BMW X4: More Style Than Substance?

In 2009, BMW created a niche model in the form of the X6. It was essentially based on the X5 platform, but was presented in a coupé-esque styling. The term sport activity coupé (SAC) was coined and the X6 became a contentious topic among the motoring press and the public at large. The majority of the former camp chastised it as being a pointless vehicle largely due to the fact that it had massive proportions, but could seat only four occupants. Fast forward to 2014 and the company has added yet another model to its SAC range, this time in the form of the compact X4.

Loosely based on the X3, the X4, much like the X5 is to the X6, assumes a sportier poise than its sibling. This can be attributed to it being 36mm lower and 14mm longer than the X3. The front, for instance, features a more aggressive bumper, aided by those gaping air intakes, while the headlights that meld with the grille are similar to the updated X3. The bonnet features more aggressive creases, though, while the fenders have been blistered somewhat, particularly those at the rear.

The roofline has a tapering design much like the X6, but due to its relatively compact proportions it looks less offensive, if you will. The interior is mostly an updated X3 affair, with the spruced up fascia that also sees the introduction of black piano plastic finishes. While there were no standard models at the launch, the M Sport package (that also offers wheel sizes ranging from 18, 19, and 20 inch) is arguably the best trim to accentuate the model, much like the vehicles I drove at the launch. You can, of course, have the model in standard trim, but I dread to imagine how that would look. There is also the xLine trim level, which offers different wheels and interior colour schemes. Four engine derivatives are on offer; namely xDrive20i with a 2l turbo charged petrol making 135kW and 270Nm, the xDrive28i also with a 2l turbo charged petrol although tuned to 180kW and 350Nm.

There is also the xDrive35i with a 3l turbocharged petrol engine making 225kW and 400Nm. Diesel models come in the form of the xDrive20d with a 2l turbo diesel making 140kW and 400Nm and the xDrive30d with a 3l turbo diesel generating 190kW and 560Nm. All models come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. At the launch, I managed to get behind the helms of the xDrive28i and the xDrive30d and, much as it was the case in the Porsche Macan I drove a few weeks ago, it is the diesel variant that impresses the most in the X4 range. It has mounds of torque to pull the hulking model out of corners with verve. You might be wondering at this point what the Macan has to do with anything, but in my view, it is perhaps the closest rival to the X4 from a dynamic perspective.

Yes, while scything through the ribbon of road that is Franschhoek pass in the Western Cape, which incidentally was the same place I drove the Macan, the X4 put on a stellar show of dynamics around corners. Hurl it into a high-speed bend and, while you expect the front of the car to start washing out mid-corner, the xDrive four-wheel-drive system shuffles power and torque to the rear and the front-end just grips and goes. For an SUV, it truly is impressive how the thing embraces corners. So, below that grotesque veneer is in fact a car that is well sorted and will reward the enthusiastic driver’s whims. Quizzed whether there are plans for a high-performance X4M in the pipeline, the company’s spokesperson said nothing had been confirmed as yet.

However, judging by the fact that the Macan range is headlined by the turbo version, perhaps the M division could have something in the works. Pricing as you can see on this page is perhaps somewhat of a contentious topic, because, let’s face it, very few buyers will opt for the standard specification. And ticking those option boxes will inflate the pricing dangerously into entry-level X5 territory, which is the same criticism that was levelled at the Macan in contrast to the Cayenne, too. So, in essence, the X4 buyer is more inclined to rate styling above all else, which is why the X6 has managed such relative success. In my opinion, the X4 will do likewise and will remain a niche product for those who are looking for something outside of the conventional SUV product portfolio.

The Facts: 2014 BMW X4

xDrive20i

Engine: 1 997cc, inline four, TwinPower Turbo petrol

Power: 135kW at 5 000rpm

Torque: 270Nm at 1 250rpm

0-100km/h: 8.1 seconds

Top Speed: 212km/h

Fuel consumption: 6.9/100km

Pricing: R647 500

xDrive20d

Engine: 1 995cc, inline four, TwinPower Turbo diesel

Power: 140kW at 4 000rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1 750rpm

0-100km/h: 8.0 seconds

Top Speed: 212km/h

Fuel consumption: 5/100km

Pricing: R653 000

xDrive28i

Engine: 1 997cc, inline four, TwinPower Turbo petrol

Power: 180kW at 5 000rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 1 250rpm

0-100km/h: 6.4 seconds

Top Speed: 232km/h

Fuel consumption: 7/100km

Pricing: R710 500

xDrive30d

Engine: 2 993cc, inline six, TwinPower Turbo diesel

Power: 190kW at 4 000rpm

Torque: 560Nm at 1 500rpm

0-100km/h: 5.8 seconds

Top Speed: 234km/h

Fuel consumption: 5.7/100km

Pricing: R796 000

xDrive35i

Engine: 2 979cc, inline six, TwinPower Turbo petrol

Power: 225kW at 5 800rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1 200rpm

0-100km/h: 5.5 seconds

Top Speed: 247km/h

Fuel consumption: 8.3/100km

Pricing: R801 000

-Lerato Matebese