BMW X4 2018 Review

A new generation of BMW X4 has made it to Australia. Commencing from July production, the new SUV is based on the same platform as the X3 and shares much of the conventional SUV's DNA. BMW has dropped the 3.0-litre diesel six of the previous model in favour of a turbocharged four-cylinder ('30i') model that could be the volume seller in the range. And a new M40i flagship replaces the previous xDrive35i model.

The term SUV is no longer limited to boxy, four-wheel drive family wagons that can go bush and tow a caravan or dinghy. In recent years they've morphed into design statements, muscle cars and even practical urban alternatives to the traditional second car.

The new BMW X4 embodies at least a couple of those traits. Underpinned by a modular ('CLAR') platform that is shared with the more practical X3 model, the latest BMW X4 is the style-setter in the range... if you prefer its fastback design over the boxier packaging of the X3. Many buyers do, with the previous generation of X4 still selling more cars this year than the Jaguar F-PACE and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, even in runout. Of the rivals offering comparable design and packaging only Porsche's Macan has outsold the BMW X4 for the year to date.

And that may change now that the X4 has been launched locally, in an official media event held this week running through the Macedon ranges to the north-west of Melbourne.

First up was the diesel-engined X4 xDrive20d, which impressed immediately with its very subdued behaviour. The four-cylinder engine powering this variant was unnaturally quiet. Only under full load was the engine's diesel character apparent. At freeway speeds the engine was ticking over at just 1900rpm, according to the tacho. Coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine was responsive and torquey right up to the redline as well. There was negligible turbo lag apparent and the 20d variant was easy to operate.

Not only was powertrain noise very well suppressed in the X4 20d, so was road noise. The Bridgestone tyres transmitted very little roar over the coarse-chip roads between Melbourne Airport and the Macedon area. This was a marked improvement over our previous experience with the BMW X2. Both the diesel variant and the entry-level 20i turbo-petrol X4 were fitted with optional 20-inch wheels. On the return journey, the flagship X4 M40i was quieter still, with the cabin further insulated from road noise. Only some rustling from the wind penetrated – admittedly during very blustery conditions.

The X4 20d was followed by a 30i variant – powered by a high-output turbo-petrol engine also paired with an eight-speed automatic. There's a problem with this engine: it's simply too quiet at wide-open throttle. There's no gruffness whatsoever. The engine delivers power in an arithmetic line from the mid-range right up to maximum revs. Like the diesel powerplant, the 30i engine is loping along at barely 2000rpm for 100km/h indicated speed. Fuel economy for our brief drive was 9.3L/100km. That's a reasonable figure given it was being given some stick along winding country roads.

A quick run in the 'el cheapo' X4 20i was a revelation. This is a surprisingly entertaining engine for one that produces lower output than any other unit in the range. It likes to rev and feels lively higher in the rev range, but it's not short of torque for low-speed work in the suburbs.

Finally, the day finished off with a drive back to the airport in the mighty M40i flagship. BMW builds turbocharged inline sixes that are wonderful to experience. This one is no exception. It produces the same sort of soundtrack we're accustomed to hearing from six-cylinder BMWs as far back as Jim Richards' 635 CSI – or even earlier – and progress is accompanied by crackles and pops on the overrun from high revs. The X4 with this engine flies and there's enough performance available to tax the car's native traction and roadholding. As a bonus, the M40i was unexpectedly economical on the freeway run back to the airport, returning a fuel consumption figure of 7.1L/100km.

The eight-speed automatic transmission in each variant is outstanding, properly calibrated for the respective powerplant application. It will adapt to differing scenarios, automatically selecting lower gears on downhill runs – without delay – and it will hold gears at the redline in manual-shift mode. Response to manual input using the shift paddles is fast too.

One niggle highlighted by the country roads outside Melbourne's built-up areas was the ride quality of the BMW X4. Even in the adaptive suspension's comfort mode the X4 felt over-damped and jiggly over rippled country bitumen. Secondary ride comfort was compromised by lack of compliance for very small imperfections in the road surface, and the X4 always felt busy, but the X4 also crashed through over larger potholes.

The upside to all that was the SUV's flat handling and tenacious grip. Whether on bitumen or dirt, the X4 felt very secure. A BMW X4 xDrive20i – the starting point for the range – cornered neatly on section of dirt road during the media event. Short of provoking the car with a flick, the rear end refused to break loose.

Steering is bordering on heavy for some prospective buyers, but the X4 turns in precisely and promptly, with the SUV shifting balance demonstrably, even in the case of the four-cylinder models – without the benefit of the standard M Sport differential fitted to the M40i. Turn into a corner and the rear of the car could be felt 'rotating' in unison with the front wheels.

As with other BMW models, the brake pedal offers plenty of feel for fine modulation, but soft stopping is hampered by the idle-stop system restarting the engine in the final couple of metres as the driver eases off the brake pedal. There's no such problem with the M40i, however. The six-cylinder model behaves impeccably in this sort of situation.

Seated behind the chunky wheel of the X4 the vista is generic BMW. Switchgear placement is common to other models in the range and the instruments are very familiar for those who have driven other BMWs in the recent past. Overall, that's a good thing. The layout is ergonomically acceptable, although there were a couple of occasions when it would have been great to find the Sport button on the centre console without stabbing blindly at the centre console. Occasions such as the road turning from straight to winding.

Fit and finish in the X4 meet BMW's usual high standard, with soft, textured plastics everywhere and other trim materials exuding quality. The seats are a very good combination of comfort and bolstering to support and hold the occupant properly for those occasions the X4 is being thrown around in corners and under brakes. There's plenty of adjustment to suit all types as well.

Taking a seat in the rear is hampered by the fashionably low roofline, forcing adults of average height to duck the head on entry. The sunroof fitted to the vehicles tested reduced headroom in the rear seats too, but legroom is fine – improved by 27mm for the new model – and rear-seat occupants are served by adjustable vents in the rear of the centre console. BMW advises that boot space is 25 litres better than before, now at 525 litres altogether. The boot floor is high, however, which may make loading and unloading difficult for shorter drivers and passengers.

But that sort of practicality takes a back seat in the X4. BMW's categorisation of the X4 as a 'Sports Activity Coupe' basically sums up its credentials: Look good and drive well. Hauling around bits of furniture or recreational equipment comes a distant third.

How much does the 2018 BMW X4 xDrive20i cost?
Price: $76,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 135kW/290Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 178g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star Euro NCAP (2017)

How much does the 2018 BMW X4 xDrive20d cost?
Price: $79,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/400Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 154g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star Euro NCAP (2017)

How much does the 2018 BMW X4 xDrive30i cost?
Price: $83,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 185kW/350Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 177g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star Euro NCAP (2017)

How much does the 2018 BMX X4 M40i cost?
Price: $109,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 265kW/500Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 9.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 210g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star Euro NCAP (2017)