Revised: BMW X4 redesigned CUV is a fully capable artist on the track

SUVs have evolved into crossover utility vehicles. The crossovers of today – the "soft-roaders" as the British call them – are just not inclined this way.

But again, track driving is not usually part of the program. Yet here we are, hooning around a handling runway in a four-wheel drive CUV – one, by the way, that will even drift its tail. On dry pavement. Although really really want it.

The author of this hooliganism is the newly redesigned BMW X4

Not that BMW calls the X4 anything The plebeian like "CUV" – BMW -Tell for his models X1, X3, and X5 is sports activity vehicle ("SAV"), while its derivatives X2, X4 and X6 roof-slope are cut off sports activity.

BMW concocted "sports activity" with reference to active lifestyle activities permitted by conducting a after-sales service. With this second coming of the X4, however, driving itself can be sporting activity.

Of course, most drivers do not want a vehicle that wags their tail, so do not worry; this trick is exclusive to a specific model with a specific option. Even then, you must first disable the stability control, find a track, and then behave badly.

The drift of my argument, however, is that in the world of car-guys, a rear-drive car that can gracefully slide tail on demand is the automotive version of a dream date. So when an AWD "utility vehicle" can do that, it pretty much locks his powers as a driver's car. If you consider an X4 instead of its bigger and more roomy X3 brother, you probably give priority to the driving experience, right?

Redesigned for 2019, the X4 joins its X3 brother on BMW's versatile CLAR architecture. Although the roof is no more than 3mm from the ground (55mm lower than the X3), a longer body of 81mm and 37mm wider gives the coupe four doors better proportions, while Wheelbase of 54 mm

As before, we have two versions at Canada. : The xDrive30i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower; and the M40i with a 355 hp 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder, both hitched to an eight-speed automatic. Despite the absence of "xDrive" in the title of the M40i, both models have a variable all-wheel drive

While the 30i is pretty fast and fun for the most part, and can be further enhanced with upgrades optionally, the M40i trotter right out of the box. In addition to its more muscular engine, it includes 19-inch wheels / tires, Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport brakes; an exclusive option M40i is the Sport M differential, the key facilitator of the rear propulsion management

The M40i belongs to BMW "M-Lite" M Performance sub-brand, and as such buttes directly with the "AMG Lite" Mercedes AMG GLC 43 Coupe. The Mercedes is the only other coupe version of a compact luxury CUV, although the Porsche Macan probably fits the same bill, only 2 mm longer than the X4, and the larger Jaguar F-Pace is nice enough to be considered a coupe.

On the road, even the smoother X4 30i features taut, athletic road movements, while combining disciplined driving with a soft, cushioned ride. The M40i is a bit stiffer on the road, but feels quite comfortable on the track – optimum grip, minimal body tilt and a seat-pant feel that quickly inspire trust. The Variable Sport Steering allows you to twist even in tight turns without having to mix hands on the rim.

That being said, there remains one aspect of the handling that BMW and I agree on not being in agreement with. . When dinner is sitting next to Steffen Koch, the young man with the mop in charge of driving dynamics of the X4, I ask him the philosophy of BMW on the direction.

"We have a very clear picture of where we want direction," he says. "If it's too light, you have the feeling that the steering is in front of you.The chbadis is very agile, and the only way to control it is if the steering effort is high enough. The car must always follow the entrance, which means that we have a heavy direction compared to the others. "

In other words, BMW builds an agile and responsive chbadis, then slightly" dulls " "(my words, not Steffen) the direction – not too light, not too sharp – so the car is not abrupt. For most drivers, it makes perfect sense. I prefer the sharpness and unadorned clarity of the steering on a lot of Lincolns and Cadillacs today (would you believe?), But that 's not right or wrong – that' s it. is a matter of taste.

BMW knows its customers best. And at the end of the day, what it gives them, it's a fairly practical four-door coupe that should appeal to "sporty" drivers and "utility" drivers.

Technical characteristics

• 2018 BMW X4
• Base price: $ 53,000 (30i) or $ 66,000 (M40i)
• Engines: ] 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder / 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder
• Transmission / drive: Automatic eight-speed / AWD
• Fuel consumption (liters / 100 km): Not applicable
• Alternatives: Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, Porsche Macan

It looks

Longer, lower and wider, the new X4 looks more like a coupe offering a improved ground clearance. roof. The standard diameter of the wheel is 18 inches, but 19s, and offset width 20s or 21s are available.

Interior

Drivers will enjoy BMW's usual hospitality while driving, though it offers a bit less headroom. Visibility to the front is excellent, but the rear window is a shallow slot. BMW has pioneered the whole trend of screen-based ergonomics, but, laudably, has not yet pushed it to the extreme; Conventional equipment for audio and HVAC are placed under the 10.25 inch touch screen. The aft cabin is one of the least spacious of the segment, but it should still accommodate most adult sizes without clutter, in reasonable comfort, and with plenty of daylight – a panoramic sunroof is Series

launches in the 30i have produced some turbo lag, but this is not a problem in normal driving. The four-cylinder is a model of refinement and its time from 0 to 100 km / h claimed 6.3 seconds pips the competition Mercedes and Porsche. Likewise, the M40i's astounding 0 to 100 km / h speed of 4.8 seconds slightly outpaces the direct competition (even though there are even faster versions of the Mercedes GLC and Porsche Macan – for a lot more money).

Technology

On the side of the human-machine interface, gesture control is an option while voice control can respond to requests as simple as "I'm hungry". You get Apple CarPlay (even a CD in-dash player!) But not Android Auto. The Hot Spot Wireless / WiFi Charging is a $ 350 stand-alone option, or included in the premium packages with Head-Up Display, Full Digital Gauges and SiriusXM. Most modern driver badistance technologies are standard, but provide an additional $ 2,900 for automated parking, automated parking.

Cargo

Cargo pulls a big shot of the silhouette fastback – 18.5 feet ft. against 28.7 for the X3. Yet it is comparable with the Mercedes coupe and the Porsche, and there is additional space in the 'basement' below the loading deck (supported by its own gas strut). The seatbacks fold down in a commendable and flush manner, but there is a modest threshold on the back door.

The verdict: 8.5

A nice sport coupe practical for the whole family, all seasons.

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