BMW

BMW X4 DIESEL ESTATE xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

Fuel

FuelDiesel

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph4.9s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2179 g/km

BMW still tells us this second generation X4 model, here usefully improved, is a 'sports coupe'. Whatever your take on that, this sporting crossover is certainly an interesting take on fashionable family motoring. If you can afford the fee, it's a tempting take on the mid-sized premium-badged SUV genre and if you like the looks, then you'll probably like everything else because it's pure BMW. It's even a little more practical than you might expect. True, the world may not need another car like this - but you certainly might.

FIT FOUR PURPOSE?

BMW is leaving no stone un-turned in its efforts to fill every possible premium market automotive niche with desirable products. Here's another one - an improved take on the second generation version of the company's fashionable X4. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

BMW still tells us this second generation X4 model, here usefully improved, is a 'sports coupe'. Whatever your take on that, this sporting crossover is certainly an interesting take on fashionable family motoring. If you can afford the fee, it's a tempting take on the mid-sized premium-badged SUV genre and if you like the looks, then you'll probably like everything else because it's pure BMW. It's even a little more practical than you might expect. True, the world may not need another car like this - but you certainly might.

Background

If you're at all familiar with the Munich maker's model line-up, then you'll get the idea behind this car immediately. In 2008, the company brought us a design they badged as the 'X6', a kind of sportier coupe-like version of their established X5 luxury SUV. Against the odds, the X6 has since been a profitable car for the brand, so in 2014, the same concept was down-sized with the first generation X4, a sportier coupe-like version of the squarer, more practical X3 compact SUV. This second generation X4 first arrived in 2018, very much a refinement of the original, with slightly lighter weight, sharper looks, a classier cabin and a greater level of media and autonomous driving tech. With this revised model, MHEV mild hybrid engine tech has been introduced and cabin quality takes a big leap forward. And there's also a properly potent 'M Competition' petrol flagship variant for the first time equipped to take the fight to road-burning rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe 63.

Driving Experience

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 with its familiar 190hp 2.0-litre black pump-fuelled engine. Next up in the range is the six cylinder xDrive30d, now with 286hp. This engine also comes in 340hp form with the M40d model. There's also an M Performance petrol-powered variant, the six cylinder M40i, with 360hp. Plus there's a 'full M' range-topping 510hp X4 M Competition variant to take on rivals like the Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe 63 4MATIC+. All model variants direct their engine's power to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and feature 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 the base xDrive20d variant manages 62mph from rest in 7.9s en route to 132mph, figures the six cylinder xDrive30d improves substantially to 5.7s and 152mph. For the M40d and M40i, you're looking at 4.9s and 155mph. 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.

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

Prices start at around £49,000 for the base xDrive20d; you'll need around £5,000 more for the six cylinder xDrive30d diesel. These figures represent a bit of a step up from the previous generation line-up. But BMW seems very confident it'll continue to find buyers for the X4. The top diesel variant the M40d costs just over £61,000. The top petrol variant, the M40i costs just under £62,000. At least it's not as if this Munich model needs a whole lot of extras. 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

If you've heard talk that diesel engines are planet-polluting brutes, then shelve that for a moment while you examine the black pump-fuelled powerplants on offer here because they're nothing like that. The mild hybrid technology now used in all available X4 combustion engines draws on a powerful 48-volt starter generator and an additional battery, so it has significantly expanded possibilities when it comes to brake energy recuperation. The energy obtained by means of recuperation and stored in the 48-volt battery is also used to supply the 12-volt electrical system and the electrically-operated vehicle functions connected to it. Enough with the tech; what about the WLTP figures? Well, the X4 xDrive20d variant most will choose manages up to 49.6mpg on the combined cycle and up to 153g/km of CO2. Move up to the six cylinder xDrive30d model and you're looking at up to 46.3mpg and 159g/km. Even the M40d manages 42.8mpg and 168g/km. Want to know about the petrol M40i model? Well that returns 32.5mpg and 202g/km. Unlike the X3, there are no Plug-in PHEV or EV drivetrain options. What else might you need to know? Well, routine maintenance is dictated by 'Condition Based Servicing' that monitors oil level and engine wear, taking into account how long it's been and how far the car has travelled since its previous 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. To help plan ahead for the cost of regular work, at point of purchase you'll be offered a 'BMW Service Inclusive' package that lasts for three years and 36,000 miles.

Summary

Inevitably, a model of this kind will continually divide opinion. The people who don't like it 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 improved X4 does have substance to its proposition - at least when it comes to efficiency, quality and low running costs. It's even reasonably spacious and practical. Don't be dissuaded then, if you'd like one. 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. Yes, there's an element of compromise in its packaging but the world would be a dull place if we only bought cars on a pragmatic basis. File this one under 'unexpectedly likeable'.

