Purr-fect luxury but not quite it

BMW X4: COMPACT SUV COUPE LOOKS SIMILAR TO X6

Has a complicated sound system and a massive key.

If you had asked me to tell you about the BMW X4 at the beginning of October, my response would have been, “does BMW make an X4?” That’s how clueless I am about this compact luxury SUV made by the Bavarian giant.

The first generation of X4 was released in 2014 and the one I’m testing is the second generation – so how did I not know that BMW made a X4? It’s disturbing. Could it be that I have been mistaking the X4 for the X6?

Although it shares a platform with the BMW X3, the X4 looks a lot like a smaller version of the X6.

When I started researching the X4, I immediately started seeing styling similarities. The most noticeable has got to be the coupe-style rear end, with that angled roof line.

This compact coupe felt a little low in the back seat, or so one of my passengers said as we travelled to the Northwest in style.

He is of average height and complained that the roof lining was touching his head. His wife had no issues with headroom and thoroughly enjoyed the ice-cold blast of the air-conditioning system.

My wife and I up front were trying to figure out how to get between music folders on the USB we inserted in the media system.

The sound quality was amazing because this model was equipped with a Harman Kardon surround sound system which had gesture control that allows you to control the system using defined gestures.

It was pretty cool and fancy but complicated. Sometimes ease of use can improve the experience.

The unit I was testing was the M40d version, which is an M performance model. It is powered by a twin turbo-diesel straight-six engine and, for a diesel, I was amazed at how awesome it sounded.

One always expects a diesel to sound like a truck but this engine had a magnificent purr when you accelerated, especially when the X4 took on the N12 effortlessly.

The suspension and handling were amazing, it felt like we were driving on clouds, and the twin turbo system definitely had no turbo lag.

The interior was premium, as expected from a compact luxury SUV. Almost everything was clad in leather with touches of shiny interior trim. The seats hugged your body perfectly and, if you still didn’t feel comfortable, there is a range of programmable seating positions.

The digital cluster had all the information I needed at my fingertips and I liked how it changes colour when you change between modes on the car.

What I didn’t like was that the wireless charging system on the car didn’t charge my phone well. I’m not sure if it lacked fast-charging capability but it took ages to charge to only 30%, and my phone felt hot coming off it.

Also, the key. I may be exaggerating but it must be the size of an iPhone 5. It does have some 2019 BMW X4 M40d

R1 132 800 amazing features, like the ability to pre-condition your car while you are in the mall so when you get back in the car, it is already set to your desired temperature. But does it really have to be that big?

This was my first test of a BMW SUV and I enjoyed the luxury feel, but I’m not sure it’s the car I would choose.

At R1 132 800, I feel there are cheaper options that possibly have more to offer.

But if you like the compact SUV coupe styling then this may be right up your avenue.