BMW X4 2019 Review

Niche-selling prestige SUV gets a new lease on life following its second-generation rebirth

Larger, lighter and more stylish than the model it replaces, the 2019 BMW X4 shares its new, modular platform with the latest X3 in the same market segment. Engines are largely carried over, although BMW Australia has dropped the previous model’s six-cylinder turbo-diesel, leaving just four-cylinder engines – one a diesel – and the high-performance six-cylinder M40i variant replacing the previous xDrive35i.

Paddling, not pedalling

When BMW launched its second-generation X4 range in Australia just two months ago, the new model was greeted by the local motoring media with mixed feelings. Those sentiments mostly focused on the car’s unforgiving ride, versatility (relative to the X3 sharing the same platform) and debatable looks.

And normally a seven-day test would amplify the negatives, as reviewers get to steer the new car on local roads in a familiar context.

However, that wasn’t the case with the BMW X4 xDrive20d and xDrive30i recently tested over two consecutive weeks. Both the four-cylinder models impressed with their quiet demeanour and acceptable ride comfort on urban streets and arterials, rather than the country roads chosen for the new model’s local launch.

Even on well-maintained bitumen though, one of the BMW X4 test variants faced a particular challenge: a deluge on Melbourne Cup Day in November brought with it a 300m stretch of flooded road up to about 30cm deep. In the unusual position of handling a situation more often encountered in true off-road environments, the petrol X4 waded through with reasonable poise – other than occasionally bucking in the wake of oncoming vehicles.

Testing on terra firma

While the BMW X4 may not make a great yacht, on dry land it’s pleasing to drive and is a comfortable carriage, around town or on the open road.

The engine is a typical BMW turbo four-cylinder in character, but exceptionally quiet until the driver is hoofing it. Even then, under full load and wound up to 6500rpm it spins freely and with zero coarseness, although it sounds a little clinical to the ear.

As with all the higher-output turbo four-cylinder petrol engines from BMW in recent years, this one delivers linear performance across the rev range. There’s a fair whack of torque available from low revs to hold higher gears longer on hills. It doesn’t have to be worked hard for adequate performance in town either. Light throttle and low revs are all that’s needed for reasonable acceleration away from the lights.

The refined diesel engine in the BMW X4 xDrive20d is more of the same. In city traffic the diesel X4 would pull away easily from the pack and yet it still delivered frugal fuel use over a couple of days. Left in the fuel-sipping Eco-Pro mode, which can be relied on to emasculate the performance of any four-cylinder petrol BMW, the diesel delivered reasonably brisk acceleration and response during the daily commute.

Fuel-saving tech

According to the trip computer the X4 20d was posting an average fuel consumption figure of 8.2L/100km, which is very good indeed, considering that included no open-road driving at all, and the X4 was frequently stopping at red lights a couple of hundred metres apart.

The petrol X4 posted a figure of 6.3L/100km for an open-road run along Melbourne’s Monash Freeway and turned in a commendable figure of 10.1L/100km on a 72km test loop. In traffic the figure rose to 11.4L/100km, but the X4 30i finished the week on 9.5L/100km.

The idle-stop system played its part in conserving fuel, and restarted both engines quickly and almost imperceptibly, but worked better with the diesel and the ZF automatic than in the 30i. There was not the same level of conflict between the powertrain and the brakes when trying to pull up gently.

The ZF eight-speed transmission fitted as standard in both cars shifted up undetectably on light throttle loads and was as responsive to manual downshifts as one would expect from a ZF unit. As we also found during the local launch, the sophisticated transmission picks up the right gear downhill and does not change up automatically at the redline in manual-shift mode.

In Eco-Pro mode both models of the BMW X4 ‘coast’ a long way on a gentle downhill slope. The engine disengages from the transmission and runs at idle until the driver demands torque or the car requires some engine braking for energy recovery or to hold the X4 at a lower speed on the hill. Picking the point where the X4 begins to glide is not easy without checking out the economy gauge that replaces the tacho when you change mode to Eco-Pro. It’s a seamless transition.

However, while it does seem to boost economy in heavy traffic, the fuel-conserving Eco-Pro mode in the petrol model is too slow delivering performance on those occasions more power and torque are required at short notice. The accelerator travel is long and doughy, and power delivery lacks any sort of vitality. Even in Comfort mode the X4 feels more responsive.

