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BMW X4 2014 review: snapshot

EXPERT RATING
7
Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2014 BMW X4.

BMW X4 is a crossover between a coupe and an SUV, so BMW prefers to call it an SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) not an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle). A small brother to the well established BMW X6, the X4 is aimed at those who want a quality on-road performer that can be used to explore bush trails, perhaps even make trips to the beach.

We've just spent a most enjoyable week at the wheel of the topline model, the high-performance BMW X4 xDrive35i, the quickest, most enjoyable model in a wide range that has something for everyone in this upmarket class. 

STYLING

BMW X4's front is big and bold and uses the latest corporate styling theme of joining the headlights to the kidney grilles and so visually widen the appearance. It looks sleek and low in profile and caught quite a few eyes during our review, all of which seemed to indicate approval.

The tail end of the smaller X4 isn't as challenging to the eye as the fairly substantial rump of the X6. Its slope down is sporting and boot capacity isn't overly hampered by the slope - but don't expect wagon-type volume back there. 
 
Inside, there's an excellent sporty note to the style, with large, clear instruments that are easy to read at a glance, good looking seats and trim that displays quality style and materials. 

INFOTAINMENT

All Australian imports of the BMW X4 have the largest available centre screen, at 8.8 inches. It's certainly easy to read with a minimum of driver distraction. The X4 has USB, Bluetooth with audio streaming, voice control and allows pairing of multiple phones. There is a 20 GB hard drive for audio files.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS 

The BMW X4 xDrive35i (why does BMW use these weird model descriptions?) turbocharged straight-six engine in our test car had a very sporting 225 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. 

Also on offer are a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-petrol,135 kilowatts / 270 Nm. Unusually, the four-cylinder turbo-diesel, also with 2.0-litre displacement, puts out more power than the petrol, at 140 kW; as the norm for its type the diesel is a long way in front in its torque output, with 400 Nm. This disparity is explained by the fact that the diesel four is an all-new design, the petrol a carry over. Finally there's a turbo-diesel 3.0-litre straight-six with 190 kW and a mighty 560 Nm. 

All Australian imports of the X4 have eight-speed automatic transmissions. There are six-speed manuals in Europe, but our market is rapidly shaping to be an auto-only one. The auto in the six-cylinder models is the sports unit, with faster changes and programming that makes it kick down more readily.

SAFETY

The BMW X4 has been crash tested and met five-star standards with plenty to spare. Intelligent emergency call and radar cruise control with automatic braking are potentially lifesaving features.

DRIVING

The tall stance of the X4 means the seats are at a good height for easy entry and exit; this is an oft-overlooked feature of SUVs and partly explains their ever increasing popularity. 

The front seats have well shaped bolsters that assist during spirited cornering - what else would you expect in a BMW?

While the slope of the roof looks as though it could make life tight for tall travellers, I can sit behind the driver's seat that's set up for my six-foot frame with a few centimetres above my noggin. Not sure I'd like to do long trips back there, though. 

As transport for mum, dad and a couple of small to medium kids it will prove just right.

On the road the X4 is brilliant for a relatively high-riding wagon, indeed there may be some Asian coupes out there that don't perform as well as this German SUV. It has BMW's typically excellent chassis balance and sporting dynamics mean the X4 holds the road securely at high cornering speeds. It sends plenty of feedback to the driver and provides the sort of sheer driving pleasure for which the marque has long been famed.

During our week with the X4 all our driving was done on sealed roads. However, we did some mild off-road driving a few weeks back at the time of the press launch, and found the X4 has very good electronically-aided traction and the better than average ground clearance for this class, at 204 millimetres.

The BMW '35i' engines have been one of our favourites for many years and in several different formats - this latest unit hasn't changed our opinions. It's a brilliant powerplant, eager to get up and go and with only a minimal amount of turbo lag when revs are low. Once its boost has reached the maximum performance is scintillating and guaranteed to bring a smile to the face.

Verdict

BMW's all new X4 has the sleek looks of a coupe, but with plenty of practical capability as well. Add the stunningly good 35i engine and life is simply wonderful.

2014 BMW X4 list pricing 
X4 xDrive 20i 2.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $69,430 (automatic)
X4 xDrive 20d 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $73,400 (automatic)
X4 xDrive 30d 3.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $83,900 (automatic)
X4 xDrive 35i 3.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $87,430 (automatic)

Pricing guides

$29,800
Based on 170 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$13,990
Highest Price
$49,888

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
X1 Xdrive 20D Xline 2.0L, Diesel, 8 SP AUTO $20,020 – 25,300 2014 BMW X Models 2014 X1 Xdrive 20D Xline Pricing and Specs
X1 Xdrive 28I 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $22,550 – 27,830 2014 BMW X Models 2014 X1 Xdrive 28I Pricing and Specs
X1 Sdrive 20I Sportline 2.0L, PULP, 8 SP AUTO $18,590 – 23,540 2014 BMW X Models 2014 X1 Sdrive 20I Sportline Pricing and Specs
X1 Sdrive 20I Xline 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $19,470 – 24,640 2014 BMW X Models 2014 X1 Sdrive 20I Xline Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
7
Ewan Kennedy
Contributing Journalist

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