Take A Look At BMW X4

Take A Look At BMW X4

BMW finds its shrink ray

Perched atop the chassis of the 3-series-based X3, the X4 is one of the newbreed of coupey SU Vs. The wheelbase is unchanged from, and most dimensions are close to, the X3. What makes the X4 different is its sloping hatch and flared rear fenders. It’s simultaneously handsome and awkward, like ayoung Christopher Walken. Such outre style rarely comes without a penalty. In Walken’s case, it meant young children were terrified. In the case of the X4, a low roof cuts into rear-seat headroom and the cargo area.

BMW X4 front view

From the driver’s seat, the X4 will likely fool you into thinking it’s an X3- both the hood and dashboard are shared. Turn around, or peek into the rearview mirror, and the mimicry ends. You can’t see cars behind you. Its shoebox rear window creates visibility anxiety known mainly to owners of Lotus Esprits.

BMW X4 interior

Unlike the X3, the X4 does not offer a diesel or rear-drive. Two familiar engines are available: a 240-hp 2.0-liter turbo four and a 300-hp 3.0-liter inline-six. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission. In full 300-hp M Sport guise, the X4 exhibits excel-lent body control, direct steering, and handling as crisp as a two- piece meal from Popeyes. BMW’s straight-six sings as it spins and provides strong acceleration for the 4300-pound X4, hustling it from zero to 60 mph in about five and a half seconds. The X4 xDrive35i stands as a reminder that, even if most other automakers have cracked BMW’s chassis code, few can match its powertrain genius. Or sillytrim names.

BMW X4 engine

Prices start at $48,925 for the turbo six and $45,625 for the four. The X3 is a relative bargain at $46,025 and $41,325, respectively. This is BMW’s Gran Coupe pricing- lower rooflines equal elevated price tags- applied to the realm of the small SUV. To us, it’s not worth the premium. Especially if you need to look behind you.

Now be honest: Doesn’t the BMW X4 look a bit like a Pontiac Aztek? We can only assume this was wholly unintentional