This week in the Highmotor test section we have a very special guest, a true SUV from the creator of the

“SUV-Coupé”

concept.

I’m sure you already know who we’re talking about, right? Exactly, we’re talking about the little brother of the X6, the

BMW X4

, which has come to us in its 20d xDrive version.

The SUV segment is, without a doubt, one of the protagonists — if not the main one — of recent years, with a constant rise in popularity that has, as is obvious, translated into an ever-growing market share. Today it is practically impossible to find a brand that has not bet, to a greater or lesser extent, on this popular segment.

BMW is no exception, also considered one of the pioneering brands, since its first SUV, the X5, is already a veteran with more than 15 years behind it. From the X5 an entire range of SUV models has grown, from the X1 to the X6, including our protagonist, the X4, one of the latest additions to the Bavarian brand’s line-up.

Exterior design

The exterior design of the X4 is, above all, clear. Clean, concise, precise, evident in its roots. The X4 is absolutely a BMW through and through. The front of the X4 stands out for its large kidney grilles, the brand’s hallmark, which in this version are finished in grey with chrome edges. Also shaping the model’s personality are the light units, of the very latest generation and, in this case, with adaptive LED technology.

The bumper is prominent, reinforcing the robust character of the model. The fog lights are positioned somewhat higher than usual, something that can already be considered a signature of all BMW X models. The nose of the X4 is finished with a kind of grey-toned moulding on the lower part of the bumper, which serves as protection when venturing off the asphalt.

The X4 measures 4.67 metres long, 1.88 wide and 1.62 high. It weighs, without options and kerb weight, 1,825 kg

The side view is very familiar, as it is very similar to that of its bigger brother, the X6. The sloping roofline is one of the key points of the X4’s design, without which the model’s visual language could not be understood. The shape of the glazed surface is also very distinctive, maintaining the “Hofmeister kink” behind the rear door and accentuated by the chrome trim running along the window line.

Otherwise, the bodywork is very clean, without too many creases except for a pronounced rising waistline on which the door handles are mounted. The silver-coloured lower door sills and wheel arches finished with black plastic mouldings complete the look, which harmonises perfectly with the eye-catching — and optional — 19-inch alloy wheels.

At the rear we again find a design language very similar to that of the X6, with a sharply sloping tailgate that gives the whole the coupé-like silhouette. The rear lights are very familiar and, as on all BMWs, they combine halogen and LED technology.

The loading lip is somewhat high, but this is inherent to practically any SUV, especially one designed with aesthetics as a priority, as is the case with the X4. Nevertheless, once the electrically operated tailgate is opened, access to the boot is very convenient thanks to the generous width of the loading aperture.

The rear bumper is finished, as at the front, with a grey moulding that reinforces the robust appearance of the whole. Depending on the engine chosen, the exhaust outlet will be either a single oval tip or dual round tips, but it will always be positioned on the left-hand side. Only the X4 M40i enjoys a symmetrical exhaust layout, with an outlet on each side of the rear.

Interior design

Once we open the door and step into the cabin, the X4 offers a typically BMW atmosphere, with a style that inevitably reminds us of any other product from the Bavarian firm. The dashboard lines are simple and clear, although it is beginning to look a little more dated than other models in the range, which is logical given that the dashboard is identical to that of the X3, one of the brand’s longest-serving products.

A great deal of quality and a style quickly identifiable as BMW

This has its downsides in details such as the one mentioned above, but it also has its upsides for some customers, since, for example, the X4 still offers a screen “integrated” fully into the dashboard, instead of the large “floating” tablet-style screen that has become so fashionable lately and which has yet to convince some consumers.

In any case, the interior of the X4 is very well finished thanks to the use of soft-touch materials in most places where we place our hands. Only a few hard plastics are found on the lower part of the dashboard and doors, but always with a good fit. The interior of our test unit was also very well “dressed” thanks to the Nevada leather upholstery, which combined perfectly with the Fineline wood trim.

Interior lighting is good in quantity, though not so much in quality. It is not acceptable that in such a modern vehicle, with a list price without extras of around 50,000 euros, the ceiling lights should still be traditional bulbs, especially when LEDs are used for the footwell and for the ambient lighting of the doors and dashboard.

The driving position is very comfortable, fully customisable and adjustable, especially if, like our unit, it is equipped with the dual memory function for the driver’s seat. The instrumentation, typically BMW, offers a good amount of information at a glance, aided in this case by the Head-Up Display system that projects information onto the windscreen at the driver’s eye level.

