2015 BMW X4 - Review

PRICE : 2015 BMW X4 xDrive28i $45,625

PRICE : 2015 BMW X4 xDrive35i $48,925

The all-new BMW X4 has a lively optional engine and nimble handling, reviewers say. However, they note that it has less rear-seat and cargo room than most rivals have. 

The 2015 BMW X4 comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A turbocharged six-cylinder engine is available, and reviewers are impressed with its strong power output and snappy acceleration off the line. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard with both engines, and test drivers say it delivers seamless, quick shifts. According to the EPA, base 2015 X4 earns 20/28 mpg city/highway, which is average for the class. Test drivers also praise the X4’s precise steering and athletic handling, which make the X4 remarkably fun to drive.

The new 2015 BMW X4 earns praise for its upscale cabin, which reviewers say is attractive and outfitted with high-quality materials. According to reviewers, the X4's front seats are comfortable and spacious. However, they complain that its rear seats have little legroom. At the same time, critics note that the X4’s sloped roofline limits rear-seat headroom and rearward visibility.

Standard features include a USB port, a power moonroof, Bluetooth, an iDrive infotainment system, satellite radio, rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. A surround-view camera system, adaptive headlights, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and active park assist are available. Reviewers praise the X4's infotainment system, which they say is simple to operate. The X4 has 49.4 cubic feet of overall cargo space, which is less than what most rivals offer. Still, some reviewers like its convenient available hands-free tailgate system.

EXTERIOR

From the front, the X4 looks a lot like the X6 – big, bulky grilles everywhere with a chin sitting high of the ground and a long hood flowing into a slopped windshield. Especially out back, the X6’s heritage is noticeable. The roofline past the B-pillars is like no other SUV outside the BMW line-up. Strangely, the roofline works in my opinion, that is until the rear glass ends abruptly at the rear trunk. This area of the X4 - and even the X6 – has never seems to flow just right. This is where the SUV and car combination conflict the most.

In an oddly juxtaposed manner, the rear bumper comes adorned with black plastic cladding normally found on SUVs just inches away from a roof normally found on a 4-Series. It makes for odd bedfellows, but BMW makes it work. I’m constantly reminded that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and aesthetics are subjective.

INTERIOR

The interior of the new BMW X4 reveals a harmonious synthesis of sportiness and exclusivity. The X4's body is mounted 36 millimetres closer to the road than that of the BMW X3. The driver and front passenger sit 20 millimetres lower and the rear passengers 28 millimetres lower, creating the feeling of a classical sports coupe. It is a sensation reinforced by the rear seat bench, which comes with the type of continuously moulded side supports normally only provided by two individual seats, but still offers space for three passengers. 

Equally impressive is the load capacity available (500-1,400 litres), which can be used in a wide variety of ways thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split rear seat bench. Everyday usability is further enhanced by the standard-fitted automatically opening tailgate. This can be specified as an option with the extra convenience of the Smart Opener, which allows it to be opened with a movement of the foot. All BMW X4 variants are fitted with the Radio Professional with iDrive Controller and central display. Among the features contributing to the flawless ergonomics inside the new BMW X4 is the touch-sensitive surface of the new iDrive Touch Controller (available in conjunction with the Navigation System Professional), which allows drivers or passengers to use their finger to write letters for text inputs - a navigation destination, for example.

The premium quality and exclusivity of the interior are underlined by selected materials, subtle electroplated accents, a high-gloss black-panel look (in models with the two-zone automatic climate control system) and aluminium trim strips in the wood panelling. The unmistakable character of the BMW X4 is further highlighted by a level of standard equipment even more generous than that found on board the BMW X3. Indeed, the BMW X4 comes as standard with an automatically opening tailgate, a sports leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles (not available for the X4 xDrive20d with six-speed manual gearbox), variable sport steering, Performance Control and Park Distance Control at the rear.

SPECIFICATION

►Year:2015
►Make:BMW
►Model:X4
►Price:$ 45625
►Engine:inline-4
►Transmission:8-speed Steptronic sport automatic
►Horsepower @ RPM:
►240Torque @ RPM:260
►Displacement:2.0 L
►0-60 time:6 sec. (Est.)
►Top Speed:155 mph (Est.)

