Contents Show
The BMW X4 stands out due to its design, but it is quite inconspicuous at the TÜV.
What the BMW X6 has successfully demonstrated, the X4 should repeat: convince with a chic, or at least eye-catching design. However, the X4 drives much more discreetly and more socially than its big brother. The appearance of the first generation of the BMW X4 (type F26) was quite short. The coupé offshoot of the X3 (type F25) only made its debut in 2014, when the gene donor had been on the market for almost four years. As early as 2018, it was time to retire for this X4. Not for lack of success, but to start over a year after the start of the third X3 generation in 2017.
Body and interior
The X4 is an X3 in sporty. Like a coupé, the roof line runs neatly behind the front seats towards the stub rear, so that when viewed from the side, the vehicle is reminiscent of a sports car that is a bit too high. It stretches to a length of 4,67 meters, which is two centimeters longer than the X3. In terms of wheelbase (2,81 meters) and width (1,88 meters), the X4 and X3 do not differ. According to the coupé-like lines, the X4 only comes to a height of 1,62 meters, undercutting the organ donor by six centimeters.
Despite the flatter roof line, it offers plenty of space for the occupants. So that it doesn't come to unsightly head-headlining touches, BMW has reached into its bag of tricks. The seats in the first row have been lowered by two centimeters compared to the X3, and the rear seats are even three centimeters lower. The trunk, however, with 500 liters in the standard position and up to 1.400 liters with the rear seat backs folded down, is significantly smaller than in the slightly less stylish body variant (550 to 1.600 liters). In the interior, the X4 benefits from the facelift improvements made in 2014 for the X3. Solid workmanship and pleasant materials can be found throughout the cockpit.
Motors and drive
Gasoline and diesel four- or six-cylinder engines are available for propulsion; All-wheel drive (xDrive) is standard. With the exception of the basic diesel (20d), an eight-speed automatic transmission takes care of the power transmission. With the 20d, this is done by a manual six-speed gearbox ex works, or there is a six-speed automatic transmission as an alternative. The gasoline engines include the 20i (2,0-liter, 135 kW / 184 PS), the 28i (2,0-liter, 180 kW / 245 PS) and the 35i with 225 kW / 306 PS. The 35i and the top-of-the-range M40i with 265 kW / 360 hp are three-liter straight-six, the other petrol engines are turbo-charged four-cylinders. The consumption is between 7,2 and 8,6 liters, the maximum torque between 270 and 465 Nm.
With 4 pots and two-liter displacement, the already mentioned 20d (140 kW / 190 PS. The 30d with 190 kW / 258 PS and the 35d with 230 kW / 313 PS are three-liter six-cylinder , 5,4 and 6 liters and offer between 400 and 630 Nm.
Equipment and safety
As is so often the case, the equipment depends on the comfort line selected and the willingness of customers to invest in extras. At BMW, the baseline has the most important details on board, which is to be expected with prices starting at around 47.000 euros (20i), but of course there is always room for improvement. Leather, head-up display or seat heating must be ordered separately. The list of possible options is long. When it comes to security, X4 customers don't have to compromise. In the Euro NCAP crash test it was awarded a full five stars.
Quality
The X4 benefits from the improved quality standards of the X3, which has increased significantly compared to its predecessor (type E83). The coupé offshoot is almost inconspicuous at the TÜV. The TÜV inspectors criticize the knocked out tie rod ends. The X4 does not have weak brakes, faulty lighting or engine problems so far.
Conclusion
The quality is right, the space available ditto: Anyone who can also cope with the tighter and lower chassis of the X4 is in good hands with this BMW. Provided you bring the necessary change with you. The fact that new vehicles are not exactly bargains is also reflected in the used car markets. Interested parties should have at least around 20.000 euros on hand, or more.
