#59 BMW X4 – The mini X6

BMW excels at answering questions no one asked. First it introduced the BMW X6, a large crossover with coupe like lines that baffled some people. BMW calls it a "sport activity vehicle," a quiet acknowledgement that the X6, unlike the more practical X3 and X5, sacrifices utility for style. The BMW X4 will carry the same theme in a smaller, more affordable package. Like its larger design inspiration, the BMW X4 is more about high-riding style than utility. Does a market exist for a fashionable, limited-use crossover? BMW thinks so. The company's chairman says X models account for nearly a third of BMW brand sales.

BMW X4

Striking design

The BMW X4 displays a sporting character very much its own and takes dynamics to another new level. That much is clear when you view the new model head-on. The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the character lines in the front apron allow the X4 - with its signature BMW twin headlights and front fog lamps (both optionally with LED technology) - to maximise its visual presence on the road. The roofline reaches its highest point above the driver and then swoops down smoothly to the trailing edge of the tailgate, mimicking the design language of a classical sporting coupe.

Striking front 

The signature swage line running along the flanks of BMW models is split into two on the X4. The first section rises dynamically from the front wheel arches to the rear door handles, while the second part draws the eye to the muscular sculpting of the rear wings. The rear end, complete with L-shaped LED lights in exclusive X4 design and diffuser-look styling, likewise highlights the outstanding dynamic ability of the BMW X4 - even before it turns a wheel.

Coupe inspired profile 

Efficient performance

Drivers with sporting ambitions will be extremely well served by the X4 xDrive35i. Its 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine conjures up maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm. That's enough to power the X4 xDrive35i from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 247 km/h. Despite these show-stealing performance figures, the X4 xDrive35i keeps fuel consumption down to 8.3 litres/100 km.

BMW X6

Even more purposeful is the 180 kW/245 hp turbocharged four-cylinder unit powering the BMW X4 xDrive28i, fuel consumption recorded at 7.4 l/100 km, teams up with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard to produce peak torque of 350 Nm and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.4 seconds. The 2.0-litre petrol engine in the BMW X4 xDrive20i, needs 7.3 litres of fuel to cover a distance of 100 kilometres. With eight-speed Steptronic transmission, the unit develops 135 kW/184 hp and serves up 270 Nm of torque. This allows the X4 xDrive20i to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds.

Driver focused cockpit 

Smooth ride

All X4 models have a sporty suspension set-up and come with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system xDrive with standard Performance Control. This ensures that power from the engine is also split between the rear wheels continuously and as required, which further improves traction, turn-in, and directional stability. The systems work together with the standard variable sport steering, allowing the BMW X4 to deliver driving dynamics that surpass even those of the X3 in terms of sportiness. 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.

Rear seating 

Striking interior

The interior of the new BMW X4 reveals a harmonious synthesis of sportiness and exclusivity. The X4's body is mounted 36 millimetres closer to the road than that of the BMW X3. The driver and front passenger sit 20 millimetres lower and the rear passengers 28 millimetres lower, creating the feeling of a classical sports coupe. It is a sensation reinforced by the rear seat bench offers space for three passengers.

Rear storage 

Equally impressive is the load capacity available, which can be used in a wide variety of ways thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split rear seat bench. All BMW X4 variants are fitted with an iDrive Controller and central display. The premium quality and exclusivity of the interior are underlined by selected materials, subtle electroplated accents and aluminium trim strips in the wood panelling.

Couped rear 

Verdict

The BMW X4 successively blends the hallmark features of the X family with the sporting elegance of a classical coupe, and introduces the unique Sports Activity Coupe concept to the premium mid-size segment. The BMW X4 is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable luxury SUV with hallmarks of luxury, performance and efficiency. The Sports Activity Coupe also hints at the next design approach its bigger sibling, the BMW X6, might have.