Sport Goes Up a Notch with the 2015 BMW X4

As automakers continue to try and create vehicles we haven’t seen yet they sometimes create a variation of their own vehicles that resemble what it should be much less than what it actually is. The BMW X4 is one such vehicle. This model shows up in the middle of the SUV lineup from BMW but has really not much to do with what an SUV actually is. The one part of it that does give it an SUV style is the fact the underpinnings are based on the X3, which is a fantastic SUV to drive. Instead, the X4 shows up in a category that works with the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque and the Mercedes-Benz GLK to a certain extent.

With all the non-SUV talk, the reality is the X4 can be categorized as such when taking the all-wheel drive and size into consideration. As a smaller vehicle the X4 does show up with station wagon size and has the confidence to handle the weather with expertise that isn’t often found in sedans. As a model that is all new for 2015, it will be interesting to see if it continues to be offered in this size and with similar capabilities. As such the X4 does fill a void for the driver who wants the space that is offered, which is better than sedans, but also has the sportiness of a car over an SUV, for this driver the X4 makes perfect sense.

As anyone would expect, the X4 drives expertly in any condition, a staple of being stamped with the BMW badges, and gives drivers and passengers alike the confidence of the control that is found in this stylish and enjoyable SUV. As the smaller sibling to the X3, the X4 drivers more like a sedan than an SUV, hugging curves at higher speeds and allowing for a fantastic driving experience along any road the vehicle can find. With a full complement of BMW suspension, braking and steering equipment aboard the height of control and enjoyment of a drive in the X4 can be found along these long stretches of picturesque roads that carve up the countryside.

To add to the awesome driving experience the X4 offers four selectable driving modes to choose from: Sport+, Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro. These all control the way the car drives, handles, and gives power to allow drivers to enjoy either better driving performance and excitement or have the X4 move to a much more enjoyable fuel efficiency, the choice is up to you when driving in the X4. For those who love the X4 but want more, they can choose the M Sport Package. This package of features adds white sport seats with red stitching along with some unique wheels to the car for some excellent added looks. In addition to the cosmetics this package adds a sportier suspension making these long winding runs even more thrilling than before.

The X4 offers two engines to choose from, both of which are attached to the outstanding BMW eight-speed automatic transmission. These two are both set up with the BMW xDrive which is their version of all-wheel drive making the choice much easier for a shopper at the dealership. The base engine of the X4 shows up as a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that carries in 240 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. This power train will give owners a fuel efficiency of 21 city/28 hwy mpg.

The second engine is a very enjoyable 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that offers a strong 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. The fuel efficiency for this powertrain is 19 city/26 hwy making it a difficult choice between the engines which are so close in fuel numbers. Both of these engines run in other BMW models allowing owners to know they are buying a tried and true power plant in their new BMW X4.

On the inside the X4 has plenty of comfort and features to fully enjoy. The materials are all smooth, appealing and dramatic with the black dash and headliner offset by tan or white seats. This look is trimmed out in aluminum accents. The seating is made for five to fit comfortably and the rear seat folds down in a 40/20/40 fashion to allow a veritable versatility of cargo configurations to be enjoyed. The cargo space of this vehicle shows up at 49.4 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded completely flat. This cargo space is easily accessed by someone with a full load in their arms by use of the Smart Opener tailgate that opens with a wave of your foot.

On the outside, the goal of being sportier than the other SUVs was achieved and exceeded. The X4 offers the signature BMW front end but that is about all that is similar to an SUV from the looks of it. The hood reach is long giving the vehicle an elongated appearance and the hood to roof angle is low an easily allows anyone to be confused as to what this vehicle actually is. The roofline sweeps back in a long curve to the rear, which makes the vehicle, appear more like an overgrown coupe than an SUV. From all angles the X4 is obviously more sport than utility and offers an exciting difference from a traditional SUV.

The X4 comes with a very nice list of standard features which includes the all-wheel drive, the power rear hatch, run-flat tires, paddle shifters for the driving selections, HD Radio and rear park distance control. The optional features included on this SUV show up in a variety of packages. The M Sport Package offers the additions already covered, the Technology package adds a navigation system, heads up display and real time traffic. The Lighting package adds a full complement of LED lighting throughout the vehicle. The Premium package adds lumbar support, a Nevada leather interior and satellite radio to the mix. A few stand-alone options are also available to include Dynamic Damper Control, a Harman/Kardon premium surround sound system and a concierge service to help find restaurants and ATMs quickly and easily.

The BMW X4 makes a great choice for those looking for something in between and the xDrive28i starts with a price of $45,600 while the larger engine xDrive35i comes in near $49,000 to start with. Adding all the possible features to either model and the price jumps up to $62,000 and $66,000 respectively. The X4 has plenty of great features and equipment to offer anyone who wants to experience a great drive and can give owners everything they are looking for, sportiness over utility in an SUV.