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When the BMW introduced the X4 for the first time in 2014, many people, including automotive journalists, raised their eyebrows; we were perplexed by his purpose. It was more expensive than the X3 on which it was based, less convenient and almost as expensive as its larger X5 and X6 siblings, which makes one wonder why the X4 already existed.
To make things even more confusing name to represent the fact that it was a cross version (or "sports car", like BMW flap) of the 4 series, replacing models two-door series 3 – a result of BMW rename its coupe models as the same series -number. But, as everyone can tell, the X4 has four doors. Do you see what we mean by perplexity?
Yet despite being a marketing conundrum, the old X4 still managed to sell like hotcakes, moving over 200,000 units since its introduction. And, to keep its momentum, the best of Munich have followed with a brand new second generation model.
The 2019 BMW X4 arrives in xDrive30i format with a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine and an introductory price of $ 50,450. We took the wheel of the top-of-the-range M40i with turbocharged six-cylinder gasoline and a price of $ 60,450. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé, Land Rover's high-tech Range Rover Velar, the fast Porsche Macan, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the luxurious Audi SQ5 if we use strictly price as our benchmark. The Audi is more of a traditional looking crossover, making the X3 M40i its ideal rival.
Interior and tech
Like the outgoing model, the new X4 does not hide the fact that its sleek and sloping roofline compromises the interior margin and the space. Getting out of the wet summer heat of South Carolina and into the front buckets did not seem very different from jumping into an X3 because they're the best seats in the house. That is, until you look back to find blind spots the size of Timbuktu. The story is not much better if you're taller than the six-foot figure and relegated to the backseat, or if you're a big package needing space for the trunk to the trunk. above. Fortunately, BMW has made a panoramic panoramic roof so that the rear occupants do not feel like sardines in a can.
Despite a marketing riddle, the old X4 still managed to sell like hot cakes.
the rest of the interior benefited from a surge in build quality and design. The build quality of the outgoing model and the choice of materials do not seem to match the premium of the original X4 over the X3. This has changed with the new model, thanks to greater use of soft leather and plastic that reflects the higher price of the X4. The design also seems more consistent, taking up the tradition of BMW for the design of pilot-oriented dashboards.
Equipment: A 10.25-inch screen with real-time traffic and parking information is available on all models. It can be controlled either by its touch screen or the latest version of the BMW iDrive Touch Controller. The list of standard features also includes a bright and dynamic multi-color head-up display, BMW's Active Guard suite (which includes collision detection before and after with automatic braking), real-time speed limit notifications, and Pre- and post-collision avoidance systems that inform emergency responders of the peculiarities of the incident so that they are better prepared to handle your accident, if you (but I do not). hope not to participate.
BMW bill $ 300 plus an annual fee of $ 80 for Apple CarPlay. That's the norm – without subscription required – on many cars that cost a fraction of the price of the X4
Driving Experience
However, once you start driving, the worries for the # stimulating space of the X4 seem to disappear. the road becomes calm and less straight. Departing from BMW 's performance test center in Spartanburg, South Carolina, just outside the quaint and picturesque city of Greenville, we protected ourselves from the heat and the heat. Southern humidity.
Once the X4 M40i The difficult spaces of X4 all seem to disappear.
But once out of the highway and into the hilly lands and winding roads of the Nanthala National Forest, BMW's DNA for the construction of driving machines instantly shone. The X4 base comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a modest but sufficient torque of 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The one we sampled came with BMW's legendary 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, which produces 355 hp and 365 lb-ft. the torque, the well-matched 8-speed automatic transmission and the 4.6-second zero-to-60-mph time kept our smile even more puzzled on the face. We did not really expect the X4 to handle not only better than the outgoing car, but with a more tolerable drive.
The original X4 behaved surprisingly well considering its crossover status with more height, more weight and a higher center of gravity. But the balance between well sorted handling and comfortable driving was not perfect and left a potential for tweaking – not to mention the need for a good chiropractor. BMW engineers listened and went directly to work with the second-generation model
Engineers widened the lanes for a more solid position, allowing them to lower the center of gravity while modifying the suspension geometry . The result is a car that behaves more like a 340i M Sport but with a little extra ground clearance.
The X4 really made us believe that there was no way to handle it as well as it needed to.
the changes have also borne fruit in the pilotage department. The electric power steering of the old model suffered from a lack of sensation on the road, adequate weighting and feedback. The new model retains most of the wrongs of the original, it is more engaging to drive, but it still does not live up to the Porsche Macan or the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The X4 nevertheless impresses in twisties more than it should on paper. After a few quick laps around a runway at the BMW Performance Center, and some drifting attempts on the skid ramp, the X4 really made us think that there was no way for that this big and heavy cash as well as he should. But he does it, so to speak.
2019 BMW X4 M40i compared to
The fuel economy figures are not yet available for the EPA. We can not imagine the fuel economy will change significantly compared to the outgoing model, which returned 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg in the combined cycle. The new X4 cheerfully encourages energetic driving, so we imagine that most drivers will see lower numbers.
Warranty
Each BMW comes with the company's 50,000 mile four-year warranty (whichever comes first). It covers every part of the vehicle, including the engine and transmission.
How DT could configure this car
While the basic model X4 comes decently equipped, and its four-cylinder turbo more than adequate, we feel the X4 is better known in the form M40i top-spec . The famous BMW six-cylinder inline engine makes the jump interesting. We also have the M Sport package that makes suspension, brakes and steering sportier while adding a specific body kit and more stylish wheels. This is the standard on the M40i, but note that it is offered at an additional cost on the xDrive30i. Of course, staying in the colors of Digital Trends, we would choose Phytonic metallic blue and eye-catching red leather with contrast stitching and piping.
Our Take
Is this the one we have? d buy?
Well, the new X4 is definitely a well-executed update and it's sure to keep current fans happy. But, the M40i's base price of $ 60,450 puts it at a larger and more luxurious bargaining distance from the X6. The sportier Porsche Macan S starts at $ 5,000 less, but is slower than the X4 M40i. This continues to place the X4 in a strange place on the market; Buyers can shop cross with a wide variety of other vehicles.
In the end, it depends if you think that the Bavarian formula is the right one for you. You will not be disappointed if you sign the dotted line and drive home in an X4. Do not expect to pack anything high – parcels or people – in it.
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