FEATURES

The X4 xDrive28i come standard with the turbo four-cylinder motor in addition to leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with HD radio along with AUX and USB inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, a power liftgate, automatic windshield wipers, auto on/off Xenon HID headlights, LED foglights, ambiance lighting, auto dimming exterior and interior mirrors, a universal garage door opener, full power accessories and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The X4 xDrive35i brings the turbocharged straight-six as well as a panoramic sunroof.
The optional xLine trim package brings metallic bumper inserts, satin aluminum side cladding, imitation underbody guards. It also allows buyers to choice between a range of unique leather upholstery, trim strip 19-inch wheel options.

The M Sport trim line adds an aggressive bodykit, shadow line exterior trim, sport front seats, anthracite headliner and sport-tuned steering and suspension. An exclusive variety of paint color, leather upholstery, trim strip and 19- and 20-inch wheel options can also be selected.

The Driver Assistance Package includes front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. It can be upgraded to the Driver Assistance Plus Package with a lane-departure warning system, frontal collision warning, pedestrian warning, city collision mitigation and rear- and top-view parking cameras.

The Premium Package adds leather upholstery, lumbar support for the front seats, satellite radio and remote start. For xDrive28i models, it also garners a panoramic sunroof.
The Technology Package brings a navigation system and upsized display screen, a head-up display, BMW apps and BMW remote services emergency communications system.
The Cold Weather Package includes heated front and rear seats along with a heated steering wheel and retractable headlight washers.

SPECIAL FEATURES

►BMW EFFICIENTDYNAMICS:

BMW made the sporty X4 an impressive fuel sipper. EfficientDynamics includes auto start/stop, low-rolling-resistance tires, brake-energy regeneration and a coasting function – technology you'd find in a hybrid. It works with the Eco Pro drive mode, which optimizes throttle response and transmission shifts, to achieve 28 highway mpg.

►M SPORT PACKAGE :

This isn't just an attractive styling package, even though the white sport seats with red stitching and the unique wheels look terrific. The M Sport package also comes with a sportier suspension than the regular X4, and that makes runs on twisty mountain roads a thrill.

PERFORMANCE

The X4 is offered with the buyer's choice of two engines.

The standard motor, which is fitted under the hood of the X4 xDrive28i, is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Those wanting more output can opt for the X4 xDrive35i - it packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six capable of 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.

All X4s shift through an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides quick, smooth shifts and can de-couple the drivetrain in coasting situations from 30-100 mph in order to save fuel. All-wheel-drive is standard.

Building on the already dynamic handling of the X3, the X4 boasts a more direct variable-effort steering system as well as standard performance control, which maintains a rear-biased torque split for sportier responses. An optional Dynamic Damper Control system tightens things up further with adaptive shocks that help to smooth out the ride and reduce body roll.

DRIVETRAIN

The new BMW X4 may be based on the technical blueprint of the BMW X3, but the moment you set eyes on it, the new SAV reveals a dynamic personality all of its own and an even more ebullient character. At 4,671 millimetres in length, it is just 14 millimetres longer than the X3, but is also 36 millimetres lower to the ground (height: 1,624 mm) and cuts a persuasive figure with its perfectly balanced proportions and distinctive character. The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the precise character lines in the front apron lend the X4 a more muscular and agile appearance. This lowers the car's visual centre of gravity closer to the road, signalling its sharper dynamics. The effect is further enhanced by the fog lamps sited below the signature twin headlights (both also available with LED technology as an option). This arrangement defines the striking "three-eyed" face of every BMW X model.

The coupe-like roofline of the BMW X4 reaches its highest point over the front seats, reflecting the traditional driver focus of BMW cars, before dropping gently down towards the trailing edge of the tailgate. These stretched lines underline the sporting coupe character of the X4 particularly effectively. The standalone design of the BMW X4 is further reinforced by the fresh interpretation of the signature swage line running along the flanks of BMW models which, for the first time, is split into two. The first section rises smoothly from the front wheel arches to the rear door handles, highlighting the outstanding dynamic ability of the new BMW X4, while the second part accentuates the powerful sculpting of the rear wings. The contoured C-pillars - complete with muscular shoulders - represent a perfectly judged continuation of the theme, as does the broad and low-set rear end, which reminds the driver and passengers of the superior performance served up by the new BMW X4 before they even climb aboard

SAFETY

All X3 models are fitted with dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems.

