BMW X4 | Video Review | CarsIreland.ie

Published on 28 November, 2018

The BMW X4 won't be for everyone and that's half the appeal

Overview

Overview

It’s big, it’s bold and it’s certainly going to turn heads, but for what reason is the question here. Like the X6 that came before it, the BMW X4 is a part-coupe/part-SUV type thing that gives it the appearance of a big, beefy jacked up saloon. While the unusual dimensions won't float everyone's boat, it is a well-specced, premium package which offers an engaging drive and unique appeal.

Interior Gallery

It is similar in lots of ways to the X3 it's based on, but the sloping roofline means the X4 has slightly less bootspace. At 525 litres, it’s 25 litres shy of the X3 but still quite a generous size. The hatchback opening is very practical for loading, as are the flat folding rear seats if you ever need to carry anything bigger or longer than usual.

That sloping roofline strikes again with the rear headroom which is a little on the tight side for taller adults.  Those expecting SUV–like space will be disappointed when it comes to headroom, but legroom is  pretty generous.  It does have Isofix anchors for childseats and like the X3 scored a full five star rating on the Euro NCAP safety test.

Similarities to the X3 continue in the front of the cabin. The layout is pretty much the same which is no bad thing. It manages to be functional, comfortable and practical while still feeling unmistakably luxurious. That’s down to the top quality materials and great ergonomics that BMW always seem to get just right.

The focus is very much on the iDrive infotainment system which can be operated as either a touchscreen or via a slick control centre with a rotary dial. It’s a brilliantly executed system and one that is very easy to adapt to quickly. The graphics are excellent and it comes equipped with some very handy features like SatNav, Bluetooth, DAB digital radio and BMW Connected Drive online Services.

That’s all standard kit on the entry level Sport model, as are 18 inch wheels, cruise control, parking sensors, a reversing camera and three-zone climate control.

You’ll probably still want to upgrade to the M Sport which adds bespoke M-Sport styling including larger wheels, an upgraded SatNav, and sports seats.

The X4 is currently available only as a diesel.  We had the 2.0l 190bhp 20D, the other options being the 3.0l 30D, or the high performance 326bhp M40d. But the 20D is going to be more than enough X4 for the majority of people. It’s reasonable enough to run in relation to performance with a claimed fuel economy of 5.6l per 100km and annual motortax bill of €390.

While it might be a bit mixed up in how it looks and what exactly it is, the BMW engineers seem to have been a lot more sure of how it should feel on the road, and that is a firmly-planted, great-handling and undeniably sporty vehicle. The extra height has little to no impact on how it rides, and the effortless way it takes on corners with zero lean or roll makes it feel nothing like a typical SUV. This is where it all starts to come together for the X4 because you still get the great raised ride height, a better more commanding view of the road ahead, and arguably a lot more road presence than an SUV.

There’s a seamless power uptake from the eight speed automatic gearbox, and the four wheel drive does give it a go-anywhere rugged feel, especially on more challenging road surfaces. Although that said, the twenty inch wheels on our test car weren't best suited to those conditions. Overall, while it might not make sense to the eyeballs, this Coupe Crossover thing does make sense on the road.

The previous X4 had few known issues and a BMW badge always seems to hold its own on the used car market. They also offer a three year, unlimited mileage warranty for good measure. One drawback of BMW ownership can be higher than average maintenance costs but most seem to be happy enough to accept that for the reassurance of a main dealer service history.

Facts & Figures

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives