Despite a media verdict that the current BMW X6 design is one of the least attractive in the lineup, BMW has done very well with sales of the niche coupe-SUV, so much so it decided to downsize the design in an X4 version. The new compact size improves the proportions somewhat but consensus among media hacks is far from admiration of its beauty. However, it has bold and compelling presence on the roads that bodes well for its sales.
One thing works for the X4 design is that it has no direct competitor in the market so far. It has the potential to emulate the X6 success which sold 250,000 units so far. The X4 may not score beauty points with the media but it has awesome performance and a presence as a Sports Activity Vehicle. The new X6 is also due by the end of this year and is likely to keep the back-shoulder design that is so prominent in the current model.
Built on the X3 platform, the X4 is 14 mm longer and 36 mm lower. The lower center of gravity gives excellent handling in motorway drive at high speed. On curvy mountain roads near Bilbao in northern Spain, the X4 performed more like a sports car than a SAV. The X4 inspires confidence at turns in winding roads and its traction was faultless.
The X3 and the X4 have essentially identical chassis, and the X4’s all-wheel-drive system thus works seamlessly as it shuttles torque between the wheels. BMW continues evolving its electromechanical power-steering system, and this is one of its best yet, offering good accuracy and progressive weighting as cornering loads increase.
Despite the coupe-like roof, there is plenty of headroom in the backseats for six-foot tall adults; however, the boot capacity is 50 cubic liters smaller than the X3. The capacity is reduced further compared to the X3 with back seats folded down. The raked roof cuts into the boot space and impedes rear visibility compared to other SUVs. This however is function of the design and is shared by all coupe-like vehicles.
The X4 gets better standard equipment than the X3, including power boot door, variable sport steering reverse camera and parking sensors and xenon headlights. Customers can choose from two petrol engines. The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology offers a promise of superb performance married with low fuel consumption.
The flagship petrol unit xDrive35i develops 225 kW/306 HP and peak torque of 400 Nm. The BMW X4 xDrive35i requires just 5.5 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. CO2 Emissions is 193 g/km. Its 3.0-liter six-cylinder in-line engine generates 230 kW/313 HP and peak torque of 630 Nm.
The premium quality interior is underlined by soft leather, high-gloss panels and aluminum trim. The driver has a sports leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles. The X4 shares dashboard and trim with the X3 as it does with the front hood cover and headlights.
All X4 models come with a sporty suspension set-up and intelligent all-wheel-drive system xDrive with standard Performance Control. An xDrive status display in the Control Display uses three-dimensional graphics to keep the driver informed of the car’s body roll and pitch. If a navigation system is specified, all BMW X4 models also feature a compass display in the instrument cluster.
There is less interior space inside the X4 compared to the X3 but by lowering the center of gravity, the X4 is more dynamic and agile in cornering.
X4 models heading for the region will be equipped with petrol engines and eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission as standard. Gears can also be changed using paddles on the sports steering wheel. The “M” sports package option firms the suspension. The X4 xDrive28i starts at $45,625 and the xDrive35i comes in at $48,925. Those prices are each a few thousand dollars more expensive than the cost of a commensurate X3.