BMW X4 xDrive30i (A) First Drive Review
02 Jul 2018|10,816 views
What We Like
well-sorted ride
Sharp steering
Responsive throttle
Packed with safety features
What We Dislike
Punchier, more fun-to-drive diesel variants won't be launched here
BMW's first generation X4 was a hit back in 2014 when it made its appearance, and has sold over 200,000 units globally since then. Now, the second iteration of the X4 is bigger and better than before, promising to carry on the success of its predecessor.
Is bigger always better?
The trend these days seems to be, 'The bigger, the better'. But does that statement hold true in the new X4? In terms of looks, definitely.
With an 81mm increase in length (4,752mm), a 37mm wider stance (1,918mm), and a 54mm longer wheelbase (2,864mm), the X4 looks more muscular, with an even more commanding road presence tha before.
With the larger dimensions, boot space of the new X4 has been increased by 25 litres to 525 litres
Thanks to its larger dimensions, the X4 also gets more leg room in the back, as well as a larger 525-litre boot, compared to 500 litres in the previous generation. Other goodies include variable sports steering and M Sport suspension, which come standard in all variants.
Larger size doesn't compromise the drive
Despite it being my first time behind the wheel of a left-hand drive car, and the fact that I took over in the middle of a series of meandering roads, the X4's ability to maintain its composure around the twisties had a lot to do with me not getting into a fender-bender.
The X4 may have grown in size all around but its dynamism belies its biggish footprint
That, coupled with sharp steering and a responsive throttle, made for a superb virgin experience driving on the other side of the road. We also put the X4 to the test on a skidpan and through a mini handling course. It is worth noting, though, that the variant we drove on the skidpan was the M40d and not the xDrive30i.
However, the aim was to see how well it stuck to the road, not how fast it went, and it did not disappoint.
Is bigger always better?
The trend these days seems to be, 'The bigger, the better'. But does that statement hold true in the new X4? In terms of looks, definitely.
With an 81mm increase in length (4,752mm), a 37mm wider stance (1,918mm), and a 54mm longer wheelbase (2,864mm), the X4 looks more muscular, with an even more commanding road presence tha before.
Thanks to its larger dimensions, the X4 also gets more leg room in the back, as well as a larger 525-litre boot, compared to 500 litres in the previous generation. Other goodies include variable sports steering and M Sport suspension, which come standard in all variants.
Larger size doesn't compromise the drive
Despite it being my first time behind the wheel of a left-hand drive car, and the fact that I took over in the middle of a series of meandering roads, the X4's ability to maintain its composure around the twisties had a lot to do with me not getting into a fender-bender.
That, coupled with sharp steering and a responsive throttle, made for a superb virgin experience driving on the other side of the road. We also put the X4 to the test on a skidpan and through a mini handling course. It is worth noting, though, that the variant we drove on the skidpan was the M40d and not the xDrive30i.
However, the aim was to see how well it stuck to the road, not how fast it went, and it did not disappoint.
Despite our best efforts to make it go sideways, BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, Dynamic Control Stability and M Sport suspension kept everything in check, ensuring the X4 stayed its course throughout the course.
That's not to say the xDrive30i is slow, though. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder, which is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, puts out 249bhp and 340Nm of torque.
The xDrive30i's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot churns 249bhp and 340Nm of torque to all wheels
It propels the X4 from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 240km/h, a respectable figure considering the fact that the car weighs close to 1.8 tonnes.
Bigger, better, safer all-rounder
As with most Bimmers these days, the X4 comes with all the newest toys. These include the steering and lane control assistant - similar to the one found in the BMW X3 - which keeps the vehicle in its own lane, as well as gesture control and Parking Assistant Plus, to name a few.
That said, does the new X4 have a place on our roads? More importantly, does it pick up the mantle of its predecessor to provide a thrilling drive, superb safety, as well as everyday practicality?
The factory-supplied Bridgestone Alenza tyres do a good job of balancing grip and comfort
Well, we certainly think so. However, we will not be seeing the M40d, but we will be getting the xDrive20i, xDrive30i and M40i, which are expected to arrive in Q3.
That's not to say the xDrive30i is slow, though. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder, which is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, puts out 249bhp and 340Nm of torque.
It propels the X4 from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 240km/h, a respectable figure considering the fact that the car weighs close to 1.8 tonnes.
Bigger, better, safer all-rounder
As with most Bimmers these days, the X4 comes with all the newest toys. These include the steering and lane control assistant - similar to the one found in the BMW X3 - which keeps the vehicle in its own lane, as well as gesture control and Parking Assistant Plus, to name a few.
