BMW continues to introduce a new vehicle for every possible market segment, no matter how small the niche may be.
Despite having numerous SUVs in its fleet already, BMW has decided it will attempt to take even a bigger slice of the pie by introducing the coupe-style X4.
The X4 speaks to the customers who like the look of the X6 but want something a little smaller and more affordable. Also, these customers feel the X3 is a tad too traditional and mainstream. The new X4 fulfills both of those requirements.
The X4 is an all-new vehicle for 2015. For those not familiar, BMWs with an odd number in the name - 3, 5 and 7 Series - are the more sensible, practical models. The even numbered vehicles - 2, 4 and 6 series - are the more desirable, sporty models.
Being a part of a unique group, the BMW X4 has only a few direct rivals. The main competitors in this group include the eccentric Range Rover Evoque and the brand new Porsche Macan. The X4's biggest competitor may just be BMW's own X3, on which
the X4 is based - simply because the X3 offers more space at a lower price while still looking sporty enough.
Design The new X4 sacrifices some of the X3's practicality in the interest of style. BMW calls the X4 a "sports activity coupe," and it attempts to bridge a coupe and compact SUV.
The most obvious difference between the X4 and the X3 is its sloping roofline, accented by sharp creases. This gives the X4 its own distinctive character.
Also, while the X4 uses the X3's architecture, it is longer and lower - this follows the recipe that BMW is using with the new 4 Series, which is carved out of the 3 Series.
The styling of the X4 is the most controversial aspect of this new vehicle.
Those not on board should know it follows a very successful formula BMW has used with the larger X6, and no one can deny the fact that the X4 stands out in the crowd.
The cabin of the X4 is remarkably similar to the X3, which means it has a stylish, somewhat conservative design - it would have been nice if this new car received an all-new interior.
Performance Much less controversial are the X4's lineup of engines, because the X4 shares its engine lineup with others in the BMW range, including the 3 Series sedan, 4 Series and X3.
Base model X4s, the xDrive28i, comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder. It produces 240 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. This engine is superb, with plenty of pulling power and a surprising amount of getup-and-go.
Stepping up to the xDrive35i increases both horsepower and torque to an even 300 each. This comes from a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six that is second to none in the industry. Smooth and gutsy, the 3.0-litre is one of the best engines in the world in terms of overall feel and balance of power vs. economy.
BMW's xDrive AWD system comes standard, obviously, along with an eight-speed automatic transmission. There are no other drivetrain or transmission options available at this time.
BMW has made its name by building driver's cars. Its SUVs, while sportier than many of its rivals, are understandably never as spirited as their cars. But the 2015 X4, still using X3 underpinnings, drives much more like a BMW car. It has the best electric power steering unit BMW has made yet.
The lower ride height and retuned suspension give the X4 a different personality than the X3, though not as much as you think. It is a joy to drive on a twisty road and has four driving modes: Sport+, Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro - allowing you to customize your driving experience.
To make the X4 as fuel efficient as possible, it comes with BMW EfficientDynamics, which includes auto start/stop, low rolling-resistance tires, brake-energy regeneration and a coasting function. This works in conjunction with the Eco Pro driving mode which changes the X4's throttle response and gear shifts to further economy.
Environment While the cabin of the X4 mostly resembles the X3, BMW has given it a few unique features to make it feel exclusive. The front passengers sit 20 millimetres lower and the rear bench has a more pronounced two-seat appearance to accentuate the look of the exterior.
The X4 can seat five passengers, however only four will be truly comfortable. The rear centre seat is really just a perch. The two outer seats don't have a lot of headroom because of the sloping roof, but anyone under six-feet should be fine.
The most concerning aspect for rear passengers would be the floor height.
Knee-room is quite good, but because the seats were lowered to provide adequate headroom, passengers may feel like their knees are a bit high.
As can be expected, the X4 has less cargo space than an X3. However, the rear seats are split 40/20/40 to make the space as versatile as possible. Accessing that space has been made easier thanks to the Smart Opener system which opens the tailgate by waving your foot under the rear bumper.
The X4 comes with a good amount of standard technology features, including BMW's iDrive with a 6.5-inch control display. This system can be upgraded to access the Internet and have one of the best navigation systems on the market with Advanced Real Time Traffic Information.
It is also available with many comforting safety options. These include Active Blind Spot Detection and a Lane Departure and Collision Warning system that gives a gentle vibration of the steering wheel to get your attention.
Features The 2015 X4 has a starting price of $46,300.
Standard equipment includes heated front seats, electric seats with driver memory, leather multifunction steering wheel, heated steering wheel, automatic climate control, dynamic cruise control, runflat tires and a sunroof.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include heated rear seats, surround view, rearview camera, parking sensors, adaptive headlights, head-up display, dynamic damper control, and an M Sport Package.
Fuel efficiency numbers (litres/100 kilometres) for the xDrive28i are 11.8 city, 8.4 highway and 10.3 combined. The xDrive35i returns 12.5 city, 8.7 highway for 10.8 combined.
Thumbs up The X4 provides a nice combination of sports coupe design with the versatility of a crossover. The X4 has one of the best steering feels in its class.
Thumbs down The X4's styling is polarizing and its coupelike proportions limit practicality. Rear visibility is quite poor.
The bottom line The all-new BMW X4 is not an ordinary SUV and will please customers who want something unique and stylish.
Competitors Porsche Macan The Porsche Macan is a four-door sports car that can haul cargo and do light off-roading. The Macan offers unprecedented performance never before seen in this segment. The handling is superb.
The Macan is available in two models with the S starting at $54,300 and the Turbo at $82,200.
Range Rover Evoque The Evoque is a stylish compact luxury SUV that is efficient in the city yet highly capable offroad. While Land Rover has made its name for conquering any terrain, the Range Rover Evoque isn't the most adventurous they've ever made. Its steering feel is not as good as the X4.
The Evoque is available in five-door and three-door trim and starts at $47,695.
BMW X3 The X3 is the X4's more sensible sibling. If any of the X4's shortcomings are too much for you to live with, the X3 is likely your answer.
The X3 is also slightly more affordable with a starting price of $43,300. The X3 may make more sense for most people.
editor@automotivepress.com
