BMW's keenly awaited sport crossover arrives

BMW X4 is a sportier derivative of the X3 with a silhouette that's reminiscent of a coupe and a slightly more aggressive-looking body.

X4 is set to become the carmaker's premium mid-size offering

There is no stopping the growth of BMW's X-range with the launch of the all new BMW X4 at this week's Geneva Motor Show.

The X4 will be BMW's entrant into the competitive premium mid-sized segment, putting it up against the Audi Q5 and new Porsche Macan.

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The X4 will be introduced to the New Zealand market during the third quarter of 2014. While petrol will be offered in overseas markets, it's likely the New Zealand spec cars will be diesel only.

The diesel range starts with the xDrive20d - 140kW/400Nm - while producing 5.3l/100km. The xDrive35d tops the diesel range, with the 3.0-litre six pot diesel delivering 230kW and a hefty 630Nm of torque. This also means a zero to 100km/h time of 5.2 seconds and returns 6l/100km.

A mid-range xDrive 30d will also be added with 190kW/560Nm and 5.9l/100km. All models come with BMW's 8-speed Steptronic transmission and xDrive intelligent four-wheel-drive system as standard.

At 4671mm in length, 1881mm wide at the front and 2089mm at the rear, the X4 will have a curb weight of 2320kg and 500 litres of boot space.

Styling cues have been adopted from the X5. Headlights, chiselled chin spoiler and aggressive looking buttresses complement a swooping coupe-like roof line similar to the X6.

Creature comforts such as Pedestrian and Collision Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Lane Departure Warning will be offered, too. New Zealand pricing will be released closer to launch.

BMW X4 is a sportier derivative of the X3 with a silhouette that's reminiscent of a coupe and a slightly more aggressive-looking body.