BMW X4 M ESTATE xDrive X4 M Competition 5dr Step Auto

BMW is leaving no stone un-turned in its efforts to fill every possible premium market automotive niche with desirable products. Here's another one - an improved take on the second generation version of the company's fashionable X4. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

BMW still tells us this second generation X4 model, here usefully improved, is a 'sports coupe'. Whatever your take on that, this sporting crossover is certainly an interesting take on fashionable family motoring. If you can afford the fee, it's a tempting take on the mid-sized premium-badged SUV genre and if you like the looks, then you'll probably like everything else because it's pure BMW. It's even a little more practical than you might expect. True, the world may not need another car like this - but you certainly might.

Background

If you're at all familiar with the Munich maker's model line-up, then you'll get the idea behind this car immediately. In 2008, the company brought us a design they badged as the 'X6', a kind of sportier coupe-like version of their established X5 luxury SUV. Against the odds, the X6 has since been a profitable car for the brand, so in 2014, the same concept was down-sized with the first generation X4, a sportier coupe-like version of the squarer, more practical X3 compact SUV. This second generation X4 first arrived in 2018, very much a refinement of the original, with slightly lighter weight, sharper looks, a classier cabin and a greater level of media and autonomous driving tech. With this revised model, MHEV mild hybrid engine tech has been introduced and cabin quality takes a big leap forward. And there's also a properly potent 'M Competition' petrol flagship variant for the first time equipped to take the fight to road-burning rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe 63.

Driving Experience

As before, the X4 range focuses on diesel power, though it's now diesel power with BMW's latest 48V mild hybrid engine tech included. Most buyers, as before, are likely to opt for the volume xDrive 20d variant with its familiar 190hp 2.0-litre black pump-fuelled engine. Next up in the range is the six cylinder xDrive30d, now with 286hp. This engine also comes in 340hp form with the M40d model. There's also an M Performance petrol-powered variant, the six cylinder M40i, with 360hp. Plus there's a 'full M' range-topping 510hp X4 M Competition variant to take on rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe 63 4MATIC+. All model variants direct their engine's power to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and feature BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive as standard. The standard-fit Driving Experience Control switch lets drivers choose from SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO set-ups, while six cylinder models also add a SPORT+ mode. You certainly won't lack for performance. Even the base xDrive20d variant manages 62mph from rest in 7.9s en route to 132mph, figures the six cylinder xDrive30d improves substantially to 5.7s and 152mph. For the M40d and M40i, you're looking at 4.9s and 155mph. BMW has tuned the suspension of the X4 to offer a more focused feel than that of the X3 and the intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system splits drive between the rear wheels continuously, plus as required, optimising traction, turn-in and directional stability. The Variable Sport Steering system is fitted as standard and an xDrive status display makes a bid for what might be the most gratuitous use of graphics in a car with the three-dimensional display of the car's body roll and pitch.

