GEN X MATURITY
BMW'S SECOND-GEN X4 IS AN IMPRESSIVE ALL-ROUNDER WITH AN ENDEARINGLY SPORTING TOUCH TO IT
The rise of the coupe-inspired sports utility vehicle is in full force — and none more so than in the premium mid-sized class. Luxuriously equipped high-riding models such as the BMW X4, Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and Porsche Macan have proven particularly popular.
As a sign of just how competitive this class of crossovers has become, BMW has now launched a second-generation X4 just four years after the original model reached showrooms.
The decision, which was also forced in part by a need to link it with the model cycle strategy of the mechanically identical X3 to meet production line efficiencies, suddenly gives BMW the advantage of having the most contemporary offering in what has become a truly lucrative market segment.
The model tested here, the M40d M Performance, is the initial flagship of the new line-up. It is offered alongside the xDrive20d, xDrive30d and M40i M Performance.
Running the latest evolution of BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine, it serves up 326hp and 680Nm of torque. The longitudinally mounted inline-six is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and, like all new X4 models, a fully variable four-wheel drive system.
Performance is defined by the heady levels of torque concentrated in the bottom half of the rev range rather than top-end power. Despite its 1,895kg kerb weight, both step off and in-gear acceleration are particularly strong, although it is the hushed constant throttle operation and effortless cruising qualities in taller gears at typical motorway speeds that impressed us most during our first drive in the US. The gearbox is also terrifically smooth and quick to engage — both on upshifts and downshifts.
The racy qualities of the M40d fully befit the positioning of the new X4, which has moved further upmarket in both looks and features, making way further down the range for the recently introduced X2.
Predictably, given the growth of the latest X3 on which is it based, the 2018 model is larger than before; length is up by 81mm, width has increased by 37mm, height is reduced by 3mm due to lower ground clearance and the wheelbase has been extended by 54mm to 2,864mm.
Inside, there’s a familiar-looking dashboard from the X3, featuring suitably highquality materials, clear and easily read digital instruments, supportive front seats and the sixth-generation version of BMW’s iDrive controller with touchscreen control for infotainment.
The fundamentals are excellent; the driving position is lower and more sporting than that of the X3, and the controls are
logically laid out. While visibility to the rear is restricted by the tapered design of the roof, it is supported by highly precise sensors with both acoustic and visual warning as standard. The M40d also benefits from an added range of M Sport touches, including a thick-grip steering wheel, upgraded seats and other niceties.
Accommodation up front is on par with that of the X3, so there’s plenty of head and shoulder room. In the rear, the seats are mounted quite low, but there’s noticeably more leg and head room than in the previous X4. That should make this car more suitable as an everyday family car. The automatically operated one-piece tailgate opens to reveal a wide but relatively highmounted luggage compartment.
There’s no doubt about it; the new X4 is a more engaging and rounded car than its predecessor, be it tootling around town or pushing along on the open road. The adoption of BMW’s CLAR (cluster architecture) platform has brought greater levels of response to the steering, improved body control and a far more settled feel to its ride.
The improved traction is courtesy of the X4’s reconfigured four-wheel drive system, which can juggle drive between each individual rear wheel to provide outstanding handling. For such a heavy and high-riding car, it can be coaxed to carry high speeds through corners without any undue tyre-squealing drama.
The X4 is an impressive all-rounder with an endearingly sporting touch. It offers responsive car-like dynamics, impressive mechanical refinement, class-competitive quality and a good deal of space, if not the ultimate versatility and everyday ease of use delivered by the more upright X3.
The M40d, while seemingly expensive next to its lesser siblings, is the clear choice for enthusiast drivers, although we suspect the sweet spot in the range might come further down the line-up in the form of the xDrive20d or xDrive30d — neither of which was on hand at BMW’s launch earlier this month. AUTOCAR