BMW

BMW X4 DIESEL ESTATE xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Fuel

FuelDiesel

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph7.9s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2150 g/km

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.

FOUR FASHION

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.

  • Heated windscreen washer jets
  • Green tinted heat insulating glass
  • Windscreen wipers with adjustable interval
  • Acoustic glass
  • Electric front and rear windows with fingertip open/close + anti-trap facility and comfort closing function
  • Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight

  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist
  • Brake energy regeneration
  • ADB - Automatic Differential Brake
  • Brake drying
  • Braking pre-tensioning
  • Ventilated front and rear disc brakes
  • Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
  • DSC - Dynamic Stability Control
  • Hill descent control
  • CBC - (Cornering brake control)
  • Dynamic brake control
  • Electromechanical parking brake
  • Dynamic Traction Control - DTC
  • Hill start assist

  • M sport suspension
  • Drive performance control - ECO PRO, comfort and sport modes
  • Five link rear suspension

  • Bluetooth with USB audio interface + audio streaming

  • Cruise control + speed limiting function (LIM button)
  • Active Guard
  • Attentiveness assist
  • Variable sports power steering

  • Electric bootlid
  • Auto start-stop

  • iDrive Controller with 8 favourite buttons
  • Oil sensor for level and grade, warning by check control system
  • Personal Profile - automatic lock when driving away selectable
  • Check Control warning system for monitoring of lights and door/luggage compartment open warning
  • Brake pad wear indicator in front and rear
  • Lights on warning by audio warning signal when ignition is switched off
  • 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
  • Run flat indicator
  • BMW emergency call
  • BMW Teleservices
  • Optimum shift indicator
  • Instrument cluster with speedometer with mph readout, tachometer, fuel gauge and oil temperature gauge
  • On board computer
  • Service interval indicator
  • Exterior temperature gauge

  • Electrically adjustable door mirrors
  • Direction indicator, side repeaters, integrated in exterior mirrors
  • Electro-chrome auto-dimming rear view mirror
  • Body colour mirror caps
  • Electric folding wing mirrors with auto dimming

  • Diesel particulate filter
  • Larger capacity fuel tank

  • BMW professional radio/CD/MP3
  • 6 speakers
  • DAB tuner

  • xLine exterior styling with underbody protection
  • Front and rear bumper system
  • High gloss shadow line exterior trim
  • Shark fin antenna
  • Visible VIN plate
  • Chrome kidney grille with high gloss black vertical slats
  • Lightweight engineering
  • Glacier silver metallic matt in side sills
  • High gloss black front door sill finishers with BMW designation
  • M designation side exterior badges
  • Gloss chrome tailpipes finishers
  • Exhaust tailpipes - dual, round, split left and right
  • Black finish on B pillars
  • Body colour door handles
  • M aerodynamic bodystyling
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • BBody colour roof mouldings
  • Model designation

  • LED Indicators
  • High beam assistant
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Dynamic brake lights
  • Full LED L shape 3D tailights
  • LED High level third brake light
  • Welcome light carpet

  • 3 zone automatic air conditioning

  • Two front cupholders with removable oddments tray/lid
  • Front and rear bottle holders integrated into door trim storage compartments
  • Front and rear side armrests integrated into door trim
  • Parcel shelf removable and storable under boot floor
  • Storage compartment in rear centre console and front/rear door trims
  • 12V power socket in front centre console
  • Foldable storage floor with compartment
  • Toolkit located in luggage compartment
  • Vernasca leather upholstery
  • M Sport multifunction leather steering wheel
  • Leather gear knob
  • Rear centre armrest with 2 cupholders
  • Anthracite headlining
  • Reach + rake adjustable steering column
  • Front centre armrest with storage compartment

  • Luggage compartment lighting
  • Front/rear reading lights
  • Ambient lighting
  • Automatic interior light when door is opened/ignition switched off or via remote key
  • Storage compartment lighting in front center armrest
  • Interior lighting - front centre over interior mirror with soft light, rear centre and front and rear footwell lighting