Design and Build

This updated version of the second generation model gains a smarter look, courtesy of a larger front kidney grille with a mesh finish. It's flanked by now-flatter headlights that now have standard adaptive LED beams and there's a revised front bumper with a re-styled lower apron. The typical BMW proportions with long bonnet, flat windscreen and long wheelbase give the X4 an elongated, sporty appearance. It's 55mm lower than the brand's X3, longer by 43mm and 27mm wider. Featuring revised LED rear lights with a three-dimensional design, emphasising the vehicle width, the rear section now has a more clear-cut shape, with a smarter rear apron and wide free-form tailpipe trims. Inside, the twin-screened 'BMW Live Cockpit Professional' set-up is now standard. That brings a 12.3-inch instrument binnacle display and the 'BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant', a voice control system responding to the command 'Hey BMW'. 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring is now (at last) standard. And the infotainment set-up now updates itself with 'over-the-air' upgrades, so you'll get into your X4 one morning and find it able to do something it couldn't do the day before. Three full-size seats are fitted in the rear compartment and headroom's not as compromised as you might think by the coupe-style roof line. Don't expect to get quite as much boot space as in an X3 but 525-litres should be enough and there's the versatility of 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, plus the standard-fit automatically opening tailgate makes loading easy. Fold the rear bench and there's 1,430-litres of space.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £49,000 for the base xDrive20d; you'll need around £5,000 more for the six cylinder xDrive30d diesel. These figures represent a bit of a step up from the previous generation line-up. But BMW seems very confident it'll continue to find buyers for the X4. The top diesel variant the M40d costs just over £61,000. The top petrol variant, the M40i costs just under £62,000. At least it's not as if this Munich model needs a whole lot of extras. All X4 models feature Vernasca leather upholstery and automatic air conditioning with three-zone control is also standard across the range, allowing separate temperature settings for the driver and front passenger as well as separate climate control at the rear. Whichever variant you select, it'll be easy to spend more than you budgeted or, thanks to a wider range of tempting options. Optional perforated leather climate seats will be popular, perhaps fitted out with active seat ventilation. Another option is a generously sized panoramic glass roof, while optional acoustic front side windows will complement the standard acoustic windscreen glazing to help create even lower noise levels in the cabin. Another interesting option is the BMW Display Key. Fuel level, remaining range and service information are all shown on its 2.2-inch touch display, while the key can also be used to lock the doors, close the windows and operate the optional auxiliary heating system. 

Cost of Ownership

If you've heard talk that diesel engines are planet-polluting brutes, then shelve that for a moment while you examine the black pump-fuelled powerplants on offer here because they're nothing like that. The mild hybrid technology now used in all available X4 combustion engines draws on a powerful 48-volt starter generator and an additional battery, so it has significantly expanded possibilities when it comes to brake energy recuperation. The energy obtained by means of recuperation and stored in the 48-volt battery is also used to supply the 12-volt electrical system and the electrically-operated vehicle functions connected to it. Enough with the tech; what about the WLTP figures? Well, the X4 xDrive20d variant most will choose manages up to 49.6mpg on the combined cycle and up to 153g/km of CO2. Move up to the six cylinder xDrive30d model and you're looking at up to 46.3mpg and 159g/km. Even the M40d manages 42.8mpg and 168g/km. Want to know about the petrol M40i model? Well that returns 32.5mpg and 202g/km. Unlike the X3, there are no Plug-in PHEV or EV drivetrain options. What else might you need to know? Well, routine maintenance is dictated by 'Condition Based Servicing' that monitors oil level and engine wear, taking into account how long it's been and how far the car has travelled since its previous garage visit. You can check all of this using menus in the 'iDrive' centre-dash display and the car will give you four weeks' notice of when a check-up is needed so you have plenty of time to book it. To help plan ahead for the cost of regular work, at point of purchase you'll be offered a 'BMW Service Inclusive' package that lasts for three years and 36,000 miles.

Summary

Inevitably, a model of this kind will continually divide opinion. The people who don't like it will tell you to buy a cheaper, more practical X3 - but then they're probably the same people who can't see the point of anything prioritising style over substance. In any case, this improved X4 does have substance to its proposition - at least when it comes to efficiency, quality and low running costs. It's even reasonably spacious and practical. Don't be dissuaded then, if you'd like one. This may not be quite the sharpest dynamic contender in its segment but it's still an astonishingly rewarding steer for something based on SUV underpinnings. Yes, there's an element of compromise in its packaging but the world would be a dull place if we only bought cars on a pragmatic basis. File this one under 'unexpectedly likeable'.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated windscreen washer jets

Sun protection glass

Rain sensor including auto headlights activation

Windscreen wipers with adjustable interval

Acoustic glazing

Green tinted heat protection glazing

Electric front and rear windows with fingertip open/close + anti-trap facility and comfort closing function

Brakes

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Hill descent control

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Hill start assist

ADB - Automatic Differential Brake

Brake energy regeneration

Brake drying

Braking pre-tensioning

Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)

