BMW X4 is a crossover between a coupe and an SUV, so BMW prefers to call it an SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) not an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle). A small brother to the well established BMW X6, the X4 is aimed at those who want a quality on-road performer that can be used to explore bush trails, perhaps even make trips to the beach.
We’ve just spent a most enjoyable week at the wheel of the topline model, the high-performance BMW X4 xDrive35i, the quickest, most enjoyable model in a wide range that has something for everyone in this upmarket class.
STYLING
BMW X4’s front is big and bold and uses the latest corporate styling theme of joining the headlights to the kidney grilles and so visually widen the appearance. It looks sleek and low in profile and caught quite a few eyes during our review, all of which seemed to indicate approval.
The tail end of the smaller X4 isn’t as challenging to the eye as the fairly substantial rump of the X6. Its slope down is sporting and boot capacity isn’t overly hampered by the slope – but don’t expect wagon-type volume back there.
Inside, there’s an excellent sporty note to the style, with large, clear instruments that are easy to read at a glance, good looking seats and trim that displays quality style and materials.
INFOTAINMENT
All Australian imports of the BMW X4 have the largest available centre screen, at 8.8 inches. It’s certainly easy to read with a minimum of driver distraction. The X4 has USB, Bluetooth with audio streaming, voice control and allows pairing of multiple phones. There is a 20 GB hard drive for audio files.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The BMW X4 xDrive35i (why does BMW use these weird model descriptions?) turbocharged straight-six engine in our test car had a very sporting 225 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque.
Also on offer are a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-petrol,135 kilowatts / 270 Nm. Unusually, the four-cylinder turbo-diesel, also with 2.0-litre displacement, puts out more power than the petrol, at 140 kW; as the norm for its type the diesel is a long way in front in its torque output, with 400 Nm. This disparity is explained by the fact that the diesel four is an all-new design, the petrol a carry over. Finally there’s a turbo-diesel 3.0-litre straight-six with 190 kW and a mighty 560 Nm.
All Australian imports of the X4 have eight-speed automatic transmissions. There are six-speed manuals in Europe, but our market is rapidly shaping to be an auto-only one. The auto in the six-cylinder models is the sports unit, with faster changes and programming that makes it kick down more readily.
SAFETY
The BMW X4 has been crash tested and met five-star standards with plenty to spare. Intelligent emergency call and radar cruise control with automatic braking are potentially lifesaving features.
DRIVING
The tall stance of the X4 means the seats are at a good height for easy entry and exit; this is an oft-overlooked feature of SUVs and partly explains their ever increasing popularity.
The front seats have well shaped bolsters that assist during spirited cornering – what else would you expect in a BMW?
While the slope of the roof looks as though it could make life tight for tall travellers, I can sit behind the driver’s seat that’s set up for my six-foot frame with a few centimetres above my noggin. Not sure I’d like to do long trips back there, though.
As transport for mum, dad and a couple of small to medium kids it will prove just right.
On the road the X4 is brilliant for a relatively high-riding wagon, indeed there may be some Asian coupes out there that don’t perform as well as this German SUV. It has BMW’s typically excellent chassis balance and sporting dynamics mean the X4 holds the road securely at high cornering speeds. It sends plenty of feedback to the driver and provides the sort of sheer driving pleasure for which the marque has long been famed.
During our week with the X4 all our driving was done on sealed roads. However, we did some mild off-road driving a few weeks back at the time of the press launch, and found the X4 has very good electronically-aided traction and the better than average ground clearance for this class, at 204 millimetres.
The BMW ‘35i’ engines have been one of our favourites for many years and in several different formats – this latest unit hasn’t changed our opinions. It’s a brilliant powerplant, eager to get up and go and with only a minimal amount of turbo lag when revs are low. Once its boost has reached the maximum performance is scintillating and guaranteed to bring a smile to the face.
SUMMING UP
BMW’s all new X4 has the sleek looks of a coupe, but with plenty of practical capability as well. Add the stunningly good 35i engine and life is simply wonderful.
2014 BMW X4
MODEL RANGE
xDrive 20i 2.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $69,430 (automatic)
xDrive 35i 3.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $87,430 (automatic)
xDrive 20d 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $73,400 (automatic)
xDrive 30d 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $83,900 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local BMW dealer for drive-away prices.
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard in all models
Automatic Transmission: Standard in all models
Cruise Control: Standard in all models
Dual Front Airbags: Standard in all models
Front Side Airbags: Standard in all models
Electronic Stability Program: Standard in all models
Rear Parking Sensors: Standard in all models
Reversing Camera: Standard in all models
USB/Auxiliary Audio inputs: Standard in all models
Bluetooth: Standard in all models
Steering wheel mounted controls: Standard in all models
SPECIFICATIONS (BMW xDrive 35i 3.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon)
ENGINE:
Engine Capacity: 2.979 litres
Configuration: Six cylinders in line
Head Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
Bore/Stroke: 89.6 mm x 84.0 mm
Maximum Power: 225 kW @ 5800-6400 rpm
Maximum Torque: 400 Nm @ 1200-5000 rpm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: All-wheel drive
Manual Transmission: Not offered
Automatic Transmission: Eight-speed
Final Drive Ratio: 3.385:1
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4671 mm
Wheelbase: 2810 mm
Width: 1881 mm
Height: 1624 mm
Turning Circle: 11.9 metres
Kerb Mass: 1815 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 67 litres
Towing Ability: 750 kg (2400 kg with braked trailer)
Boot Capacity: 500 litres (1400 litres with rear seatbacks folded)
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Double joint spring strut axle
Rear Suspension: Five-link axle
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Ventilated disc
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.5 seconds
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Petrol 95RON
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.3 L/100km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 6.5/10
Air Pollution Rating: 7.5/10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years/unlimited km
