X4-Play: Driving the BMW X4

Back in 2008, the original X6 was unleashed onto the World, promising the sportiness and drivability of a Coupe with the attributes of an SUV, all packaged in a dramatic looking body. Like most other new concepts from BMW, it was received with some shock and confusion by the motoring press. Although it drove really well with its innovative torque vectoring drive-train, some thought it was pointless while others balked at this monster of a machine that only sat 4 (rectified to sit at least 5 later in its production life). No need to mention those who fainted just from the sight of it. It looked “interestingly macho” to say the least and even i compared it to the Warthog from Xbox’s Halo (In the nicest way possible of course!).

But we were all proven wrong soon after as the BMW X6 went on to become a big sales success. It sold so well Mercedes-Benz is now trying to pry sales off BMW by creating their very own X6-esque vehicle. And now it has spawned not only a sequel, but a “lite” version, in the form of the BMW X4.

Before we begin, i have to make a confession, I’m wasn’t the biggest fan of the BMW X6. It might handle and drive exceptionally well for such a large vehicle, but it’s because of those rather big dimensions that i thought made it a little bit cumbersome on our local roads. So, unfortunately for the smaller X4, i didn’t exactly take too kindly to news of its introduction to the BMW stable. So it came as quite a pleasant surprise how much i actually liked it after seeing it with my own eyes in the dealership’s basement car park.

When i first saw the press shots of the new BMW X4, i thought it looked a little strange and maybe a bit fussy, but this is one of those cars that really needs to be seen in the flesh to be appreciated. What might look a little stumpy in photos actually translates to a rather pleasing shape in real life. The more aggressive face, the way the roof-line slopes down, the cut-lines that angle down along the sides, and most importantly of all, the overall size of the X4 is spot on. Allowing it to keep the sporty aesthetic of the X6 while forgoing most of its bulk, giving it a more athletic and lighter design and feel.

I do like how it looks. And like it enough to keep turning back whenever i parked it up. Especially in our test car’s Alpine White paint work with contrasting black elements for the wheel-arches, side-skirts and bumpers. If you spec your car with the optional M-Performance kit, those contrasting bits will be replaced with color-coded body panels. I’d personally leave those options unchecked as i reckon they add too much visual bulk to the design and makes the X4 look more slab sided and chunky.

One of the issues that X5 and X6 punters had when deciding which one to go for was interior space. While the Coupe-esq tapering roof-line gave the X6 a much more sport appearance, there was some compromise in terms of interior packaging, made more obvious when BMW initially launched the X6 as a strict 4-seater. Choosing the more menacing looking car meant giving up a not just headroom for those in the back, but an additional row of seats which the X5 could accommodate.

For those choosing the X4 over the X3 however, they have a lot less to lose out on. Like the X4, the X3 does not have the option to add a third row of seats, so those who choose the X4 over the X3 are really only giving up the slightest bits of headroom for the rear passengers and some space in the boot, which on the X4, still easily swallows up plenty of shopping bags, golf bags and even the occasional bit of furniture.

Inside, ergonomics are without a fault and with our car’s brushed aluminum trim, looks and feels good even though the dashboard styling is similar to its X3 brethren and might feel a little mundane if one was to be really fussy.

Seats are extremely supportive with electrically adjustable everything and inflatable side bolsters to pinch you into your seat. Those in the back also get a decent amount of legroom. Surprisingly, the tapering roof-line does not intrude too much into the cabin and with the rear seat bench positioned lower than the seats up front, passengers in the back are well accommodated for. Two full-sized adults can comfortably sit inside and three will find it adequate with no need to encroach into anyone’s personal space.

On the road, the BMW X4 drives as well as any other BMW should, with excellent body control and equipped with Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) and Electronic Damper Control (EDC), allows drivers to adjust the ride characteristics of the X4 from Comfort, to Sport, to an almost too bumpy Sport-plus that feels slightly out of character for a car of this type. On all 3 modes however, damping is nicely calibrated, and BMW’s characteristic underlying stability is ever present, keeping the X4 planted and straight as long as one keeps things sensible. If the driver chooses to wing it and push harder, the X4 is surprisingly agile on its feet and equipped with xDrive, has the advantage of 2 wheels up front helping to pull the SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) out of tight situations. For a car sitting somewhat high up, it drives extremely well.

With BMW’s multi award winning Twin-scroll charged 3-liter up front running through ZF’s lovely 8-speeder, our top-of-the-range test model pumps out a very respectable 300 horses and 400Nm of torque from just above idling speed, acceleration is not going to be much of an issue here but if you must, 100km/h comes up in 5.5 seconds, slightly quicker than the X3.

Mid-range overtaking maneuvers remain effortless and with its smaller footprint, allows you to dart it through traffic much easier than its bigger X5/X6 brothers.

I really do like the new X4, it drives and handles well, is perfectly sized for Singapore’s roads and i think it looks really good. With the X4, BMW has done something all other SUV/SAVs have failed to do, make me seriously consider having one. (If i can pony up the cash of course)