BMW’s X4: bold statement, impressive performance

BMW’s X4 is a unique SUV designed for those who want to make a bold statement and experience exciting performance.

The X4 is certainly not your typical SUV. It is not tall or upright, and it does not look like a crossover, either. Its profile is undeniably athletic. Its rear sloping roof line gives X4 a more coupe- like appearance.

In fact, BMW refers to the X4 and its larger sibling, the X6, as Sports Activity Coupes. Call them what you want, but they still have four doors and a hatch.

X4 borrows much of its hardware from the more upright X3, but X4 takes on a much sportier theme. Also, X4 is only offered with BMW’s xDrive all- wheel drive system.

Additionally, X4 features a distinctive sport- tuned eight- speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and launch control.

For 2017, the X4 xDrive 35i has been discontinued and only two X4 models are offered, the xDrive 28i ($ 45,550) and the M40i ($ 58,100).

The X4 xDrive 28i features a 240- horsepower, 2.0- liter twin- scroll turbocharged four- cylinder engine. This 2.0- liter engine delivers plenty of power, helping the X4 xDrive 28i accelerate from 0– 60 mph in 6.0 seconds.

If you prefer more power, you can step up to the X4 M40i. It features a 355- horsepower, 3.0- liter twin- scroll turbocharged inline six- cylinder engine. The M40i’s six- cylinder engine is substantially more potent, as 0– 60 mph happens in just 4.7 seconds.

Inside, X4 is filled with high- quality materials and finely crafted finishes. Because of its modest height, X4 is pleasing to enter and exit.

But because of its sloping roof, adults entering X4’ s rear seating area will find very little head room. Rear leg room is tight, too, particularly when the front seats are in their rearmost positions.

Another concern is its small cargo hold. X4 offers just 17.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Lacking height, X4’ s cargo area is really more trunk- like. Cargo volume does open up to 49.4 cubic feet when folding the 40/ 20/ 40 split- folding rear seats down. But if you frequently need to haul people and cargo at the same time, I would not recommend the X4.

But I do recommend the X4 for those who want to make a statement and really appreciate luxury and performance.

All X4 models come very well equipped. The X4 xDrive 28i features 19- inch alloy wheels, sunroof, autodimming and power- folding mirrors, dual- zone automatic climate control, premium vinyl upholstery, a 205- watt nine- speaker audio system, BMW’s iDrive electronics interface and more.

The X4 M40i provides leather upholstery, a premium 600- watt 19- speaker Harman Kardon audio system, sportier suspension tuning, specific programming for its transmission and all- wheel drive system, a sport- tuned exhaust, beefier front brakes and more.

I recently drove the X4 M40i. Its 355- horsepower engine delivered plenty of muscle, and I was impressed with its incredible agility and grip.

Driving dynamics can be adjusted electronically to your liking, and I am certain that anyone who spends time piloting the X4 M40i will appreciate all it has to offer.