  • Connected package pro - X4
  • Driving assistant pack - X4

  • 3 point seatbelts on all seats
  • Twin horns
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
  • Driver/front passenger side airbags
  • Inflatable Tubular Structure head airbags for front/rear
  • Front seatbelt force limiters
  • Side impact protection
  • Driver/front passenger airbag
  • Front and outer rear pyrotechnic belt tensioners
  • Tyre pressure sensors with three level warning strategy
  • Seat belt security check for driver and front passenger
  • Child proof locking system in rear door
  • Crash Sensor - activation of central locking release, hazard warning light and interior lighting
  • Front passenger manual airbag deactivation
  • Battery safety cut-off
  • Deactivation of fuel pump in the event of a crash
  • Child seat ISOFIX attachment rear outer seats

  • Three rear headrests
  • Front seat backrest width adjustment
  • Front sports seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Height adjustable front/rear head restraints
  • 40:20:40 split folding rear seat

  • Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with remote control and electronic engine immobiliser
  • Central locking switch for all doors, fuel filler cap and luggage compartment
  • Two remote control integrated key
  • Incorrect fuel protection system
  • Start/stop button with comfort go keyless engine start and auto start stop deactivation button

  • Automatic transmission with gearshift paddles
  • Performance Control

  • Sunvisors with vanity mirrors and ticket pocket

  • Reduced rolling resistance tyres

  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • HC: N
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Max: 160
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Min: 150

  • Engine Code: B47D20O1
  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH
  • Compression Ratio: 16.5:1
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
  • Gears: 8 SPEED
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90
  • CC: 1995

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Min: 49.6
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Max: 46.3
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Min: 5.7
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Max: 6.1

  • Generation Mark: 3
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: True
  • 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: True
  • Coin Series: M Sport
  • 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
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False

  • Engine Power - KW: 140
  • Engine Power - RPM: 4000
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 295
  • Engine Torque - NM: 400
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1750
  • Engine Power - BHP: 190
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.9
  • Top Speed: 132
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 40.8

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

  • Tyre Size Front: 245/50 R19
  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Wheel Style: Y SPOKE STYLE 887M
  • Tyre Size Rear: 245/50 R19
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

  • Width (including mirrors): 2138
  • Height: 1621
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4751
  • Width: 1918
  • Wheelbase: 2864

  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1840
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2450
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 68
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 525
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750
  • Max. Loading Weight: 610
  • Max. Roof Load: 100
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1430
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.1

  • Sun protection glass: £320

  • Front and rear parking sensors: Included
  • Parking Assistant Plus with 360 degree surround view camera: £500
  • Reversing assist camera: Included
  • Parking assistant: Included

  • Sensatec dashboard: £500
  • Galvanic embellisher for controls: £110
  • Ash trunkwood with pearl chrome open pored interior trim: £150
  • Aluminium fine cutting interior trim with pearl chrome finish: £0
  • Aluminium rhombicle with pearl chrome interior trim: Included

  • Solid paint: Included
  • Electric dual tilt/slide panoramic glass sunroof: £1,190
  • Metallic paint: £695
  • BMW Individual Metallic paint: £1,770
  • High gloss black shadow line roof rails: £265

  • BMW icon adaptive LED headlights: Included

  • Four lashing eyes in luggage compartment: Included
  • Heated steering wheel: £170

  • Additional storage compartment pack - X4: £190
  • Comfort pack without comfort access - X4: £820
  • Comfort plus pack without comfort access - X4: £1,880
  • Visibility package - X4: £1,500

  • Metallic - Carbon black: £695
  • Metallic - Black sapphire: £695
  • Metallic - Mineral white: £695
  • Metallic - Sophisto Grey: £695
  • Metallic - Phytonic blue: £695
  • Metallic - Brooklyn grey: £695

  • Solid - Alpine white: £0

  • BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue: £1,770

  • Electric front lumbar support: £265

  • Fully electric towbar: £850

  • Vernasca leather - Black with grey stitching: £0
  • Vernasca leather - Oyster with grey contrast stitching: £0
  • Vernasca leather - Mocha with night blue contrast stitching: £0
  • Vernasca leather - Black with blue stitching: £0
  • Vernasca leather - Tacora red with black contrast stitching: £0

  • Run flat tyres: £0

  • 19" M Y-spoke midnight grey alloy wheels - style 887M: Included
  • 21" Individual V spoke alloy wheels in bicolour orbit grey - style 726 with run flat tyres: £1,400

  • Tyre repair kit: Included

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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