BMW pioneered the Coupe-SUV concept and has since developed it with cars like this second generation X4. Jonathan Crouch checks out the updated version in volume 20d diesel form.

Ten Second Review

BMW, more than any other brand, is fully committed to the rather contrary concept that is the coupe-style Sport Utility Vehicle. They pioneered this genre, then popularised it, but have they perfected it with this car, a revised version of the second generation X4? Let's check it out in its most popular 20d diesel guise.

Background

The thinking behind this X4's controversial Coupe-SUV automotive niche dates back to 2008 when BMW dismayed the motoring press but delighted its better-heeled SUV customers with the first generation X6, a swept-back sportier version of their large X5 crossover model. Enough were sold to encourage the Munich maker to extend the concept across its range, hence the decision to create a coupe-SUV version of its mid-sized X3 model, christened the X4 and launched in its original form back in 2014. It was directly copied two years later by Mercedes with their GLC Coupe - though interestingly, not by other premium brands, who merely tried to make new or existing mid-sized SUVs a little sportier in order to keep up. Like the X6, the X4 sold pretty well in its earliest guise, finding over 200,000 buyers in its first four years on sale. As it turned out though, that initial design wasn't to have a very long shelf life. Going forward, BMW needed to align X4 development with the model cycle strategy of its mechanically-identical X3 showroom stablemate. Hence the way that the introduction of the company's third generation X3 in Autumn 2017 was followed by the launch of this MK2 model X4 in the Summer of 2018, a car then updated three years on to create the model we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

BMW thinks that coupe-SUV models should offer more than just sleeker looks. The driving experience should be sharper and more dynamic too. 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 we look at here, with its familiar 190hp 2.0-litre black pump-fuelled engine. Like all X4 model variants, this one directs its engine's power to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and features 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 this base xDrive20d variant manages 62mph from rest in 7.9s en route to 132mph. 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. It helps of course that the fundamentals are so fundamentally right - like the stiff 'CLAR' cluster architecture platform for example. A perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution also helps here, as does the wide rear track.

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

X4 pricing sits in the £49,000 to £62,000 bracket and all models come only with xDrive 4WD and automatic transmission. This xDrive 20d version sits at the bottom of the pricing spectrum. Direct comparisons with this model's X3 showroom stablemate are slightly difficult to make because the spec structure is a little different, but in rough terms, you're looking at needing a premium of around £4,500 to go from an X3 to a directly comparable version of this sleeker X4. 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

As you'd expect, the efficiency figures of this X4 are only a fraction behind those of an equivalent X3 model. This most popular four cylinder 2.0-litre xDrive20d diesel variant can return up to 49.6mpg on the combined cycle and up to 159g/km of CO2. Switch to the alternative six cylinder xDrive30d diesel derivative and you're looking at up to 46.3mpg and up to 159g/km, provided you don't go for one of the really large wheel rim sizes. The flagship M40d delivers up to 42.8mpg and 168g/km. And the alternative petrol-powered M40i manages up to 32.5mpg and up to 202g/km. What else? Well as usual with a BMW, there's a condition-based service indicator on the dash to advise you when your car needs a 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. Less familiar to some buyers will be the clever 'TeleServices' feature that comes as part of the BMW 'ConnectedDrive' services you can access through the iDrive infotainment system. Via this, before each service appointment is due, your X4 can automatically put in a 'TeleServices' call to your nominated BMW service centre, complete with detailed information on vehicle condition.

