrison                  Media Relations Officer

Tel: 01344 480493             Email: Martin.Harrison@bmw.co.uk

Gavin Ward                        BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel:  01344 480829            Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk

Piers Scott                          General Manager for Product and Internal Communications

Tel: 01344 480113             Email: Piers.Scott@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs                    Corporate Communications Director

Tel:  01344 480109            Email:  Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Press office fax:                01344 480306

Media website:                    www.press.bmwgroup.co.uk
Customer website:              www.bmw.co.uk

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2013, the BMW Group sold approximately 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2013 was € 7.91 billion on revenues amounting to approximately € 76.06 billion. As of 31 December 2013, the BMW Group had a workforce of 110,351 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

Further information about the BMW Group can be found here:

Web: www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview
Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

The new BMW X4 combines the hallmark features of the BMW X family with the sporting elegance of a classical coupé, resulting in BMW’s first Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) for the premium mid-size segment.

Its dynamic pedigree is underlined by a wide range of cutting-edge high-performance engines, the xDrive all-wheel-drive system and a high level of standard equipment. A choice of three diesel engines, a comprehensive package of BMW EfficientDynamics measures and the extensive connectivity provided by BMW ConnectedDrive are all elements in a driving experience allows sporty performance and incredible efficiency.

At 4,671 millimetres in length, it is just 14 millimetres longer than the X3, but at 1,624mm high it is also 36 millimetres lower to the ground and cuts a dynamic profile with its perfectly balanced proportions and distinctive sporting character.

Design

The new BMW X4 follows in the footsteps of the BMW X6, visually combining the character of a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with the sporting elegance of a classic coupé to create an unmistakable presence on the road.

Based on the same platform as the BMW X3, the BMW X4 displays a sporting character of its own.  The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the character lines in the front apron lend the X4 a more muscular and agile appearance. This lowers the car’s visual centre of gravity, signalling its sharper dynamics. The effect is further enhanced by the fog lamps sited below the signature twin headlights.

The coupé-like roofline reaches its highest point over the front seats, reflecting the traditional driver focus of BMW cars, before dropping gently down towards the trailing edge of the boot lid. The standalone design of the BMW X4 is further reinforced by the fresh interpretation of the signature swage line running along the flanks of BMW models.  For the first time this is split into two the first section rises smoothly from the front wheel arches to the rear door handles, while the second part accentuates the powerful sculpting of the rear wings.

The contoured C-pillars, muscular shoulders and the broad and low-set rear end, hints at the performance of the BMW X4 before the engine has even been started.

The interior of the new BMW X4 reveals a harmonious synthesis of sportiness and exclusivity. The driver focused cabin uses premium materials including subtle electroplated accents, a high-gloss black-panel look and aluminium trim strips in the wood panelling to create a luxurious ambiance.

The driver and front passenger sit 20mm lower and the rear passengers 28mm lower than in a BMW X3, accentuating the classic coupé feeling.   It is a sensation reinforced by the rear bench seat, which comes with the type of continuously moulded side support normally only provided by two individual seats, but still offers space for three passengers.

The BMW X4 has a load capacity of between 500 and1,400 litres which, thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, can be used in a wide variety of ways. Everyday usability is further enhanced by the standard-fit automatically opening tailgate.

Equipment levels

The BMW X4 offers a level of standard equipment well above that found on the BMW X3. As standard it comes with an automatically opening tailgate, Variable Sport Steering, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, front and rear Park Distance Control, Performance Control and Xenon headlights.  Inside the BMW X4 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, a Sport leather steering wheel, Heated front seats and BMW Business Media package are all standard.

For an additional £1,500 the xLine trim level will also be available on the BMW X4.  This includes an exclusive18-inch light-alloy wheel, Satin Aluminium exterior trim, Dark Copper interior trim, Sport seats and exclusive xLine leather upholstery.

The popular M Sport model costs an additional £3,000 over the SE and offers even greater dynamics and visually boosts the X4’s sporting appeal.   The M Aerodynamic bodystyling, High-gloss Shadow Line trim exterior trim and an exclusive 19-inch M Sport light-alloy wheels lends the BMW X4 an even more sporty appearance, while the M Sport suspension enhances the ride.  BMW M door sill finishers, Sport seats and an Aluminium Hexagon interior trim add the finishing touches.

