The BMW X4 is a compact luxury CUV or crossover SUV, but BMW calls it a Sports Activity Coupe to give more emphasis to the fact that it was designed more for road use with some off-road capability. The coupe designation does pay tribute to its design which looks more like a sedan with higher ground clearance.
The X4 looks very similar to its big brother, the BMW X6. The truth, however, is that it shares a lot more with the X3, especially the mechanical components and interior. As a sportier version of the X3, a bit of interior space would be compromised, but that isn't much of an issue for buyers who prefer a crossover that drives more like a BMW sedan than an SUV.
First Generation X4 (F26), 2014-2018
The first of the series X4 was introduced in 2014 and was available in the market shortly after. Although it shared a lot of its systems with the X3, the X4 has a firmer suspension package. With an overall height difference of 37mm compared to the X3, ground clearance is almost the same with only an 8mm difference.
The X4, as sportier and consequently more expensive than the X3, does make up for it with a lot of features being standard equipment rather than being offered as add-on options. Some of these are larger SatNav displays (with Australia having the widest one available), iDrive with letter and number recognition, and traffic management function.
The X4s were introduced with choices for petrol and diesel engines, although some countries only received the diesel models. All of these were coupled to an 8-speed Steptronic with the all-wheel drivetrain.
- xDrive20i – N20B20 (135 kW / 270 N⋅m)
- xDrive28i – N20B20 (80 kW / 350 N⋅m)
- xDrive35i – N55B30M0 (225 kW / 400 N⋅m)
- M40i – N55B30T0 (265 kW / 465 N⋅m)
- xDrive20d – B47D20 (140 kW / 400 N⋅m)
- xDrive30d – N57D30 (190 kW / 560 N⋅m)
- xDrive35d – N57D30TOP (230 kW / 630 N⋅m)
The top-of-the-line X4 M40i with its 265-kW engine propels this 1,915 kg crossover to a tested top speed of 250 km/h and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 secs. The advertised combined fuel economy is at 8.6L/100km and meets Euro 6 emissions regulations.
The most economical variant is the xDrive20d with a top speed of 212 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h clocked in at 8 seconds. Combined fuel economy was tested at 5.2L/100km.
The first-generation X4 sold surprisingly well, selling around 200,000 units worldwide from 2014 to 2018. What started as a trial into this niche eventually went full swing. BMW even had to expand its production facility to keep up with the demand.
Second Generation X4 (G02), 2018-Present
Debuting in late 2017, the second-generation X4 went on sale worldwide in the second half of 2018. One very noticeable difference with the previous generation is the more prominent kidney grille with active air stream that optimizes fuel consumption. Completing the front redesign are the new adaptive headlights with redesigned air intakes with rectangular fog lights as opposed to the previous round ones. From the side, the coupe appears to have a flatter roofline and a wider rear window. The rear now has the new adaptive LED taillights with three-dimensional service design. The location of the license plate was moved from the tailgate to the bumper with twin tailpipes on either side completing the package.
The interior also received a full redesign akin to the X6 and came with the ambient lights package. The dash and control displays were also reworked and can be controlled with touch, gesture, voice or through the iDrive controller. Numerous other options are available and include a large panoramic sunroof.
Petrol and diesel engine options:
- xDrive20i – B48B20 (135 kW / 270 N⋅m)
- xDrive30i – B48B20 (185 kW / 350 N⋅m)
- M40i – B58B30M0 (265 kW / 500 N⋅m)
- M – S58 (353 kW / 600 N⋅m)
- M Competition– S58 (375 kW / 600 N⋅m)
- xDrive20d – B47D20 turbo (140 kW / 400 N⋅m)
- xDrive25d – B47D20 twin-turbo (170 kW / 500 N⋅m)
- xDrive30d – B57D30 (195 kW / 620 N⋅m)
- M40d – B57D30 (240 kW / 680 N⋅m)
With the X4 series finally receiving a true M Division engine "S" version, the X4M and X4M with the competition package can now go the tune of achieving top speeds in excess of 280 km/h with 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds or better. Drive in any combination of the engine/gearbox and steering/suspension modes in and transform a mannered commuter to an all-out performance machine that's true to its "M" badge.
For buyers who do not intend to shell out extra cash for the M versions, they may still get an all-around feel of sportiness and luxury from the many X4 trims and packages found in the entire series. With enough room to spare for your family and your luggage, you can enjoy a weekend drive in style and comfort, on or off the road.
What the Future Holds
With the many classes of cars today - from subcompact to full-size SUV and a medley in between - the crossovers have become very popular as a practical choice. It used to be that buyers needed to choose between a car and an SUV depending on which one they need more. The crossovers now made that choice a little bit easier to make. The higher-end crossovers like the ones offered by BMW are pricey, but only when you buy them brand new. As time goes by, they become more affordable. Visit Carpart today for used cars and secondhand original car parts!
Fred Cajulis