BMW X4 2019 Review

The present trend of consumers moving in the direction of crossovers, with many giving up sedans in favor of the often-sporty looking SUV style utility vehicles has partly been influenced by cars like the BMW X4. Over a decade ago BMW’s X6 was reminiscent of the 1940s when most if not all cars were four-door fastbacks. While most assumed that nobody liked that design anymore, the 2019 BMW X4 is here to prove those naysayers wrong as it first did in 2015.

 

The second-generation BMW X4 is not old fashioned. Don’t get us wrong the fastback is a blast from the past, but with it comes an array of features that would tempt even the most hardcore sedan fans.

Design and Style

The X4 is prettier than its predecessor, yet continues to resemble a turtle. The wheelbase has been stretched by 2.1 inches, and a shadow which is around 3.2 inches longer than the first generation, not to mention being an inch wider and a dash lower. BMW’s designers have been able to iron out the stubby profile to ensure that the rear contour flows smoothly into a beautiful shape.

The added length brings with it more rear seat legroom, which is around an inch more, ample cargo space which is a foot larger. Apart from that, the interior bears an uncanny resemblance to the X3’s cargo hold, which in our experience is very good.

The driver’s seat feels great, its comfortable, highly supportive and yet sporty. Made from quality materials and ergonomically designed seat means that its perfectly suited for non-stop long highway driving. The iDrive screen is similar to the X3’s screen and is as responsive graphically, and intuitively all of which makes it a welcome addition in the second generation X4.

Driving Experience

The second generation X4 features BMW’s four-cylinder turbo engine, which is very quiet until of course your start revving it up. Even under full load at around 6500RPM, it still isn’t too loud which is welcome by anyone who wants to hear the engine but not be blown away by the sound.

The engine despite being quite delivered linear performance for the most part across its entire rev range. Though torque is decent on both low gears and high gears especially when driving uphill. The good thing is you don’t have to work the engine too hard even if the climb is steep. Light throttle and regular revving are all that’s needed for good acceleration.

You can expect the same performance from the X4’s diesel variant, i.e. the xDrive20d. While not as snappy as its gasoline counterpart it is still amongst the fastest diesel engines in this class of vehicle, not to mention being frugal when it comes to sipping fuel. By default, the car runs in Eco-Pro mode, which is good enough for local commutes unless of course, you’re taking it out on a quick weekend drive.

When driving at night the X4’s headlights were some of the brightest we have seen, casting a sizeable bright shadow when on low beam, and will automatically dip for oncoming vehicles, yet all the shadowy corners are well illuminated.

The rain sensing wipers come on at the first sign of drops on the windscreen. The only thing we missed was the tailgate wipers. We wished they were as good!

Fuel Saving Technology

The fuel averages our test car recorded was 8.2L/100km. When compared to other competing vehicles in its class the X4’s average is pretty darn good. The petrol engine registered an 11.4L/100km when driving through heavy traffic, but on the open road, it delivered 10.1L/100km, through an average 70km test drive.

BMW’s state-of-the-art idle-stop system does an excellent job of saving fuel when driving through stop/start traffic. It restarted the engine almost immediately, but in our experience, it worked much better with the diesel engine.

Our only gripe if you can call it that is the vehicle is too slow when driven in Eco-Pro mode. The performance does not only take a hit concerning speed, but somehow the vehicle’s shifting feels sluggish. It is unable to deliver that quick burst of torque often needed when navigating through heavy traffic. That said we would suggest that most people with the petrol engine drive in Comfort mode as it feels far more responsive.

Final Verdict

The BMW X4 2019 offers a healthy dose of features, better performance, and comfort. However, there are issues with uncomfortable rear seats, which stem from the low roofline associated with the design. It is still a problem despite the hip point that BMW so proudly shows off. Most adults will not have to duck when entering the rear, but some may need to. If you’re an average sized adult, the rear seat will be fine, but the additional $3000 sunroof does reduce headroom in the back. So, if you have a lot of tall people taking up the back seats then don’t opt to pay the extra $3K for the sunroof.

The overall comfort level is ideally suited for long drives thanks to the firmly cushioned seats which have been shaped to provide support and comfort. The drivers and passengers are both held in place firmly which is always a good thing.

Now with the BMW, you have the option of choosing between the X4 and the X3. If you want something with more function as compared to form, then the X3 is a good choice. The X4’s so-called fastback wagon style design may look great, but it isn’t for everyone. It is only for those who can sacrifice a bit of adult accommodation in the back for better looks. Both models drive equally well, and so you won’t be sacrificing performance with either one.

 

 

Additional Details

Car Make: BMW
Car Make: X4