BMW X4 xDrive35i M Sport 2014 Review

Remember when fins were in, chrome was king and rounded bodies were accepted as the norm? It seems somewhere along the way we just stopped trying, and cars began to look androgynous and safe – like boring facsimiles of one another.

And while fins and chrome are unlikely to ever make a comeback, more's the pity, the trend towards stepping out of the box (literally) and challenging convention with a bit of sculpture is one that pleases me immensely.

Benz's CLS (arguably) started it. The X6 'SUV-coupe' took it to extremis, and now the scaled-down X4 seems to have got the balance just about right.

It's a lot better proportioned compared to the hearse-like styling of the 5 Series Gran Turismo, and though it can look under-wheeled from some angles, is far more endearing than the confused, almost quirky 3 Series Gran Turismo it shares a platform with.

motoring.com.au sampled the high-spec X4 xDrive30d xLine (diesel, pictured in Black Sapphire) and X4 xDrive35i M Sport (petrol, pictured in Melbourne Red) over a two-week period and found that although the outright practicality of an SUV is, to a degree, missing, the other high-riding attributes so valued in this class are all there. In short, it's big enough, roomy enough, high enough and in-your-face enough to make the statement SUV owners have to make… while at the same time saying "I don't care what you think of me".

It all harks back to what I was saying earlier. People are tired of conforming to styling that looks just like their neighbour's, and if manufacturers like Porsche, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have moved fast enough to recognise this point, then more power to them.

The X4 is as much about getting from A to B in style as it is about expressing yourself. It's a matter of taste, sure, but I like it – and you know what? It's a beaut thing to drive.

It's more athletic than it looks. The grip levels are tenacious and, thanks to a lower centre of gravity than some X models, cornering is quite balanced with a keenly tuned throttle collaborating well with a predictable and communicative front-end. The turn-in isn't as quick as BMW's sedan or wagon range, and that's to be expected. But in saying that it isn't slow, and in combination with the adaptive dampers fitted (standard) balances well the combination of a decent ride and impressive handling.

Of the pair, I preferred the torquey delivery (and subsequent better fuel economy) of the 3.0-litre diesel powered '30d'. It's less busy through the transmission and makes effortless overtaking, well, effortless. There's seldom the need to select Sport mode to get the job done, and in day to day running, managed an impressive 8.8L/100km (against a claimed 5.9) in combined city and highway driving.

It sounds pretty tough, too. There's a deep resonate growl when you sink the boot in, which in many ways makes the 30d sound quite 'undiesel-like'. Conversely, the 190kW/560Nm oiler is quiet and smooth at idle, which is pretty much the MO for both models once cruising... excluding just a little hint of wind noise from across the top of the plenum.

And if the turbo-diesel is equal measures urgent and linear in its power delivery, the turbocharged petrol is peakier. It needs to be revved harder to exude its 225kW and 400Nm, and demands more from the eight-speed automatic. There are numerous gear shifts, even from moderate throttle openings, and more reliance on the driver to alter transmission modes accordingly to meet the conditions.

Sure, it's happy to do so, the gearshifts are quite seamless, and the note of the engine in full flight is rather charismatic. However, the continual need to rev higher towards redline does have an impact on fuel economy, and when driven in an identical manner through the same test loop as its diesel counterpart, the '35i' consumed almost two litres more at 10.7L/100km.

Of course the falling rake of the X4's rear does command some expected sacrifices. Much like the Infiniti QX70 (formerly FX) the lower positioning of the rear window means the low-set rear-view mirror can obscure forward visibility when looking left. The view out of the rear is likewise compromised, though when reversing, the multi-view camera system with bird's eye overview does whittle down the chances of backing over something, or someone.

The rear centre seat is also a bit of a compromise. It's narrow and high, forcing the centre passenger to balance between the outboard passengers, and sit closer to the ceiling. The middle seat is quite a compromise in that respect, and contradicts completely the commodious and comfortable dimensions of the outboard pews.

I also think that BMW could offer some of the technology fitted optionally as standard in the X4, considering the price. Things like passive entry and a digital radio receiver really should be standard in a car costing north of $80k, as should seat heaters, head-up display and radar cruise control. The list of options is extensive on each of the models tested, and in respect of the list price, arguably, not too steep. However, a lot of the equipment BMW charges extra for is fitted as standard to many models half the price... which really makes you wonder where your money goes.

Fitted optionally to both test vehicles were metallic paint ($1900), a glass sunroof ($2920), Driving Assistant ($900), internet access ($200), Head-Up Display ($2000), DAB+ digital radio ($800) and BMW's ConnectedDrive Freedom package ($1200) which contains BMW's ConnectedDrive Services, Remote Services, Real Time Traffic Information and Concierge Services. The petrol-powered model added BMW's M Sport package as part of the list price.

Of the technology that is included, I'm pleased to say it all works well. The ease of use and diversity of function offered by the iDrive-driven infotainment system is one of the easiest to operate of the 'big three' German marques. The high-res screen is easy to read at a glance, and the classic orange backlit instrument panel likewise concise.

If I had but one other quibble of the experience from the driver's seat, it's that the relationship between the driver and the primary controls is not quite as sharp as it is in BMW's sedan and wagon range, but nor is it as 'upright' as the X3 or X5. In that sense, you sit quite a ways forward, almost in the A pillar, which for shorter drivers can make exiting the X4 a little bit tricky. Perhaps the seat could automatically retract like it does in the Hyundai Santa Fe, or the steering wheel like Lexus' RX...

So while it does call for a couple of concessions, and doesn't have any wild fins or chrome, the X4 is a niche SUV that does offer something a little out of the norm. If outright practicality is a concern, there's always the cheaper X3 or larger X5, but if you want to stand out from the crowd, this swoopy SUV is just the ticket.

2014 BMW X4 xDrive30d xLine pricing and specifications:
Price: from $83,900 (MRLP) / $93,820 (as tested, plus ORCs)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 190kW/560Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 159g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: TBA

Also consider:
>> Infiniti QX70 (from $75,900 plus ORCs)
>> Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (from $49,995 (plus ORCs)
>> Porsche Macan (from $84,900)