Compound structure brake discs

Electromechanical parking brake including automatic hold function and automatic release of the parking brake when driving off

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats in velour - Front and rear colour co-ordinated with all standard carpet colours and front with M stripes

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive M suspension

Double joint spring strut front axle

Drive experience mode switch - Comfort mode, ECO PRO mode and SPORT mode

Communication

Enhanced bluetooth with wireless charging

Driver Aids

Variable sport steering

Cruise control with brake function + speed limiter

Attentiveness assist

Electronic Power Steering (EPS)

Front/rear park distance control (PDC)

M drive buttons

Active Guard Plus incl front collision warning with brake intervention

Driver Convenience

Automatic tailgate operation

BMW gesture control

Auto start-stop

Driver Information

Head up Display

BMW Teleservices

Wifi hotspot preparation

Check Control warning system for monitoring of lights and door/luggage compartment open warning

Brake pad wear indicator in front and rear

On board computer - average speed+fuel consumption,service interval, clock date,odometer,trip meter,outside temperature display with acoustic ice warn

Lights on warning by audio warning signal when ignition is switched off

Condition based service

Oil sensor for level and grade, warning by check control system

Personal Profile - automatic lock when driving away selectable

Integrated owner's handbook

BMW service history

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

BMW Live Cockpit Professional Nav with 12.3" instrument display + 12.3" control display, Intelligent Voice Assist, BMW OS 7, HDD, 2USB, 4G LTE connect

Language version English

Shifting point display

iDrive touch controller with 8 favourite buttons

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Direction indicator, side repeaters, integrated in exterior mirrors

Folding wing mirror with auto dimming

Embellishment Trims

Carbon fibre interior trim finishers

Sensatec dashboard in black with contrasting seam in grey and upper door trim panels in Sensatec for front and rear doors

Engine

Performance Control

Incorrect fuelling protection

Activation of safety battery terminal clamp

EU6 emissions management

Entertainment

DAB tuner

Harman Kardon loudspeaker system

Electronic service booklet

2 USB ports for charging in rear of centre console

2x USB Type C ports in front centre console for charging and data transfer

Exterior Body Features

Black finish on B pillars

Body colour door handles

M door entry sills

Shark fin antenna

M Sport exhaust system

Visible VIN plate

Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements

Lightweight engineering

Body colour front and rear bumpers

M Double slat kidney grilles in High Gloss Black with black slats

M competition bodystyling

High gloss shadowline exterior trim in decorative moulding side frame/recess cover/guide rail/B, C pillars/mirror frame and triangle with mirror base

M Exhaust tailpipes - Quad, round, split left and right with high gloss black finisher 100mm

Rear side wing doors

Model inscription logo on right tailgate

Exterior Lights

Reversing lights

High beam assistant

Welcome lighting

LED tail lights

Dynamic brake lights

High level 3rd brake light incorporating LED Technology

Automatic headlight beam throw control with load dependent regulating reaction, dynamic compensation of braking dive and acceleration squat

Follow me home headlight function

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone automatic air conditioning

Microfilter and active carbon filter

Interior Features

Anthracite headlining

Front centre armrest with storage compartment

Front cupholders x 2

Foldable boot floor with storage compartment

Toolkit located in luggage compartment

Multifunction steering wheel

Reach and rake adjustable steering column

Storage compartment in rear centre console, front and rear door trims and under luggage compartment