Also included is BMW Assist eCall, which automatically notifies a BMW call center in the event of a crash and can even predict the severity of occupant injuries.

Lane-departure warning is available as part of the Driver Assistance Plus Package, as are frontal collision warning, pedestrian warning and city collision mitigation. The latter three are all designed to prevent or mitigate the severity of frontal collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and stationary objects.

ENGINE

►PETROL ENGINE :

The state-of-the-art petrol engines available for the new BMW X4 boast High Precision Direct Injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft control and Valvetronic fully variable valve timing. These technologies join forces to provide the high-revving character for which BMW is renowned, along with excellent power delivery, superb refinement - and impressive efficiency. Indeed, the petrol engines for the new BMW X4 raise the bar with their combination of compelling dynamics yet rock-bottom fuel consumption and emissions. Drivers with sporting ambitions will be extremely well served by the X4 xDrive35i. Its 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine conjures up maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp between 5,800 and 6,400 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 1,200-5,000 rpm. That's enough to power the X4 xDrive35i from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 247 km/h (153 mph). Despite these show-stealing performance figures, the X4 xDrive35i keeps fuel consumption down to 8.3 litres/100 km [34.0 mpg imp], which equates to CO2 emissions of 193 g/km. Even more purposeful is the 180 kW/245 hp turbocharged four-cylinder unit powering the BMW X4 xDrive28i (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 9.3-8.7/6.3-5.9/7.4-7.0 l/100 km [30.4-32.5/44.8-47.9/38.2-40.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 172-162 g/km), which teams up with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard to produce peak torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) and a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 6.4 seconds. The 2.0-litre petrol engine in the BMW X4 xDrive20i (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 9.2-8.7/6.3-5.9/7.3-6.9 l/100 km [30.7-32.5/44.8-47.9/38.7-40.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 171-161 g/km) with eight-speed Steptronic transmission develops 135 kW/184 hp at 5,000 - 6,250 rpm and serves up 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque between 1,250 and 4,500 rpm. And that allows the X4 xDrive20i to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 second

►DIESEL ENGINE :

The BMW X4 xDrive35d ranks as a bona fide member of the dynamic elite. Its optimised 3.0-litre diesel delivers 230 kW/313 hp at 4,400 rpm and puts peak torque of 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) on tap between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. With its standard-fitted Launch Control, the X4 xDrive35d dispatches the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) dash in a mere 5.2 seconds and hits a top speed of 247 km/h (153 mph). This is exceptional performance, but the X4 xDrive35d still posts fuel consumption of just 6.0 litres/100 km [47.1 mpg imp] and emits only 157 grams of CO2 per kilometre. The further developed 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW X4 xDrive30d (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 6.6-6.2/5.7-5.4/6.1-5.7 l/100 km [42.8-45.5/49.6-52.3/46.3-49.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 159-149 g/km) displays an even sharper dynamic edge. Indeed, with output of 190 kW/258 hp at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) on stream between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a suitably sporty 5.8 seconds. The BMW X4 xDrive20d is powered by a newly developed 2.0-litre diesel engine with an all-aluminium construction, which achieves injection pressure of 2,000 bar thanks to common rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors. This cutting-edge power unit develops 140 kW/190 hp at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). As a result, the X4 xDrive20d requires just 8.0 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph). And yet, linking up with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, it pins fuel consumption to 5.4-5.0 litres/100 km [52.3-56.5 mpg imp] and sets the CO2 emission benchmark with figures of just 141-131 g/km.

FUEL ECONOMY

The unparalleled BMW EfficientDynamics technology package also minimises the fuel consumption and emissions of the new BMW X4. Included are features such as the Auto Start Stop function and coasting function (if an eight-speed automatic gearbox is fitted), Brake Energy Regeneration and on-demand operation of ancillary units, ensuring an admirable degree of environmental compatibility to go with maximum driving pleasure. Also available as an option to add further efficiency to the mix are fourth-generation reduced-rolling-resistance tyres, which reduce the CO2 emissions of selected variants of the BMW X4 by another 7 g/km.

VIDEO

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By : Automotive News & Super Modified Sports Cars

Posted by : Shahen Tharammal