BMW blends the lines between its class of SUVs and car with their all-new 2017 X4. This lineup is labeled as an SAV or sports activity vehicle. The acute angles and fastback sloped rear has this vehicle reminiscent of a coupe in overall appearance with the larger aggressive stance of an SUV.
This new addition to BMW’s lineup is very similar to their very popular X6. I found the exterior to be more exciting and sporty than the typical blocky right angles found on most SUVs including the very similar X3. This coupe-like design does create a smaller space for the second-row seating, with about 45mm lost in leg and headroom. Now the spec’s do show a decrease in cargo volume, with the foldable seats and nearly identical exterior dimensions as the X6, I felt there was ample room for an SUV in this class.
The X4 was truly designed to be driven under the M badge as the M40i, with its “TwinPower” turbo 3.0l inline 6. This is the same engine found in BMW’s M2 coupe. And after being tuned for the SUV, it delivers 0-100km/hr. in 4.9 seconds with 355hp and 343 ft./lbs. of torque. With these impressive specs, it beats the similar priced; Porsche Macan S having 0-100km/hr. in 5.0s and the Audi SQ5 at 5.3 seconds. Providing some of that speed and acceleration are technologies like “TwinScroll” turbo, high precision injection system, DoubleVANOS variable camshaft control system, and the VALVETRONIC fully variable control system. The additional $12,000 at MSRP between the Xdrive 28i and the M40i provides an increase of almost 100hp, which allows it to live up to its sports car-like appearance. An interesting point to note is that the performance doesn’t come at a sacrifice to fuel consumption as both the competition above had a combined fuel consumption of 12.2l/100km, whereas the X4 M40i was only 11.3l/100km
As expected with a luxury brand such as BMW, the driving experience was always unapparelled. The exciting new role of a small sports SUV, showcased all their advances in racing technology, while still providing ample space for the daily commute or weekend escape. For someone who doesn’t want to fully give up the thrill of driving a small coupe like the BMW M240i, you can find all that power and excitement in the larger and more versatile BMW X4 M40i
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