BMW X4 2016 Review

BMW X4 xDrive35d
Road Test

The BMW X4 range has a new hero in the form of the recently arrived range-topping xDrive35d model. Featuring an impressive 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that delivers 230kW power and a very satisfying 630Nm torque, it is somewhat of a wolf in sheep's clothing. This is a car that looks the business on the school run, but delivers smiles galore when headed for the hills.

It's not an SUV, it's an SAC, or Sports Activity Coupe in the BMW vernacular, and while its standout exterior design is somewhat of a novelty, I like the unique styling of the new BMW X4 xDrive35d.

It's one of the best of the new breed of crossover vehicles making their way to Australia which could just be the next sub-segment to catch on in the market.

BMW has slotted in the new xDrive35d model at the top of its X4 range, replacing the existing xDrive30d model with a more powerful engine and better specified vehicle.

The new xDrive35d introduces a potent 3.0-litre, six-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine to the X4 range. This new engine produces an impressive 230kW power and 630Nm of torque. Paired with an eight-speed 'Steptronic' automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel-drive system it offers a rewarding driving experience on the open road, yet is frugal around town with a stated combined fuel consumption figure of just 6.0L/100km.

We drove over 600 kilometres in the X4 on predominantly shorter country runs, but with a few longer freeway excursions managed to average fuel consumption of 8.5L/100km. On those journeys where we engaged the X4's Eco Pro mode, which includes a coasting and regenerative braking system to maximise efficiency from the engine, we were able to see real gains demonstrated in kilometres through the driver display.

BMW reckons that the Eco Pro Mode can help drivers reduce their fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent and I reckon with some determined effort and feather light action on the right roads, that the 6.0L/100km figure is entirely achievable.

But here is the rub... The 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine is a stunner and just begs to stretch its legs, making sustained economical driving a real challenge. Power delivery is thrilling, the engine has incredible torque which is available instantly and continues through acceleration. The engine and transmission pairing is spot on, and manual gear changes through the steering wheel paddles are simple and rewarding. BMW claims a 0-100km acceleration time of 5.2 seconds and that's quite believable.

A dynamic damper control package and variable sport steering complements the engine and transmission package to deliver a driver's car in sports utility guise. Shift the car into sports mode and the dampers tighten, making the X4 more lithe through corners. Sports mode also reduces electric assistance to the power steering, giving better feedback for the driver and also shortens gearshift times, offering an engaging drive experience.

It is impressive performance from a vehicle that looks like it would be more at home in the leafy streets of Toorak than the open roads of country Victoria. But it works, and it's delightful to get behind the wheel.

The X4 interior is well finished with black Nevada leather seats that were heated in the front of the test car, thanks to the inclusion of a $760 option.  In common with much of the BMW range, the X4 features the same utilitarian dash and fascia layout, which leaves it open to criticism for looking aged and even old fashioned. The inclusion of BMW's ConnectedDrive system with large colour screen does help to elevate the cabin however, and the professional navigation system with real time traffic is one of the best available for successfully avoiding traffic snarls.

To present the X4 as a more compelling offer and strengthen the position of the xDrive35d in the market, BMW Australia is including its M Sport package as part of its standard price, $89,900 (plus on road costs).

It adds a host of additional features including M aerodynamics package, M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles and leather interior. The test vehicle was also equipped with a glass sunroof at $2920 including luxury car tax, front seat heating at $760 and metallic paintwork at $1900

Technology-wise the X4 xDrive35d includes keyless access and auto tailgate, digital radio tuner, Harman/Kardon surround sound with 16 speakers, professional navigation and BMW's ConnectedDrive system.  Driver assistance technologies include a rear-view camera and surround view giving 360-degree visibility, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control with braking function.

Disappointingly the X4 does lack standard blind-spot monitoring with Driving Assistance Plus and adaptive cruise system, both of which are available at extra cost but are included as standard features on competitive vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC 250d.

Included driving enhancements do include performance control, dynamic damper control and variable sport steering. The Xdrive35d also comes standard with large 20-inch light alloy wheels, however our test vehicle was equipped with a smaller 19-inch wheel.

We note that handling is invariably impacted with the inclusion of larger diameter wheels so expect at least a little degradation of ride quality with the full size wheel and tyre package.

While it does sport a sophisticated appearance on the road, and is better-proportioned than the larger X6, the snubbed rear end of the X4 does make it somewhat less practical than a regular SUV, and certainly offers only reduced head room for your four legged friends.

That said, there is room enough for adult passengers in the rear with supportive seats and a good amount of head and leg room. My rear passengers did complain of a harder ride once sport mode was engaged on the freeway so comfort or eco mode are definitely the way to go if you're travelling fully laden.

At 500 litres with the seats up, load space is decent, if not quite as spacious as the X3 which offers an additional 50 litres over its sporty coupe cousin. The X4 is not necessarily a large-haul vehicle but that's not really its market.

The X4's buyer is likely to be an urban junglist who wants to be seen with the newest car on the block (after all, a new X5 looks a lot like the old one), but the BMW X4 xDrive35d will be wasted if consigned to a life in the city. Sure it drinks from a sippy cup and is pretty frugal for a decent-sized permanent all-wheel-drive machine but that engine deserves to stretch its legs.

2016 BMW X4 xDrive35d pricing and specifications:
Price: $95,480 as tested (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo-diesel
Output: 230kW/630Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 157g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Mercedes-Benz GLC 250d (from $69,990 plus ORCs)
>> Porsche Macan S Diesel (from $84,900 plus ORCs)
>> Range Rover Evoque Td4 180 HSE Dynamic (from $76,995 plus ORCs)