  • Heated windscreen washer jets
  • Green tinted heat insulating glass
  • Sun protection 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
  • CBC - (Cornering brake control)
  • Dynamic brake control
  • Electromechanical parking brake
  • Dynamic Traction Control - DTC
  • Hill start assist
  • Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
  • Hill descent control
  • DSC - Dynamic Stability Control
  • Ventilated front and rear disc brakes

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

  • Bluetooth with USB audio interface + audio streaming

  • Active Guard
  • Attentiveness assist
  • Variable sports power steering

  • Auto start-stop
  • Electric bootlid

  • 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 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
  • Run flat indicator
  • Optimum shift indicator
  • Instrument cluster with speedometer with mph readout, tachometer, fuel gauge and oil temperature gauge
  • BMW emergency call
  • BMW Teleservices
  • On board computer
  • Service interval indicator
  • Exterior temperature gauge

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

  • Twin scroll turbocharger with Valvetronic
  • Larger capacity fuel tank
  • High precision injection
  • Double VANOS
  • Diesel particulate filter

  • BMW professional radio/CD/MP3
  • DAB tuner

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

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

  • 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
  • 12V power socket in front centre console
  • Storage compartment in rear centre console and front/rear door trims
  • Foldable storage floor with compartment
  • Toolkit located in luggage compartment
  • 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

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

  • Connected package pro - X4

  • Front and outer rear pyrotechnic belt tensioners
  • Tyre pressure sensors with three level warning strategy
  • Active protection
  • Seat belt security check for driver and front passenger
  • M Sport seatbelts
  • Child proof locking system in rear door
  • 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
  • Crash Sensor - activation of central locking release, hazard warning light and interior lighting
  • Side impact protection
  • Driver/front passenger airbag
  • 3 point seatbelts on all seats
  • Front seatbelt force limiters
  • Twin horns
  • Inflatable Tubular Structure head airbags for front/rear
  • Driver/front passenger side airbags
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit

  • Height adjustable front/rear head restraints
  • Heated front seats
  • Electric adjustable seats with memory function
  • 40:20:40 split folding rear seat
  • Three rear headrests

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

  • M Sport differential
  • Performance Control
  • Sport automatic transmission with gearshift paddles

  • Sunvisors with vanity mirrors and ticket pocket

  • Reduced rolling resistance tyres

  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • HC: N
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Max: 183
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Min: 179

  • Engine Code: B57D30T2
  • Cylinders: 6
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 24
  • 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: 2993

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Min: 41.5
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Max: 40.4
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Min: 6.8
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Max: 7

  • 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: 340
  • Badge Engine CC: 3.0
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • AdBlue: True
  • Coin Series: M40
  • 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: 250
  • Engine Power - RPM: 4400
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 516
  • Engine Torque - NM: 700
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1750
  • Engine Power - BHP: 340
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.9
  • Top Speed: 155
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 71.4

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

  • Tyre Size Front: 245/40 R21
  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Wheel Style: M DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 718
  • Tyre Size Rear: 275/35 R21
  • Tyre Size Spare: RUN FLAT TYRES
  • Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

  • Width (including mirrors): 2138
  • Height: 1621
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4752
  • Width: 1938
  • Wheelbase: 2864

  • Minimum Kerbweight: 2020
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2560
  • 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: 540
  • Max. Roof Load: 100
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1430
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.1

  • M Sport brakes with blue calipers: Included
  • M Sport brake in red calipers: £0

  • Cruise control + speed limiting function (LIM button): Included
  • Front and rear parking sensors: Included
  • Parking Assistant Plus with 360 degree surround view camera: £500
  • Reversing assist camera: Included
  • Parking assistant: Included

  • Galvanic embellisher for controls: £110
  • Sensatec dashboard: Included
  • BMW Individual piano black trim: £500
  • Carbon fibre interior trim finishers: £600
  • Aluminium fine cutting interior trim with pearl chrome finish: £0
  • Ash trunkwood with pearl chrome open pored interior trim: £150
  • Aluminium rhombicle with pearl chrome interior trim: Included

  • Harman/Kardon surround sound system: £820
  • HiFi loudspeaker system: Included

  • High gloss black shadow line roof rails: £265
  • BMW Individual Metallic paint: £1,100
  • Metallic paint: £0
  • Solid paint: Included
  • Electric dual tilt/slide panoramic glass sunroof: £1,190
  • BMW individual lights shadow line: Included

  • BMW icon adaptive LED headlights: Included

  • Four lashing eyes in luggage compartment: Included
  • Vernasca leather upholstery: Included
  • Heated steering wheel: £170
  • BMW Extended individual merino leather upholstery: £990

  • Driving assistant pack - X4: Included
  • Additional storage compartment pack when bought with M sport seats - X4: £190
  • Comfort pack without comfort access - X4: £820
  • Comfort pack without comfort access when bought with M sport seats - X4: £820
  • Technology pack without bluetooth - X4: £1,700
  • Technology plus pack - X4: £3,450
  • Visibility package - X4: £1,500
  • Driving assistant professional pack - X4: £1,250
  • Additional storage compartment pack - X4: £190

  • Metallic - Brooklyn grey: £0
  • Metallic - Phytonic blue: £0
  • Metallic - Sophisto Grey: £0
  • Metallic - Black sapphire: £0
  • Metallic - Carbon black: £0

  • Solid - Alpine white: £0

  • BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue: £1,100

  • Front seat backrest width adjustment: Included
  • Front sports seats: Included
  • Front M sports seats: £890
  • Electric front lumbar support: £265

  • Fully electric towbar: £850

  • Vernasca leather - Oyster with grey contrast stitching: £0
  • Vernasca leather - Mocha with night blue contrast stitching: £0
  • Extended Individual Merino leather - Fiona red/Black: £990
  • Vernasca leather - Black with grey stitching: £0
  • Vernasca leather - Black with blue stitching: £0
  • Vernasca leather - Cognac with mocca contrast stitching: £0
  • Vernasca leather - Tacora red with black contrast stitching: £0

  • 21" M Double spoke bi-colour alloy wheels - style 718 with run flat tyres: Included
  • 21" Individual V spoke alloy wheels in bicolour orbit grey - style 726 with run flat tyres: £690

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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