Summary

The X4 has always been a divisive product. That's the nature of the coupe-SUV genre. Is this BMW the mid-sized premium SUV model that can give you everything - SUV, coupe, fastback hatch and sports estate, all rolled into one? Or is it trying to be so many different things to so many different people that it ends up please nobody? Opinion on the subject will often be divided. The people who don't like the concept behind this model 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 X4 does have substance to its proposition - at least when it comes to efficiency, quality and affordable running costs. It's even reasonably spacious and practical. In summary, don't be dissuaded if you'd like an X4. 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.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated windscreen washer jets

Green tinted heat insulating glass

Windscreen wipers with adjustable interval

Rain sensor + automatic driving lights control

Acoustic glass

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

Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight

Brakes

Ventilated front and rear disc brakes

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Hill descent control

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Electromechanical parking brake

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Hill start assist

ADB - Automatic Differential Brake

Brake energy regeneration

Brake drying

Braking pre-tensioning

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive suspension

Five link rear suspension

Drive performance control - ECO PRO, comfort and sport modes

Double joint spring strut front axle

Multiple control arm rear axle

Driver Aids

Servotronic system

Variable sports power steering

Attentiveness assist

Park distance control (PDC)

Active Guard Plus incl front collision warning with brake intervention

Driver Convenience

Driving experience switch

Electric bootlid

Automatic operation of tailgate

Driver Information

BMW Teleservices

Optimum shift indicator

Instrument cluster with speedometer with mph readout, tachometer, fuel gauge and oil temperature gauge

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

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

Personal Profile - automatic lock when driving away selectable

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 12.3" instrument display with Intelligent Voice Assistant

Condition based service - BMW service history, electronic service booklet, integrated owner's handbook

iDrive touch controller with turn and press function

Language version English

Driving Mirrors

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Body colour mirror caps

Electro-chrome auto-dimming rear view mirror

Direction indicator, side repeaters, integrated in exterior mirrors

Electric folding wing mirrors with auto dimming

Mirror base in black matt

Automatic parking function on passenger's side exterior mirror

Tinted passenger side exterior mirror

Electrochromic driver side exterior mirror

Engine

Diesel particulate filter

Performance Control

Larger capacity fuel tank

EU6 emissions management

Common rail technology

Twin scroll turbocharger with variable vane geometry

Entertainment

BMW professional radio/CD/MP3

DAB tuner

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

2x USB Type C ports in rear centre console for charging

Exterior Body Features

Body colour roof spoiler

Black finish on B pillars

Body colour door handles

Body coloured bumpers

BBody colour roof mouldings

Shark fin antenna

Visible VIN plate

Model designation

Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements

Chrome kidney grille with high gloss black vertical slats

Door sill strips

Lightweight engineering

High gloss black front door sill finishers with BMW designation

M designation side exterior badges

Extended high gloss shadow line exterior trim

Glacier silver metallic matt in side sills

Gloss chrome tailpipes finishers

Energy absorbing foam within the front bumper

Rear side wing doors

Chrome exhaust tailpipes in split left and right

Exterior Lights

Reversing lights

Dynamic brake lights

LED rear lights

Headlight beam throw control

Follow me home headlight function

LED High level third brake light

Full LED L shape 3D tailights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone automatic air conditioning

Microfilter and active carbon filter

Interior Features

Anthracite headlining

Reach + rake adjustable steering column

Front centre armrest with storage compartment

Leather gear knob

Rear centre armrest with 2 cupholders

Toolkit located in luggage compartment

M Sport multifunction leather steering wheel

Lockable glove compartment

Storage tray and compartment with cover in centre console

12V power socket in front storage compartment

Front and rear side armrests integrated into door trim

Two front cupholders with removable oddments tray/lid

Front and rear bottle holders integrated into door trim storage compartments

Parcel shelf removable and storable under boot floor

Through loading system

Storage compartment in rear centre console and front/rear door trims

12V power socket in front centre console

Foldable storage floor with compartment

Two lashing eyes in luggage compartment

Interior Lights

Front/rear reading lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Front and rear door exit lights