That said, does the new X4 have a place on our roads? More importantly, does it pick up the mantle of its predecessor to provide a thrilling drive, superb safety, as well as everyday practicality?
Well, we certainly think so. However, we will not be seeing the M40d, but we will be getting the xDrive20i, xDrive30i and M40i, which are expected to arrive in Q3.
What We Like
well-sorted ride
Sharp steering
Responsive throttle
Packed with safety features
What We Dislike
Punchier, more fun-to-drive diesel variants won't be launched here
BMW's first generation X4 was a hit back in 2014 when it made its appearance, and has sold over 200,000 units globally since then. Now, the second iteration of the X4 is bigger and better than before, promising to carry on the success of its predecessor.
Is bigger always better?
The trend these days seems to be, 'The bigger, the better'. But does that statement hold true in the new X4? In terms of looks, definitely.
With an 81mm increase in length (4,752mm), a 37mm wider stance (1,918mm), and a 54mm longer wheelbase (2,864mm), the X4 looks more muscular, with an even more commanding road presence tha before.
With the larger dimensions, boot space of the new X4 has been increased by 25 litres to 525 litresThanks to its larger dimensions, the X4 also gets more leg room in the back, as well as a larger 525-litre boot, compared to 500 litres in the previous generation. Other goodies include variable sports steering and M Sport suspension, which come standard in all variants.
Larger size doesn't compromise the drive
Despite it being my first time behind the wheel of a left-hand drive car, and the fact that I took over in the middle of a series of meandering roads, the X4's ability to maintain its composure around the twisties had a lot to do with me not getting into a fender-bender.
The X4 may have grown in size all around but its dynamism belies its biggish footprintThat, coupled with sharp steering and a responsive throttle, made for a superb virgin experience driving on the other side of the road. We also put the X4 to the test on a skidpan and through a mini handling course. It is worth noting, though, that the variant we drove on the skidpan was the M40d and not the xDrive30i.
However, the aim was to see how well it stuck to the road, not how fast it went, and it did not disappoint.
Is bigger always better?
The trend these days seems to be, 'The bigger, the better'. But does that statement hold true in the new X4? In terms of looks, definitely.
With an 81mm increase in length (4,752mm), a 37mm wider stance (1,918mm), and a 54mm longer wheelbase (2,864mm), the X4 looks more muscular, with an even more commanding road presence tha before.
Larger size doesn't compromise the drive
Despite it being my first time behind the wheel of a left-hand drive car, and the fact that I took over in the middle of a series of meandering roads, the X4's ability to maintain its composure around the twisties had a lot to do with me not getting into a fender-bender.
However, the aim was to see how well it stuck to the road, not how fast it went, and it did not disappoint.
Despite our best efforts to make it go sideways, BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, Dynamic Control Stability and M Sport suspension kept everything in check, ensuring the X4 stayed its course throughout the course.
That's not to say the xDrive30i is slow, though. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder, which is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, puts out 249bhp and 340Nm of torque.
The xDrive30i's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot churns 249bhp and 340Nm of torque to all wheelsIt propels the X4 from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 240km/h, a respectable figure considering the fact that the car weighs close to 1.8 tonnes.
Bigger, better, safer all-rounder
As with most Bimmers these days, the X4 comes with all the newest toys. These include the steering and lane control assistant - similar to the one found in the BMW X3 - which keeps the vehicle in its own lane, as well as gesture control and Parking Assistant Plus, to name a few.
That said, does the new X4 have a place on our roads? More importantly, does it pick up the mantle of its predecessor to provide a thrilling drive, superb safety, as well as everyday practicality?
The factory-supplied Bridgestone Alenza tyres do a good job of balancing grip and comfortWell, we certainly think so. However, we will not be seeing the M40d, but we will be getting the xDrive20i, xDrive30i and M40i, which are expected to arrive in Q3.
That's not to say the xDrive30i is slow, though. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder, which is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, puts out 249bhp and 340Nm of torque.
Bigger, better, safer all-rounder
As with most Bimmers these days, the X4 comes with all the newest toys. These include the steering and lane control assistant - similar to the one found in the BMW X3 - which keeps the vehicle in its own lane, as well as gesture control and Parking Assistant Plus, to name a few.
That said, does the new X4 have a place on our roads? More importantly, does it pick up the mantle of its predecessor to provide a thrilling drive, superb safety, as well as everyday practicality?
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