The booming mid-size premium AWD SUV segment is full of a diverse array of offerings from almost all manufacturers and honing that selection down to just a few is a difficult task. BMW likes to be different and labels the X4 the first ever Sports Activity Coupé (SAC). Got to love the marketing people.
With signature BMW X features, unmistakable coupe character, a distinctive design and excellent dynamic ability, the BMW X4xDrive30d introduces the powerful and economical diesel engine that generates 190 kW of power and 560 Nm of torque and is set to build on the success of the X6 by offering a unique vehicle in this segment.
The BMW X4xDrive30d is based on the technical blueprint of the BMW X3 – but displays a coupe style, sporting character and a generous level of standard specifications.
Externally the new X4 styling is quite beautiful. The distinctive front face guarantees it’s immediately recognisable as a member of the BMW X family. In profile, the low coupé-style roof-line extending into the rear is a distinctive feature which also clearly sets the BMW X4 apart.
Internally, the X4 is definitely aimed at the front occupants. A typical BMW cockpit faces the driver, where every control element is angled towards the driver for optimal ergonomics.
Both front seats are exceptionally comfortable for long trips. Despite its coupé-style roof-line, the front seats are only marginally lower than the X3, so the occupants still get that elevated driving position and feel.
The rear-seat bench has two elegant coupé-style individual seats and although it will fit 3 at a squeeze, it is better suited to two occupants. There is adequate headroom, shoulder, knee and leg room. Bear in mind that the X4 really is better suited to a couple rather than a family. The BMW X4xDrive30d comes equipped with 40:20:40 split fold rear seats which allows for a flexible luggage compartment capacity of between 500 and 1,400 litres. A storage compartment package with a range of handy storage and luggage carrying features is also standard.
The heart of the X4xDrive30d is a 3.0 litre, six cylinder engine, with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Generating 190 kW of power and 560 Nm of torque, the BMW X4xDrive30d charges from 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, while fuel consumption measures at 5.9 L/100K. That is outstanding performance and economy.
The BMW X4xDrive30d is fitted with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission – and also includes gear shift paddles on the steering wheel. The combination of those figures, transmitted through the sports 8 speed automatic transmission and driving through the awesome xDrive means that the X4 has levels of ride handling, performance and economy that is rivaled by few other vehicles. In short, it is awesome to drive.
The peak torque coming in at a lazy 1500 rpm means amazing tractability with an abundance of acceleration on tap at any stage.
The sports characteristics of the X4xDrive30d are far in excess of what 99.99% of drivers will ever utilise. It gives the driver a level of feel and control that probably most buyers wouldn’t have experienced before.
Standard features that highlight the dynamic credentials of the BMW X4 include Performance Control and variable sports steering, both of which combine to enable a higher level of dynamic cornering and handling with maximum grip, excellent directional stability and a very high degree of steering precision as well as comfort when parking.
Other standard features include 19-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, xLine exterior and interior design scheme, two zone air-conditioning including rear air vents, leather upholstered sports seats with lumbar support and electric adjustment for the front seats and memory function for the driver, sport leather steering wheel with gear shift paddles, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime lights, LED fog lights, Lights package including exterior door handle lighting, USB, Bluetooth with audio streaming, Voice Control and pairing of multiple phones, Navigation Professional with large 8.8-inch screen and 20GB hard drive for audio files, Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Cruise Control with braking function, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera and automatic tailgate.
The X4xDrive30d also adds Surround View with 360 degree visibility with help from cameras in the exterior mirrors, a wide-angle camera in front and the Rear View camera, exterior rear view mirrors with anti-dazzle and fold-in function, dual round exhaust pipes, 9-speaker 7-channel HiFi loudspeaker system and Dynamic Damper Control which can adjust the damper characteristics to suit the driving conditions and road quality and customer preferred settings.
The X4xDrive30d also adds Surround View with 360 degree visibility with help from cameras in the exterior mirrors, a wide-angle camera in front and the Rear View camera, exterior rear view mirrors with anti-dazzle and fold-in function, dual round exhaust pipes, 9-speaker 7-channel HiFi loudspeaker system and Dynamic Damper Control which can adjust the damper characteristics to suit the driving conditions and road quality and customer preferred settings.
All new BMW X4 models’ maintenance requirements are controlled by BMW’s Condition Based Service (CBS) program which identifies the condition of a vehicle based on actual use, realising the full potential of a vehicle and minimising costs.
In addition, BMW service and selected maintenance costs can now be covered by a single, one-off advance payment with BMW Service Inclusive (BSI). BSI offers two packages; BMW Service Inclusive Basic provides scheduled servicing cover, while BMW Service Inclusive Plus combines scheduled servicing and selected maintenance items. Based on individual lifestyle needs, a year range and kilometre option is selected, starting from 3 years/60,000kms. The BSI plan provides a long-term solution enabling cover to be extended and transferred to future vehicles owners before expiry.
Remember that while the X4xDrive30d is technically an AWD SUV, it definitely isn’t designed for virtually any sort of off road driving. That will promote a lot of argument amongst readers I am guessing. It is ideally suited to trips to the snow with icy roads, trips to the holiday house or farm and it does allow the driver to tow up to 2000 kg braked and that is in keeping with its sporting activity nature. The engine won’t even feel 2000 kg on the back by the way. I have a friend that owns this vehicle and he regularly tows a trailer with quad bike on it, a smaller boat, sea doos etc. Setting up the vehicle though to tow should really be done through the BMW dealer and it is expensive. Like all BMW’s the options list is long and expensive but the base X4xDrive30d is surprisingly good value.
