fbpx

City test: BMW X4 – sports coupe & SUV

The X4 is the continuation of the story with the X6, with which BMW opened a new sub-segment of a crossover between an SUV and a sports coupe and now extends this concept to the mid-size class. Compared to its bigger brother, it has a few less noses, but it's still a feast for the eyes, and considering the similar spaciousness and usability, I would definitely prefer the first one.

X4 to let the observer know immediately that it is not a classic suva, but crossover between it and the sports coupe, which means compared to the X3 from which it derives more dynamically closed back, which means a roofline that falls more quickly towards the rear and thus a greater degree of sportiness and performance.

The front part is a mixture of the nose of the "sister" models X3 and X6, but with the sporty M package (as in the case of the tester) it can also be very toxic.
The front part is a mixture of the nose of the "sister" models X3 and X6, but with the sporty M package (as in the case of the tester) it can also be very toxic.

However, the X4 is concretely different from the aforementioned X3 in other ways as well. At BMW, they gave it a new shape of the nose, which is made easier with sports M package very sporty, dare we even say toxic, and the spoilers and bumper are very sporty, and the air intakes are above average. On the side, the aforementioned line is the most noticeable, and in harmony with the M package, the tester also got sporty rims for the wheel openings, which make it even more muscular, but act as if they came from aftermarket. At the rear, the reins are once again taken over by the sports bumper, which with the help of black and gray inserts looks fierce again... separate exhaust pipes on each side of this insert, but some must be left for the top-performing eM, but that's how it is.

The interior is most similar to that of the X3 model, but the seat is 20 millimeters lower in comparison. The eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, as are the performance control systems and adaptive driving dynamics.
The interior is most similar to that of the X3 model, but the seat is 20 millimeters lower in comparison. The eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, as are the performance control systems and adaptive driving dynamics.

The interior confirms the fact that it is derived from the X3, both in terms of the dimensions and proportions of the passenger compartment, as well as the appearance of the driver's workspace. Otherwise, it has been given a more modern dashboard, which has been somewhat familiar in the X3 for years, but everything still looks somehow "familiar". But that pretty much follows most BMW models today, so this 4 is absolutely no different. However, the ergonomics, as well as the quality of the materials, are at the expected high level, and the equipment is, as always, the domain of the depth of the owner's wallet. The tester didn't skimp on the equipment, and considering the segment, we recommend the leather and automatic transmission, and due to its advanced and simple operation, also navigation with large 16:9 screen. Parking aids are almost a necessity given the poor rear visibility, and the same applies to excellent lights full of LED lights, with extremely beautiful visual graphics of each set (daytime running lights, turn signals). Indeed, they are almost a masterpiece. The shortcomings are to be found in the robust plastic in certain places in the cabin, where it does not "hug" the passengers in the same way as in certain competitors, and above all, depending on the segment, the leather knee "pads" on the extension of the center console are missing.

The trunk basically accepts 500 liters of luggage, and by collapsing the seat bench in a ratio of 40/20/40, the space can grow to 1,400 liters.
The trunk basically accepts 500 liters of luggage, and by collapsing the seat bench in a ratio of 40/20/40, the space can grow to 1,400 liters.

In the spirit of sportiness, it is always part of the X4's standard equipment performance control system (this distributes the torque between the two wheels on the same axle as optimally as possible, and if necessary, also brakes the individual wheel if it is overturned) distributes the driving and braking forces to the individual wheels in a targeted manner. The upgrade of this also means serial x-Drive four-wheel drive, which delimits the optimal torque several times per second to each individual wheel, but in practice the user does not notice this, except for excellent grip regardless of the surface.

In terms of space in the second row, miracles are not to be expected, although it is comparable to the X3, only there is a centimeter less space for the heads. 500 liter basic trunk has a serial number electrically sliding tailgate, which is commendable, but we cannot write the same about the tenderness of the closing, because it is only rough and loud. Regarding the usability of the trunk, it seems almost more useful than in the X3 due to the contours of the roof and the resulting huge opening, and we must also praise the equipment and processing.

From the side, the X4 looks bad, as from other angles, even so bad that the observer easily mistakes it for the larger X6.
From the side, the X4 looks bad, as from other angles, even so bad that the observer easily mistakes it for the larger X6.

Under the hood, the famous and the numerous were spinning 3.0 liter diesel V6 a diesel that can 190 kW or more comprehensible to most 258 hp, and even more impressive is the torque of 560 Nm, which this diesel pearl achieves at 1,500 rpm. There is no question of any kind of hole, wherever you are in the rev zone at the moment, there is more than enough power, and everything is accompanied by a beautiful V6 sound symphony. Considering everything (model, dimensions, image, price, etc.), we are of the opinion that in the nose of this car, or more simply put, a crossover, a six-cylinder should be humming and not some rickety four-cylinder (although BMW knows how to produce these as well). Bottom line, this all means final 234 km/h and if 5.6 seconds up to a hundred. Excellent.

READ MORE: City test: BMW 420d gran coupe sport

The engine with excellent driving dynamics captures great and offers really powerful and sporty whole, but when the user does not want it, it becomes a real highway cruiser, which provides it with a powerful suspension that also has quite a bit of sedan comfort. Only the shoe size should not be exaggerated, 19-inch as the tester was wearing is more than enough. But it is true that at BMW they charge you almost outrageously for such large rims more than two thousand euros, which is really a lot. With nine liters, the consumption was quite expected, but it is true that we did not expect much less from such a large and powerful engine. If you save money, the consumption can approach eight liters, and with acceleration, a tenth is not unattainable. If you want a thrifter, then the 30d version is definitely not worth choosing.

The front full LED lights perfectly illuminate the road regardless of the conditions and (unlike certain other equipment from the list of additional payments) are worth an additional payment of 2,700 euros.
The front full LED lights perfectly illuminate the road regardless of the conditions and (unlike certain other equipment from the list of additional payments) are worth an additional payment of 2,700 euros.

Finally, a word or two about the price. If it is basic with good ones 61 thousand expected and acceptable, but we certainly cannot write this down for the full price, which with a good 81 thousand forces already to class bigger X5 in even more of premium X6. It is true that the test X4 was amply enhanced with equipment and a truly beautiful specimen, but considering everything, the price could only (should) have been a little more "people's".

Info Box

More information about the model:
www.BMW.si/X4

Price of the test model:
61,800 euros (basic)/ 81,082 euros (test model)

With you since 2004

From 2004 we research urban trends and inform our community of followers daily about the latest in lifestyle, travel, style and products that inspire with passion. From 2023, we offer content in major global languages.