At first glance, my BMW X4 tester looked like a 3 Series sedan that had gained a lot of weight over the holidays.
But the X4 is a crossover sport utility vehicle, and as such, some bulk comes with the territory.
This is a new vehicle for 2015, joining the other members of BMW’s X lineup, numbered 1, 3, 5 and 6. BMW calls the X1, X3 and X5 “sports activity vehicles” and the X4 and X6 “sports activity coupes.” There’s method in this madness. The SAVs look more like traditional SUVs, with roofs squared off at the rear; the SACs look more like traditional coupes, with roofs tapered at the rear. Still, if you think it all sounds crazy, I won’t argue.
The big X6, BMW’s first entry into sports activity coupedom, was startling. I’m not the only BMW fan whose reaction was “Oh BMW, what have you done?” The midsize X4 is more manageable, easier to accept. By day 3 the fat sedan image was gone and I was beholding a beautifully sculpted, aerodynamic SUV with driving characteristics formulated by one of the best builders in the high-performance business.
There are two X4 models: the 28i, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque; and the 35i, sporting a 3.0-liter turbo inline six-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both versions have an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. The AWD system isn’t in place for rugged off-road excursions, but for added stability on pavement.
The xDrive28i goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds and has a fuel economy rating of 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway. Travel time from 0 to 60 is 5.2 seconds for the xDrive35i, whose fuel economy numbers are 19/27 mpg and premium fuel is recommended.
An automatic start/stop system boosts fuel economy by cutting off the engine when the car is stopped, then bringing it back to life when the driver’s foot lifts off the brake pedal. The on/off transitions are noticeable, and for those who prefer not to notice such things, the system can be disabled with the push of a button.
Another fuel-saving feature is Eco Pro mode. At the flip of a switch, all on-board systems are adjusted for maximum fuel efficiency, and a coasting function shuts off fuel when the driver’s foot is off the gas pedal.
Base pricing, including a $925 destination charge, is $45,625 for the xDrive28i, and $48,925 for the xDrive35i.
My tester was an xDrive35i equipped with the optional M Sport package that includes19-inch wheels, sport suspension, sport seats, M badging, and interior and exterior trim enhancements. Among the other optional features were a rear-view camera, Park Distance Control, remote start keyless entry, lumbar support, heated front seats, navigation, and satellite radio with a one-year subscription.
A power sunroof, power liftgate, shift paddles, fog lights, variable sport steering, hill descent control, driving dynamics control and dynamic stability control are among the many standard features.
The driver and front-seat passenger ride in roomy comfort, but leg room is modest for adult passengers in the rear seats, the trade-off for a generously large rear cargo area. A bit of vertical cargo space has been sacrificed for the sloping roof, however.
BMW’s iDrive infotainment system continues to make more friends with the X4 by being complicated enough to satisfy techmongers but logical enough to spare everyone else from fits of rage.
2015 BMW X4 xDRIVE35i
Base price, including destination charge: $48,950
Price as driven: $57,450
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who has been reviewing cars for more than 20 years. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a board member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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