The BMW X4 is a sporty SUV designed to
upstage the Porsche Macan
The BMW X4 is a car that blends the
performance of an Audi SQ5 and the style of a Range Rover Evoque. Trouble is,
the Porsche Macan has already seen off those two. The X4 needs to succeed where
these others failed.
The
independent self-image of the BMW X4 is evident as soon as you set eyes on it.
The striking front is characterised by a solid stance, a powerful kidney grille
and large air inlets. The integrated double-round headlights are available with
full LED technology as an option.
It seems possible, because the X4 is just
as powerful and, officially, more economical than the Porsche. However, the
Macan’s quality, handling dynamics and image will be tough to beat.
What are they like to drive?
Both cars have 255bhp six-cylinder diesel
engines, but Porsche has managed to squeeze a bit more pulling power out of the
Macan. Even so, the X4 has 60kg less to carry around, so is ultimately the
quicker car.
The BMW’s weight advantage and the fact
that its peak torque arrives slightly earlier gives it an advantage when
accelerating from low revs; it builds speed more quickly.
The X4’s eight-speed automatic gearbox is
also more intelligent than the Macan’s when left to its own devices – it’s more
decisive when you ask for a sudden burst of acceleration and is just as smooth
when fitting between gears. That said, the Macan’s seven-speed auto ’box is
quicker to respond when you select gears manually via the steering wheel
paddles.
The
Macan S shares its basic architecture with the Audi Q5, but is quicker and more
capable on-road and off, thanks to a 340-hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 with
all-wheel drive and a seven-speed transmission. Just because it’s smaller than
the Cayenne, however, doesn’t make it cheaper: base models cost about the same.
The BMW’s engine is less refined than the
Porsche’s. Both start to sound strained above 3000rpm, but there’s a more gravelly
note to the X4’s unit, accompanied by more turbo whistle. You also feel a bit
more vibration through the pedals.
The X4’s quicker steering helps it feel
slightly more agile in town, but the Macan’s stronger front-end grip helps it
turn in to corners more keenly at higher speeds. The Porsche’s steering also
feels the more naturally weighted and body control is slightly better in tight
bends.
It’s worth noting that both of our test
cars featured optional suspension set-ups – the X4 was fitted with BMW’s $1,560
adaptive damper system and the Macan with $2,970 of air suspension. Left in
their most comfortable modes, both cars do a good job of soaking up bumps;
you’re jostled around a little bit more in the Macan at low speeds (its
optional 21-inch wheels don’t help matters), but it stays more settled on the
motorway. The Porsche is also the more peaceful place to spend time, because
you can hear more wind noise whipping around the X4’s door mirrors. Both cars
generate a fair amount of road noise at speed, though.
What are they like inside?
The X4 has more head- and legroom up front,
but tall adults will be comfortable in both cars. There’s a good range of
driver’s seat adjustment in both, too, although the Macan benefits from
standard eight-way electric seats to make the job a bit easier. The Porsche’s
front passenger gets six-way manual adjustment, while both of the X4’s front
seats have to be adjusted manually.
The
elevated seat position in the BMW X4 offers a perfect view of the exclusive,
clearly designed interior. The standard-feature sport leather steering wheel
and the sporty-shaped gear selector lever convey a dynamic impression in an
instant.
Moving to the back seats, two tall adults
will be happy with leg- and headroom in the X4. The same passengers will find
their knees touching the backs of the front seats in the Macan, and while
headroom is good, access is more difficult than in the X4 because of its
tapering roof line
Official figures say that the Macan and X4
have identical sized boots, but in reality the Macan’s is more practical. It
has the wider opening and its load bay is slightly longer and deeper than the
X4’s, which means bulky items can be loaded and stored more easily. Even so,
both will take a couple of large pushchairs or a set of golf clubs.
