BMW has released its X4 in South Africa. CAR journalist Kelly Lodewyks drove it around Cape Town to see what it offers.
Exterior and interior
The styling is very much baby X6 with a sweeping roofline, strong character lines on the flanks and prominent wheelarches. There’s the familial BMW face with a more horizontally orientated take on the twin-kidney grille and swept-back headlamps, while the rear features BMW’s now-signature L-shaped brakelamps and a pseudo-diffuser rear apron.
Inside it feels like a modern BMW and not that different from its X3 sibling. The cabin feels small and slightly cramped owing to the sloping roof and compact dimensions (for an SUV-like vehicle). As is expected from BMW, the layout is clean and the overall feeling is one of high quality and luxury.
Standard features
There are plenty of standard features in this X4 including items such as automatic start/stop function, multifunction steering wheel, rear view camera, park distance control at the front and rear, rain sensor and automatic headlight control, Xenon headlights, automatic air conditioning, cruise control with brake function, LED fog lights and daytime running lights.
Under the bonnet and on the road
This particular model comes equipped with BMW’s 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol unit that delivers a maximum power output of 135 kW at 5 000 r/min and 270 N.m at 1 250 r/min and is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
You get a decent amount of torque right from the start, so even though it’s the entry-level model with the least amount of power, you won’t be left behind at the traffic light. The delivery of this torque is smooth and unobtrusive and when it reaches the top of its band at 4 500 r/min, the maximum power output kicks in at 5 000 r/min so you have ample shove to keep moving you along. It’s not the sportiest of engines, but it’s adequate for those who prefer to cruise along rather than rush from one point to the next.
The most impressive thing about the X4 though, is the dynamics. For what’s supposed to be an SUV, it feels decidedly sporty and pushing it through corners reveals that there is very little body roll. The lower seating position (over the X3) means that you don’t get the feeling of sitting too high and there’s a sense of more control, while the slightly firmer suspension allows for improved handling without much of a compromise on damping.
Overall
While I don’t dislike the vehicle in any big way – it looks purposeful and dynamically it’s rather impressive for what it is – I just don’t understand the concept. Overall dimensions are bigger than a car, yes, but on the inside it’s small and, in my opinion, doesn’t offer more practicality than say, a 4 Series Gran Coupe. What the buying decision will come down to in the end is the design. And if you’re fan of it and you are willing to part with R647 500 (before you tick any option boxes), then go for it.