Space on board is good in the front seats and somewhat worse in the rear. Although it is homologated for 5 occupants, only 4 will travel with reasonable comfort, mainly hampered by headroom limited by the sloping roofline. This also means that visibility through the rear-view mirror is worse than desirable.

The boot offers a capacity of 500 litres, expandable by folding down the rear seat backs to a maximum of 1,400 litres. Electric operation of the tailgate is standard, with the added option of opening it by passing a foot under the rear bumper.

Driving: dynamics and performance

When starting the X4, the first thing it reveals is its status as a four-cylinder diesel: especially when cold, the start, although immediate, is somewhat harsh, filtering some vibration into the cabin through the steering wheel and pedals. Once under way, however, soundproofing is more than good.

The engine of this X4 is the entry-level motor in the diesel range, a four-cylinder 2.0 with 190 hp and 400 Nm. It is a new-generation powerplant that has nothing to do with the manufacturer’s previous 2.0 diesels. It is homologated to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. Official consumption figures are 5.6 litres in the city, 4.9 litres on the motorway and 5.2 litres combined. Reality is quite different, with a combined figure of 8.1 litres after more than 1,700 km of testing, although it is easy to get close to 6.5 litres at a relaxed pace.

The four-cylinder engine pairs beautifully with the delightful 8-speed Steptronic gearbox It is combined with the marvellous 8-speed Steptronic automatic torque-converter gearbox, possibly the best gearbox of this type currently on the market. It is, without doubt, one of the “musts” for anyone considering buying a BMW thanks to its impeccable feel, a smoothness unattainable for a dual-clutch transmission, and a very well-achieved artificial intelligence that keeps the engine in the optimal range whatever the situation.

When we set off, the X4 behaves like a good BMW, with its pros and cons. In the city it moves well, although it is not its favourite terrain, as its dimensions and rather limited visibility do not sit well with narrow urban streets. On open roads and fast routes the X4 becomes a great long-distance car thanks to its good soundproofing and the comfort of its seats.

It is on twisty roads where, despite the weight approaching 2 tonnes with all the optional equipment on this unit, it shows a very remarkable behaviour. Inertia is there and the mass makes itself felt, but with a light touch on the accelerator and the very direct steering we find ourselves carrying very high speeds for an SUV.

Behaviour at the limit is very neutral, with a slight tendency to understeer, although the permanent all-wheel drive and stability control keep things in check. Only when provoking it with the accelerator on slippery surfaces will the rear make a slight hint of “overtaking.” The braking system is sufficient. As with other BMWs, we have the option of modifying the vehicle’s behaviour through the different driving modes, from ECO PRO, which prioritises consumption, to Sport+, which firms up the suspension and steering, sharpens the throttle response and partially disconnects the ESP.

Among the notable mentions, the adaptive LED lighting, combined with the high-beam assistant, which individually adjusts different lighting zones of each headlight, allowing the high beams to remain on without dazzling other drivers.

How much does the unit you see cost?

This is one of the trickiest questions, so let’s take it step by step. The base price of the X4 xDrive20d is 49,200 €, rising to 51,922 € if we fit the automatic gearbox. Standard equipment includes everything necessary, with, for example, cruise control, front, side and curtain airbags, xenon headlights, light and rain sensors, or keyless start.

However, and as is typical of a BMW, the list of options can be almost endless, as this unit is a great example of. The amount of optional equipment is too long to list in full, but among the paid extras we can highlight the xLine trim (5,399.99 €), electric adjustment of the front seats with driver’s memory (1,301.88 €), the Driving Assistant Plus driver assistance package (1,917.31 €), adaptive LED lighting (2,118.51 €) or the Head-Up Display (1,301.88 €).

To stress the point, this unit’s equipment is even more extensive than this list shows, since the final price, without any discount applied but with taxes included, rises from the 49,200 € base tariff to no less than 79,626.08 €, meaning more than 30,000 € in optional equipment.

Range and versions

The X4 range is built around three diesel engines and four petrol engines:

X4 xDrive20d 190 hp 49,200 €
X4 xDrive20i 184 hp 49,550 €
X4 xDrive28i 240 hp 57,250 €
X4 xDrive30d 258 hp 61,750 €
X4 xDrive35i 306 hp 65,850 € X4 xDrive35d 313 hp 66,050 € X4 M40i 360 hp 73,500 €

Photography | Daniel Valdivielso

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