'4' is one of the least popular numbers among the Chinese. In fact, those who know Mandarin will also know that the number has a largely similar pronounciation as 'death' which is deemed by many as bad luck.
On the contrary, however, the number has brought much luck to the Germans, or more specifically to BMW.
The automaker has stolen the limelight on various occasions with credits to the newly christened moniker on its models, such as the BMW 4 Series and the BMW M4 - the spiritual descendant of the iconic M3 Coupe. And not to mention that the Z4 has already achieved iconic status in the roadster segment.
The X4 is BMW's first compact Sports Activity Coupe (or SAC, for short), which is essentially a crossbreed between an SUV and a Coupe. Exterior
Blessed with styling cues from two of the most characterful body types, the X4 has a unique personality that is rugged and sporty yet elegant at the same time.
On the contrary, however, the number has brought much luck to the Germans, or more specifically to BMW.
The automaker has stolen the limelight on various occasions with credits to the newly christened moniker on its models, such as the BMW 4 Series and the BMW M4 - the spiritual descendant of the iconic M3 Coupe. And not to mention that the Z4 has already achieved iconic status in the roadster segment.
The X4 is BMW's first compact Sports Activity Coupe (or SAC, for short), which is essentially a crossbreed between an SUV and a Coupe. Exterior
Blessed with styling cues from two of the most characterful body types, the X4 has a unique personality that is rugged and sporty yet elegant at the same time.
Compared to the X3, the X4 sits 36mm lower, which gives it a more dynamic stance. And while both cars share an identical wheelbase of 2,810mm, the X4's front and rear overhangs are longer (by 5mm and 11mm respectively).
Unsurprisingly, the X4 bears a slight resemblance to the X3, especially when viewed from the front. It inherits the iconic trait of an SUV, such as the purposeful-looking, go-anywhere kind of stance. It is, however, the X4's rump that gives it a clearer and more distinct identity, distinguishing itself with a sexy sloping roofline.
Unsurprisingly, the X4 bears a slight resemblance to the X3, especially when viewed from the front. It inherits the iconic trait of an SUV, such as the purposeful-looking, go-anywhere kind of stance. It is, however, the X4's rump that gives it a clearer and more distinct identity, distinguishing itself with a sexy sloping roofline.
Interior
The X4's interior is familiar in more ways than one. There is the usual dashboard design, with a largely similar layout that's also found in more recent Bimmers.
Though ergonomics is hard to fault, the cabin design is losing its sense of novelty, especially when compared to those from rivalling marques such as Porsche and Audi.
The X4's interior is familiar in more ways than one. There is the usual dashboard design, with a largely similar layout that's also found in more recent Bimmers.
Though ergonomics is hard to fault, the cabin design is losing its sense of novelty, especially when compared to those from rivalling marques such as Porsche and Audi.
Despite being a compact SUV, there's still proper room for four adults on board the X4 and five with a slight squeeze at the rear. In fact, it is almost impossible to tell from pictures alone if the cabin belongs to the X4 or the larger X6.
However, the X4's coupe-like styling does imply that space is compromised. There is shorter legroom here compared to the X3, as well as a smaller boot (500 litres vs 550 litres).
However, the X4's coupe-like styling does imply that space is compromised. There is shorter legroom here compared to the X3, as well as a smaller boot (500 litres vs 550 litres).
The Drive
Locally, the X4 is available in two flavours - the xDrive35i with a 3.0-litre in-line six engine (which you see here) and the more humble xDrive28i with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit.
The more powerful 35i dishes out 306bhp and 400Nm of torque - 65 more horses and 50Nm more torque than the 28i. As such, the 35i is nearly a full second quicker to the 100km/h mark too, clocking a century sprint timing of 5.5 seconds. Considering that the car weighs close to 1.9 tonnes, this timing is relatively impressive.
The X4 also has a clever eight-speed automatic gearbox that works together with the xDrive system to ensure that power is dispatched to all four wheels without any slip. As such, the SUV is able to get up to speeds without any drama even in wet conditions. The intuitive and quick cog swops also make for smooth, effortless acceleration.
Although the X4 suffers some loss in practicality, it is certainly as, if not more, fun to drive than its X3 stablemate. This is because the X4 gets its own unique suspension and steering setup, which has been tuned for more sporty handling. Even when 'Comfort' mode in the adaptive suspension is selected, the harder damping is noticeable, especially from the rear seats.
Expectedly, the compact SUV also feels more eager and lighter on its feet than its bigger X5 and X6 siblings, which makes it much easier to pilot around our cityscape.
Conclusion
Like the X6, the X4's rather unique styling and character makes it stand out from the crowd easily. And unless you're in the market for a seven-seater SUV, we reckon the X4 makes better sense than the X5.
Expectedly, the compact SUV also feels more eager and lighter on its feet than its bigger X5 and X6 siblings, which makes it much easier to pilot around our cityscape.
Conclusion
Like the X6, the X4's rather unique styling and character makes it stand out from the crowd easily. And unless you're in the market for a seven-seater SUV, we reckon the X4 makes better sense than the X5.
