BMW X4 2014 review: first drive

The BMW family is growing faster than hashtags in the twittersphere. Now there is a new X fighter to cash in on the crossover craze that's sweeping the world and bringing hybrid bodies to unexpected new-car choices.

DESIGN

So, in a relationship identical to the family tie between the X5 SUV and X6 crossover coupe, we now have the X4 based on the mid-sized X3. It's a good looker with four-door coupe styling that retains the all-wheel drive grip and high-riding seating position, available with four engine packages and various equipment choices.

Explore the 2014 BMW X Models range

• BMW X4 2014 review: first drive
• BMW X4 2014 review
• BMW X4 2014 review: snapshot

VALUE

Prices range from $69,430 to $87,430 - before the inevitable brush with BMW's encyclopedic options list. The X4 got a lukewarm Carsguide welcome at the press preview in Germany and now I'm strapped in for a first local experience. But there are still unanswered questions, as there is no sign of the xDrive20i that's the starter car or even the smaller of the two diesel engines in the X4 line-up.

Instead, I'm in the upscale six-cylinder petrol engine and the more powerful 2.0-litre turbo diesel. There is lots of fine equipment, including high-end navigation, leather and - in the 3.0 six - 20-inch alloy wheels.

The idea of crossover coupes began with the X6 and even BMW's deadly rival, Mercedes, has caved in to showroom pressure with a car based on its ML. In the early days the X6 was definitely the answer to a question that n one had asked. Times have changed.

'Now it's the answer to a question that 250,000 people have asked globally," says BMW Australia marketing chief Toni Andreevski. He expects a similarly open response to the X4, from a lot of BMW traditionalists but also newcomers to the brand.

The junior diesel (not driven, remember) is expected to be the top seller just as the diesel is the choice with 75 per cent of X6 buyers in Australia. The closest competitor to the X4 is the Porsche Macan, even though it's a boxy SUV. And a sportier drive.
The easiest way to cover the X4 as a package is to say it's $9000 dearer than an equivalent X3, which BMW says is matched by extra equipment including the body. Even if it's twisted another way.

'The difference is that the X3 is $9000 cheaper. So you have the choice of being cheaper, but with the X4 we're predicting that people will want the extra equipment," says Andreevski. 'And, right now we cannot get enough X3s. We're predicting that sales will increase next year." He says the engines were chosen for the sportiest character, which means a minimum of 135kW in the basic petrol four and up to 560Nm of torque in the meatier diesel. In all four models, running gear is eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive; two have a slightly sportier shift program to justify a 'sport automatic" tag.

The X4 is 15mm longer than the X3 and the roofline is 36mm lower; the only shared panels are the bonnet and front doors.
On the equipment front, all models get an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, sports wheel with sharper steering than the X3, split-folding (40-20-40) rear seat, leather trim and a long list of safety gear. If you go all the way the X4 comes with Harmon Kardon audio, M Sport package and more.

BMW is expecting more men to go for the X4 and hopes to drag a lot of fresh lookers into showrooms. 'The tagline we're using is -unconform'. These are people who don't want what everyone else has," says Andreevski.

DRIVING

I have to admit that I like the looks of the X4, which is more elegant than the brutish X6. The packaging is a good size for a family, with decent space in the rear seat and tail.

I wonder how it will drive when I get into the xDrive35i - and no, I'm not a fan of the over-confusing badges - but I'm won quickly by the creamy six, the comfort and the high-riding view. I'm far less impressed by the fidgety ride over broken surfaces, and wonder how much is down to low-profile runflat tyres.

I find out quickly when I switch from good-looker 20-inch alloys to 19-inchers on the 30d model, which also has a little extra weight in the nose. The ride is vastly better and I would not recommend the 20s for any reason beyond buyer vanity.