Four grab handles integrated in roof lining

Front and rear side armrests integrated into door trim

Front and rear bottle holders integrated into door trim storage compartments

Rear seat centre armrest with two cupholders

Parcel shelf removeable and storable under boot floor

Battery in luggage compartment

Steering wheel heating

M Gear knob

Glove compartment with illumination

High gloss black front door sill finishers with X4 M competition designation

M sport leather steering wheel

12V power socket in luggage compartment and front centre console

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Packs

Connected package professional - X3 M/X4 M

Extended storage pack with Stainless steel door sills - X4 M

Ambient light pack - X3/X4 M

Interior lighting pack -X3/X4 M

Interior and exterior mirror pack - X3/X4 M

Safety

Side impact protection

Twin horns

Warning triangle and first aid kit

BMW emergency call

Deactivation of fuel pump in the event of a crash

Child seat ISOFIX attachment rear outer seats

Child proof locking system in rear door

Passive protection for pedestrians

Airbags - Front driver/passenger, front and rear curtain head protection, front side, manual deactivation of front passenger airbag

Crash Sensor - activation of central locking release, hazard warning light and interior lighting

Three point seatbelts to all seats with front and outer rear pyrotechnic belt tensioners and seat belt force limiters

Active protection

Crash Sensor - activation of airbags

Driver and front passenger with seat occupancy detection for driver's and passenger side

Crash Sensor - Deactivation of the high voltage system

Seats

Heated front and rear seats

Front head restraints

Through loading system with 40/20/40 split folding rear seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Three rear headrests

Electric seat adjustment with memory

Four-way electrically adjustable front lumbar support

Single front passenger seat

40/20/40 split folding rear seats with backrest

Front M sport seats with electrically adjustable headrests and illuminated M logo in headrests

Security

Electronic engine immobiliser

Alarm system

Central locking switch for all doors, fuel filler cap and luggage compartment

Remote control with 2 integrated key with M specific design - 1 button open/close all lockable, windows + separate button for open luggage compartment

Comfort access system with smart opener includes touch free opening bootlid and door handle illumination

Start/stop button with keyless motor start with acoustic drive feedback and stop/stop button in blue

Transmission

Electronic differential lock

M Sport differential

Sport automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted gearshift paddles and launch control

Active M differential

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors and ticket pocket

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 70

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 358

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 244

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 206

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 234

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 244

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 247

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 244

Emissions - Lifecycle

End-of-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 0.6

In-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 11.1

Lifetime Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 26.3

Production Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 14.6

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90

CC: 2993

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 9.3:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: S58B30T0

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 18

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 26.4

WLTP - MPG - High: 31

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 27.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 26.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 26.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 26.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 15.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 10.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 9.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 10.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 10.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.8

General

Coin Series: X4 M Competition

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 48E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 510

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.8

Top Speed: 155

Engine Power - BHP: 510

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 375

Engine Power - RPM: 6250

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 479

Engine Torque - NM: 650

Engine Torque - RPM: 2750

Engine Torque - MKG: 66.3

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 255/40 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 265/40 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 892

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4754

Width: 1927

Wheelbase: 2864

Width (including mirrors): 2138

Height: 1620

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2010

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2500

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 65

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2400

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 490

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 525

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1430

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.6

Brakes

M brakes with black calipers

M brakes with red calipers

Driver Aids

Parking assistant plus with 360 degree surround view camera system and remote 3D view

Driver Information

Run flat indicator

Exterior Body Features

Solid paint

Electric dual tilt/slide panoramic glass sunroof

Deletion of BMW individual lights shadow line

High gloss black shadow line roof rails

Interior Features

Merino leather/alcantara upholstery

Packs

Technology plus pack - X3/X4 M

Visibility pack - X3 M/X4 M

M Carbon pack with M Carbon rear spoiler - X4 M

M Driver pack - X4 M

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Carbon black

Metallic - Sao Paulo yellow

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Toronto Red

Metallic - Marina Bay blue

Metallic - Sophisto grey

Metallic - Black sapphire

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual paint - Special request

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

Towing

Fully electric towbar

Trim - Leather

Extended Merino leather - Sakhir orange

Extended Merino leather - Black

Extended merino leather - Adelaide grey

Trim - Part Leather

Merino leather/alcantara - Black with Midland beige bicolour

Wheels - Alloy

21" V spoke bicolour black alloy wheels with mixed tyres - style 765M