Make-up mirror lights

Storage compartment lighting in front center armrest

Visual exit area and front and rear door recognition

Front and rear footwell lighting

Welcome light (no extra light) with illumination in the colour white

Packs

Non Smokers pack

Connected package pro - X4

Ambient lighting pack - X4

M Aerodynamic pack - X4

Safety

Driver/front passenger airbag

Side impact protection

Front seatbelt force limiters

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Twin horns

Warning triangle and first aid kit

BMW emergency call

Battery safety cut-off

Deactivation of fuel pump in the event of a crash

Child seat ISOFIX attachment rear outer seats

Driver and front passenger knee airbag

Front passenger manual airbag deactivation

Seat belt security check for driver and front passenger

M Sport seatbelts

Child proof locking system in rear door

Seat occupancy detection for driver and passenger side

Active protection

Tyre pressure sensors with three level warning strategy

Front and outer rear pyrotechnic belt tensioners

Head airbags in 1st and 2nd row, head protection at side, curtain airbags open from headliner above 1st and 2nd row

Driver and passenger side airbags, body protection at side and airbags deploy from seat backrests

Crash Sensor - activation of central locking release, hazard warning light and interior lighting, safety battery terminal clamp and trigger e-Call

Seats

Front sports seats

Heated front seats

Height adjustable front/rear head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Three rear headrests

Front passenger seat

40/20/40 split folding rear seats with backrest

Security

Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with remote control and electronic engine immobiliser

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

Incorrect fuel protection system

Start/stop button with comfort go keyless engine start and auto start stop deactivation button

Two remote control integrated key

Transmission

Automatic transmission with gearshift paddles

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with vanity mirrors and ticket pocket

Wheels

Reduced rolling resistance tyres

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 67

CO: 0.107

HC: N

NOx: 0.021

HC+NOx: 0.069

Particles: 0.0001

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 184

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 150

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 142

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 170

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 159

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 170

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 159

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90

CC: 1995

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 16.5:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: B47D20O1

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 40.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - High: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 46.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 46.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 43.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.5

General

Coin Series: M Sport [Pro Pack]

Coin Description: d xDrive

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: 33E

Service Interval Mileage: 15000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

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: 190

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.9

Top Speed: 132

Engine Power - BHP: 190

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 140

Engine Power - RPM: 4000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 295

Engine Torque - NM: 400

Engine Torque - RPM: 1750

Engine Torque - MKG: 40.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 245/45 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 275/40 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: M DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 787

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4751

Width: 1918

Wheelbase: 2864

Width (including mirrors): 2138

Height: 1621

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1870

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2450

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 68

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 580

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 525

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1430

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.1

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Brakes

M Sport brake in red painted brake calipers with M designation

Communication

Enhanced bluetooth with wireless charging

Wi-Fi hotspot

Driver Aids

Parking Assistant Plus with 360 degree surround view camera

Embellishment Trims

Sensatec dashboard

Aluminium fine cutting interior trim with pearl chrome finish

Ash trunkwood with pearl chrome open pored interior trim

Galvanic embellisher for controls

Entertainment

Harman/Kardon surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Electric dual tilt/slide panoramic glass sunroof

Metallic paint

BMW Individual Metallic paint

Additional BMW Individual paint - special request

Deletion of BMW individual lights shadow line

High gloss black shadow line roof rails

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Vernasca leather upholstery

Packs

Comfort pack with heated steering wheel - X4

Comfort plus pack with lumbar support - X4

Visibility package - X4

Driving assistant professional pack - X4

Additional storage compartment pack - X4

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Phytonic blue

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Sophisto grey

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Carbon black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

Seats

Driver seat backrest width adjustment

4 way electrically adjustable front lumbar support

Towing

Fully electric towbar

Trim - Leather

Sensatec perforated - Black

Sensatec perforated - Tacora red

Sensatec perforated - Cognac

Vernasca leather - Mocha with night blue contrast stitching

Vernasca leather - Black with blue stitching

Vernasca leather - Tacora red with black contrast stitching

Vernasca leather - Oyster with grey contrast stitching

Vernasca leather - Black with grey stitching

Wheels

Run flat tyres

Wheels - Alloy

21" Individual V spoke alloy wheels in bicolour orbit grey - style 726 with run flat tyres

20" M Double spoke jet black alloy wheels - style 699