BMW X4: practicality meets style
When the original BMW X6 was launched in 2009, it was a revolution. Its distinctive styling combining couple-like looks with a larger SUV frame went on to create a niche that has exploded into its own market segment.
As the X6 continues on its own path, there was only one option: move the success down the line, thus the 2017 X4.
On the exterior alone, there is little doubt that this is a BMW as it shares the design language of its bigger brother the X6. In truth, its looks like one expects, a photocopy of the larger SUV on 75 per cent. This isn’t a bad thing. It’s just a response to buyers who want all of the attributes of the X6, but in a more manageable package for them. Bottom-line, it works as the X4 retains the swooping rear lines of a sports coupe.
Inside, its business as usual, with everything interior having that BMW premium look and feel, from the sculpted dashboard to the subtle wood and piano black-trim pieces. BMW’s excellent infotainment system has been one of the best and falls easily into hand with easy USB, Apple iPod, Phone and Bluetooth connectivity on demand. One can also dig deep into the car’s settings or watch the cool animations for the driving modes.
And driving is where the BMW X4 excels. Its smaller stature endows it with a more car-like character. A character that changes depending on which mode the vehicle is in. In ECO-PRO and COMFORT mode, it’s as sedate as one expects, cossetting passengers away from stresses of traffic with STOP/START and AUTO-Brake technology. In these modes, the luxury of the BMW X4 comes to the surface. However, the next two SPORT and SPORT+ live up to their names as throttle actuation increases allowing easy harnessing of the 180bhp from the 2-litre turbocharged engine. Paired with a quick shifting seven-speed automatic transmission, it can exploit small gaps in traffic or dispatch long straights of highway without a thought from the driver.
The complete picture of the BMW X4 isn’t one of duplication but rather one of uniqueness. By making it smaller, its gained a level of accessibility by those caught between the decision of a premium sedan or a full-sized Sport Utility Vehicle. It’s practical and sporty, but most of all its stylish.