With the latest X4, BMW has released another SAV (sports activity vehicle) which is set to satiate the ever-growing SUV niche segments that appear periodically.
BMW has been a key player in shaping this industry and with the introduction of the X6, an SUV with coupe styling elements. The brand quickly realised that a more attainable model was required, due to demand. Enter the X4, which has now been replaced by a newer and much better version. I headed down to KwaZulu-Natal to sample the newcomer recently.
What is it?
The X4 is to the X3 what the X6 is to the X5. In simple terms, it is a sportier looking coupe-like SUV and is based on the X3. It is aimed at a more style focused buyer and one who places an emphasis on sportier dynamics. To aid in offering a sportier ride, the X4 gets a wider rear track for better stability and road holding. It’s also slightly lower and features a drag coefficient rate of 0.30, which is 10% better than the model that it replaces.
BMW has also decided to offer the car with the M Sport suspension, performance control function and also the variable sport steering, which allows the driver choose their desired vehicle setup depending on the road conditions, or mood.
So what else do you get?
Apart from the performance enhancements, the X4, like the X3, is a really good, quality product that leaves little to be frowned upon. I am however in two minds about the car and not because of anything other than the fact that I personally prefer the more sensible X3.
Yes, the X4 has that graceful silhouette thanks to the sloping roof line, which is more coupe-like than that of the predecessor. I also like the thin, horizontal rear tail lights which have a slight up-sweep on the far ends. The more eagle-eyed onlooker would also notice that the roof spoiler, which is split, leaving what appears to be two individual extensions on the outer corners of the roof.
Tick the BMW M Sport body kit option and you will end up with a very attractive car. As mentioned, I like the X4 but if it was my money, I’d be more than happy with a low-key X3.
But it’s not your money
This is true and if you have R843 000, you have a choice of either the X4 xDrive 20i or 20d in standard guise. Add the M Sport option and that price becomes R887 900. Both cars are fitted with a host of standard items and one which will come in handy is the Business Navigation system.
For those who have a bit more money, you can opt for the ridiculously thrilling X4 M40i. This model features a turbocharged straight-six engine, M Performance brakes, suspension, and cosmetic enhancements.
The engine note is thrilling and provides pops, bangs and growls at a price tag to match its over-the-top character, R1 132 800. As it is the flaghship, for now, there is little in terms of optional equipment, but one can add a fair bit of specification to it and its more sensible siblings.
Unfortunately, BMW South Africa has decided to only offer these three models at the moment with the addition of a more performance-orientated M40d arriving in 2019. This will be followed by the full-on M models, namely the X3 M and X4 M, which are still to be confirmed for our market.
What about the drive?
At the national media launch, I first found myself behind the wheel of the X4 xDrive20d. This model delivers 140kW/400Nm from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine.
In all honesty, this is the one that you need. It offers a decent amount of forward propulsion and thanks to a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.6-litres/100km it will also alleviate the strain on your wallet at the pumps. The second taste of the X4 came courtesy of the M40i, which from the instant you pull away. hits you with all of its 265kW/500Nm.
Blink and you’d miss the 100km/h mark which is reached in 4.8 seconds. The addition of an M Sport differential also aids in better handling as well as power distribution between all four wheels. Both cars, despite their performance orientations, deliver a rather compliant ride, even on gravel.
The M40i when, placed in Comfort mode or even Eco Pro mode, quickly goes from hot and spicy to lemon and herb and the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox is quick and smooth. The diesel, although not as eager in the higher rev range, does however make good use of its 400Nm and offers adequate cruising capabilities.
Verdict
The BMW X4 is filled with a host of safety features and technology that can be found on higher echelon models such as the 7-series, all of which is packed into what is fast becoming the preferred vehicle of choice for many a car buyer. The interior feels solid and is indeed spacious with a luggage capacity of around 525-litres (1 430-litres with rear seats folded).
It is an attractive option when one considers the fact that only Mercedes-Benz offers an alternative in the form of the GLC Coupe. That said though, I don’t think that I would feel as if I was missing out if presented with the opportunity to drive off in the locally produced X3.
