With the ability to perform in any given environment or situation, the new BMW X4 and Range Rover Evoque Autobiography are the ultimate luxury. These two hybrid crossovers aim to embody everything TechSmart Business wants in car.    

BMW X4

The BMW X4 is the German manufacturer’s latest contender in the ever growing crossover market. This new release nestles neatly between the current X3 and X5 models as a hybrid vehicle aiming to differentiate itself from competitors, like the Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes Benz GLA and Audi Q3. Under the bonnet, the X4 is powered by a TwinScroll turbocharger with Valvetronic, double Vanos and High Precision Injection, which allows the BMW X4 to unleash its impressive power. This system also enables a great deal of fuel efficiency, using a mere 8.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and recorded CO² emissions of 193 g/km.

The bite

The X4 has two engine options, with the petrol version featuring a 3.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder that produces 225 kW and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. This adds up to a 0-100 km/h time of 5.5 seconds, which should offer more than enough off-the-line speed to make sure you reach that important stakeholders meeting in time. The diesel version of this similarly sized engine generates an impressive 230 kW and maximum torque of 630 Nm, making it more powerful than the petrol model. This increased power means the vehicle registers a 0-100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds, again a faster output than that of its petrol variant. Both engine models incorporate a two-stage turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, to help generate a considerable amount of power and torque.

If looks could kill

The aesthetic design of this new crossover resembles a mixture of the X5 and X6, with a powerfully muscular body that looks primed to deliver a dynamic driving experience. The striking front end is by the iconic BMW kidney grille and large air inlets with integrated double-round headlights available in a value added LED option on pre-order. The X4 possesses racing-style bumpers, extremely brawny wheel arches and broad shoulder line to emphasise the overall look and feel of this sports activity coupé, as BMW describe it. The interior of the X4 features the high riding position and sportscar-esque seating we’ve come to know from the entire X range. BMW has also fitted this new crossover with a high quality Harman Kardon Surround Sound System that offers an immersive listening experience for those inside. The system itself combines an equalizing digital amplifier with a 600 W output as well as a total of 16 speakers – seven mid-range, seven tweeters and two centre bass – to provide sound quality to match that of the X4 itself.

It’s clear from the engine specs and time speeds, that the X4 can offer an exhilarating driving experience for consumers looking to back the new kid on the crossover block. With pricing for the entry level model at an estimated R500 000 and availability for purchase to be in the early half of 2015, BMW may just have a true challenger to the luxury crossover throne.

Range Rover Evoque Autobiography 

The Range Rover Evoque has been the reigning high-end crossover king in recent years. Registering more than 270 000 worldwide sales since its debut in 2011, it is the fastest selling Land Rover vehicle of all time. The British manufacturer is looking to maintain that legacy with the release of the luxuriously specced Autobiography edition, which made its debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. This new model is currently slated for a 2015 release and is available for pre-order in two variants; the in-car entertainment oriented Autobiography and high performance Autobiography Dynamic.

Doing the writing 

Land Rover has designed two different body styles for the Autobiography, with customers given the option of a coupé or 5-door version. Other notable inclusions to the Autobiography’s refined body styling are the diamond-turned, forged 20” alloy wheels as well as new exterior trim components. These include a new premium grille design, lower front bumper, and new head- and fog light setup. The enhancements to the Evoque are not only cosmetic, Land Rover has also made improvements to the Autobiography’s power plant, with an upgraded version of the range topping 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 210 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The diesel version of the same sized engine develops 142 kW, with both engine types supported by a nine speed ZF automatic transmission. 

There’s an app for that

One of the defining in-car technologies touted by the Evoque Autobiography is the manufacturer’s first introduction of Land Rover InControl Apps. This new in-car integration is said to complement the Evoque’s existing infotainment system by bringing the convenience, familiarity and original look and feel of compatible smartphone apps into the owner’s vehicle. Land Rover InControl is compatible with the latest Apple and Android smartphones, supporting a host of key applications to add an extra dimension to the driver experience. Users can connect their smartphone to the dedicated USB port, with access to interactive features via the dedicated Range Rover Evoque Autobiography touchscreen. 

Land Rover has also incorporated driver aids we have come to expect from manufacturers of top-end vehicles. These include park assist/semi-autonomous parking, a surround camera system and blind-spot monitoring with closing vehicle sensing and reverse traffic detection as value added extras. 

With an estimated price tag set to start at R700 000 and pre-orders starting in August of this year, the Range Rover Evoque Autobiography is the ultimate statement vehicle. With the expected release of this luxury crossover in early 2015, Land Rover may have improved upon the hybrid perfectly suited to busy urban environments and more.