Handling: comfortable ride with agile handling

All BMW X4 models have a sporty suspension set-up and come with BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system as standard. This ensures that the drive is split between the rear wheels continuously and as required, which further improves traction, turn-in and directional stability. Working in tandem with the standard Variable Sport Steering, these systems allow the BMW X4 to deliver driving dynamics that surpass even those of the BMW X3 in terms of sportiness. An xDrive status display uses three-dimensional graphics to keep the driver informed of the car’s body roll and pitch.

Engines

From launch the new BMW X4 will be available with a choice three diesel engines, all of which meet the EU6 standards. BMW TwinPower Turbo technology ensures that performance is maintained while fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are kept to a minimum.

The BMW X4 xDrive20d is powered by a newly developed 2.0-litre diesel engine with an all-aluminium construction. This power unit develops 190hp at 4,000rpm with a peak torque of 400Nm. As a result, the X4 xDrive20d requires just 8.0 seconds to sprint from zero to 62mph. The BMW X4 xDrive20d comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox but can be optionally specified with an the eight-speed automatic transmission which brings fuel consumption down to 54.3mpg and sets the CO2 emission at 138g/km.

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW X4 xDrive30d, paired with the standard eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, returns a combined mpg of 47.9 while CO2 emissions are just 156 g/km.  These parsimonious emissions don’t impact the performance with the engine outputting 258hp at 4,000rpm with a peak torque of 560Nm from as low as 1,500rpm, while it accelerates from zero to 62mph in 5.8 seconds.

The xDrive35d engine tops the BMW X4 line-up. The 3.0-litre diesel delivers 313hp and puts a peak torque of 630Nm on tap from between 1,500 and 2,500rpm. With its standard-fitted Launch Control, the X4 xDrive35d launches from zero to 62mph in a mere 5.2 seconds and goes onto a top speed of 153mph. However, the X4 xDrive35d still posts fuel consumption of just 47.1mpg and emits only 157g/km CO2.

EfficientDynamics

The unparalleled suite of EfficientDynamics technologies also minimises the fuel consumption and emissions of the new BMW X4. Features such as Auto Start- Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and on-demand operation of ancillary units are standard across the range.  Optionally available are 17-inch aero wheels with reduced-rolling-resistance tyres, which reduce the CO2 emissions of the BMW X4 xDrive20d and xDrive30d by a further 7g/km.

The BMW Driving Assistant offers additional potential for fuel saving. This technology uses route data supplied by the car’s navigation system to identify situations in advance which will require the car to slow down – e.g. on the way into towns and villages, speed limits etc. – and gives suitable recommendations.

BMW ConnectedDrive

The BMW ConnectedDrive features available for the new BMW X4 offer class-leading technology in the link-up of driver, vehicle and the outside world.

Providing added safety and greater convenience in the BMW X4 is the optional full-colour Head-up Display, which projects all important driving information and the assistance system displays into the driver’s field of vision. The latest-generation Professional Multimedia Navigation system, with ECO PRO route guidance, now teams up with the iDrive Touch Controller. Safety and convenience can be further enhanced by option including the anti-dazzle High-beam Assistant, Driving Assistant Plus including Pedestrian and Collision Warning with City Braking function, Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function and Lane Departure Warning.

The optional BMW ConnectedDrive services allow customers to access smartphone applications such as AUPEO! or Deezer as well as innovative mobility services via the built-in SIM card.  Remote Services and Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) can likewise be used from the comfort of the car.

Online Entertainment provides direct access to music services such as rara or Napster with their millions of music tracks as well as audiobooks. The intelligent e-Call function is triggered automatically or can be used manually to alert the authorities. As soon as the crash sensors report an airbag deployment, the system sends the vehicle location and all key information to the BMW Call Centre via the built-in SIM card, enabling fast and effective assistance at the accident location.

The BMW X4 arrives in dealerships on 12 July, 2014 and will be priced from £36,590 OTR for an X4 xDrive20d SE.

Ends

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2013, the BMW Group sold around 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was €7.82 billion on revenues amounting to €76.85 billion. As of the 31st  December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

Further information about the BMW Group can be found here:

Web: www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview
Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

For further information please contact:

Krystyna Kozlowska            BMW Media Relations Executive

Tel: 01344 480707             Email: Krystyna.Kozlowska@bmw.co.uk

Gavin Ward                           BMW Media Relations Manager

Tel: 01344 480829             Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk

Piers Scott                            General Manager, Product and Internal Communications

Tel: 01344 480113             Email: Piers.Scott@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs                       Corporate Communications Director

Tel: 01344 480109             Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Press office fax: 01344 480306

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.co.uk

Customer website: www.bmw.co.uk