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The BMW X4 is a pseudo-SUV / mid-size coupe that sits between the X3 and the X5 in the brand's expanding SUV lineup. It is based on the new X3, and although the previous version has been on sale for just over four years, this model is brand new, taking the X3's impressive capacity deployment, but putting it in a package "more athletic". 19659002] We will not lie. There is an inherent layer of skepticism with SUVs here at evo . As a broad generalization, they do not drive as well as their saloon or estate counterparts, are more expensive and less efficient, but offer a little more convenience. The X4 is intended to bring a more dynamic driving experience to the X3, which is typical of BMW which compared the Porsche Macan during its development.
> Click here to see our BMW X3 M40i M Performance [19659002] But the all-new X4 is not on a head start because, well, look at it. It's really striking, but the Dour's style of the X3 would never be the best starting point for creating a stylish SUV. From pillar A to the front, the X4 is almost identical to the X3, but from there, the roofline dips into an angled rear end adorned with BMW's latest L-shaped lighting pattern. BMW has also expanded the rear hips of the X4, in the hope of creating a more vibrant appearance, but the effect is more frog than tiger squatting tree.
Technical Highlights
The X4 is based on the same platform as the X3 and 5 series, called CLAR. These new foundations will spread throughout the BMW range, which partly explains why the X4 rolls with a certain degree of sophistication, for an SUV.
Leading the range for the moment will be two M Performance models called M40d and M40i. Both are powered by six engines in line, but powered by different pumps. Another 30d right is in the middle of the range, but it's the entry-level 20d four-cylinder that will account for the majority of sales in the UK.
Non-M-Performance models are available in the entry-level sport and M Sport X variants, with the majority of UK cars, if nothing more than the guaranteed resale value, likely to # 39; be in the form of Sport M.
AWD is standard throughout the range, with most power sent to the rear wheels, although the car will vary the torque distribution depending on the conditions. On the higher-performance M Performance models, BMW has also installed a lockable rear differential and the size of the wheels varies between 18 and 21 inches
Engine, transmission and 0-60 stroke
There is a petrol sole available at launch, under the M40i nomenclature. It's the same turbocharged 3-liter 3-liter as the X3 flagship. He is dynamic, gentle and surprisingly charismatic on the move. It will reach 62 mph in 4.9sec. A 2-liter entry-level turbocharged engine called the xDrive 20i is on the cards for later inclusion in the UK, but it's the diesels that will account for the majority of sales here.
BMW's ubiquitous 2-liter four-cylinder diesel will make up most of these sales, and is fairly efficient with its 187 hp, but at highway speeds can feel a bit out of breath. It will reach 62 mph in 8.0sec, but in slower traffic is gutsy enough to rarely feel underpowered. The other two diesels are a 256hp 30d and an upper clbad 315hp M40d, each sharing the same 3-liter base diesel engine and reaching 62mph in 5.8 and 4.9 seconds respectively. All engines are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF, with power transmitted by an xDrive all-wheel drive system.
> Click here for our review of the BMW X3
These M Performance models do an admirable job of bridging the gap between standard BMW and Fahrenheit M models, relying on added power with subtle changes to suspension tuning, adaptive dampers, larger brakes and an M Sport. locking differential on the rear axle. Adaptive dampers are an option on all other models, and depending on your choice of wheel, a box of option wise to tick.
How are you going to drive?
In a nutshell: well, but it's not about stretching a sports car. The 20 M Sport M we drive here still feels big, heavy underfoot and never narrows around you, despite its propensity to send more power to the rear wheels than expected. Compared to most SUV competitors, it is certainly one of the most impressive to drive on this side of a Porsche Macan, but it is still hampered by its mbad and height over the tarmac.
The body control is tight and remains flat in turns. Push a little harder, though, and the X4's high center of gravity begins to make itself felt. Our specific car was on the optional 21-inch wheels (the car in these images are 19 inches) and adaptive dampers, and in normal mode the ride is impressively installed, but by larger intrusions the larger wheels and small tire flanks make their presence known
Select the sport mode and driving the X4 further deteriorates because the suspension unnecessarily strengthens the driving without much positive effect on the body control. The X4 quickly loses its calm, feeling wooden and fragile on the bumps. The choice of the sport mode also weighs down the direction, falling into the cliché more and more common of the weight confused, but fortunately each of these modes is customizable.
The 20d engine of our test car is a familiar engine in the entire BMW range for a while now. It's the numbers, although clbadically at the front of the pack, who are now in the middle of the pack, but they are fast enough to rarely feel underpowered at low speeds. What is most impressive is its refinement. Unless you are driving with the windows down, the engine is almost imperceptible at low speeds and almost silent at the speed of the highway.
The gearbox is impressive and slips between reports quickly and imperceptibly. If you want to use the paddles behind the steering wheel, you will find that they are responsive and well placed, but there is little or no reason to change gear yourself thanks to the intermediate and intuitive calibration of the steering wheel. diesel motor. and rivals
Prices start at £ 41,600 for the entry-level Sport model, but you'll have to find £ 45,600 for the 20 M Sport M that we drive here. For the context, this is a jump of £ 2980 on an identical X3. The only direct competitor of the X4 (for the moment) is the Mercedes GLC Coupe, and with an equivalent engine, the GLC typically reduces the BMW by about two thousand pounds.
The usual SUV competitors are on the ground, as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Macan Porsche, Range Rover Velar and Jaguar F-Pace can also be considered
. At the risk of falling into Aladdin's cave, it's impossible not to consider non-SUVs. £ 45k (or probably £ 50k by the time you clicked on a few boxes of options) will buy you. Staying with BMW for the moment, priced at £ 45k is the 340i M Sport Touring 321bhp, and whether highway fuel consumption or all wheel drive is a consideration, the 335d xDrive costs pretty much the same. If you want a large, angled tailgate, the Gran Coupe 4-series is just slightly smaller inside, but considerably more fun to drive.
Audi S4 Avant desirable and the underrated Mercedes-AMG C43 Estate are even better equipped. both cost £ 47k, while mbadively increasing the entertainment factor.
You probably now have the feeling that although the X4 runs in a very narrow niche, its biggest drop is not that it's worse than any major rival, rather it is compromised in so many areas in its attempts to be as many different types of car as it is difficult to create a rational argument for one.
For the most part, though, the X4 is bought by desire rather than practice. For these people, the compromises inherent in the X4 are probably not enough to dissuade them from going out and buying one, but for everyone, there are many other cars that do a better job at lower cost.
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