Dynamic and nimble

Both variants of the X4 drive well. The steering is direct and communicative, although some buyers may find it heavy at times. A relatively short wheelbase lends the X4 an agility that’s unlike most rivals’. Although the handling tends towards neutral or even oversteer on a trailing throttle, the X4’s grip is so determined that it would take a foolhardy driver to exceed the limits of adhesion. As the X4 approaches its dynamic ceiling the SUV rolls more but remains securely on-track – and at a speed that’s comparable to that of better passenger cars.

In the suburbs the X4’s ride comfort was a little stiff, even in the Comfort or Eco-Pro modes, but it provided the appropriate level of control in Sport mode for high-g cornering loads. On one occasion one of the front Bridgestone 275/40 R20 run-flats crashed badly over a pothole. The harder riding suspension of the X4 was guilty of the odd thump and clunk from underneath as well.

During night-time driving the X4’s headlights were excellent, casting a bright shadow on low beam, automatically dipping for on-coming drivers and keeping the shadowy areas inside the corners properly illuminated. The rain-sensing wipers were very good too, although a wiper for the tailgate was something missed on a couple of rainy mornings.

Style or substance?

As mentioned after the local launch of the X4, access to the rear seat suffers from the SUV’s low roofline, in spite of the BMW’s sensible hip point. Notwithstanding the need for adults to duck entering the rear of the X4, however, the rear seat was generally roomy, although the optional sunroof ($3000) fitted to both test vehicles reduced headroom back there.

If function is more important than form, buyers will opt for the X3 rather than the fastback-wagon style of the X4. Some buyers may be prepared to sacrifice adult accommodation, however, for the X4’s looks.

Up front, the seats are firmly cushioned but well-shaped for comfort and support. They hold the driver and front passenger securely in place when the X4 is being hurled around a bit.

The instrument binnacle is informative in most respects and easy enough to read, whatever its presentation mode – which changes with different BMW Driving Experience settings. Typical BMW design, the centre fascia incorporates an infotainment screen in a tablet format located high on the dash.

The interior is attractive with (optional extended) white leather upholstery adding $2200 to the purchase price of the vehicle.

At times the tailgate of the diesel X4 rattled over speed humps. This was the only occasion the fit and finish of either variant could be faulted. The powered tailgate is operated from a switch on the driver’s armrest near the power window switches, by a button inside the tailgate to lower it from the rear of the car or by pressing the top of the BMW roundel badge on the outside to open it. The car has to be manually unlocked from the driver’s seat or from the key fob before the tailgate can be opened from the rear of the car – a security measure to prevent theft from a BMW while the car is standing in traffic.

The X4’s boot is fairly practical, with a triple-split folding rear seat and an easily removable parcel shelf, which looks hefty enough to support a parcel in practice. It meshes together with a cargo blind fixed to the tailgate to conceal goods in the boot when the tailgate is lowered. Because it’s fitted with run-flat tyres, the X4 comes without a spare.

The price of panache

Nearly $10,000 worth of options were fitted to the diesel X4. Although it’s not cheap, at $2200, the Innovations package includes high-beam assistant, adaptive LED headlights, inductive charging for the smartphone and multi-function instrument display – all of which were useful in varying degrees.

Similarly, the X4 30i variant tested came with options totaling nearly $11,000. As with the diesel the sunroof accounted for $3000. Metallic paint cost nearly $2000 and the Comfort Package came in at $2800. Comprising ambient lighting, adjustable lumbar support/seat heating for front seats and HiFi loudspeaker audio, the Comfort Package is an option many buyers could safely skip, unless money is no real object.

The specifications and options of the X4 – particularly the 30i variant – beg the obvious question: This, or the four-cylinder Porsche Macan? To date, the Porsche is outselling the X4 in 2018, although that may change next year as the new X4 finds its feet. It promises to be an interesting stoush, and the Macan is not to be written off lightly.

How much does the 2019 BMW X4 xDrive30i cost?
Price: $83,900 (plus on-road costs), $94,520 (as tested, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 185kW/350Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 177g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star Euro NCAP (2017)

How much does the 2019 BMW X4 xDrive20d cost?
Price: $79,900 (plus on-road costs), $89,100 (as tested, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/400Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 154g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star Euro NCAP (2017)