2016 BMW X4 2.0d xDrive Review: baby X6 for the price of the apartment

2016 BMW X4 fights for a market share in the narrow niche, mainly against Jaguar F-Pace, Mercedes GLC coupe and Range Rover Evoque. As well it is attracted to customers whose wallets are a little bit too thin for a larger X6. BMW X4 excels on the road, equipped with the basic engine can be extremely economical. The main problem seems to be the price, which quickly goes sky high.

BMW X4 excels on the road, in all conditions.

2016 BMW X4 highlights

BMW X4 is an excellent dynamic car, with an image reminiscent of the larger, more elegant and more expensive X6.

It skillfully exploits the knowledge accumulated by the evolutionary progress of already mentioned larger SUV brother and other family members X.

The weakest diesel engine with 190 “horses” is not nearly weak.

On average, it will require about 7.7 liters of diesel per hundred kilometers.

Compared with V6 engines, this 2.0d lacks refinement – occasionally it can be too loud.

Usefulness: BMW X4 must admit superiority to the classic body shapes because of the curved roof.

Technically speaking, even the weakest engine is strong enough and the customers will not feel ripped off in any way as far as performance is concerned.

The price is controversial for many. Additional equipment in the reviewed BMW X4 alone is worth nearly 25 grand.

Engine: 2.0-liter turbodiesel with 190 HP.

Fuel consumption in the test: 7.7 l / 100 km.

Test vehicle price: 75,500 EUR* (base vehicle price around 50,000 EUR).

*Price varies from country to country, for exact details ask your local dealership.

“This is the small X6”

BMW X4 is an SAV, which stands for sports activity vehicle.

Frequent observation of those who see BMW X4 at close range is perfectly in place. Logically, BMW has followed an established X6 model concept, which debuted the SAC acronym. BMW claims that it is a “Sports Activity Vehicle” and not an SUV (sports utility vehicle).

And then it comes to the design, shape and overall appearance. 2016 BMW X4 is more modest in dimensions and has somewhat more reserved design than the X6. Despite a similar downward roof and clearly similar general features of the X6. The X family newcomer somehow attracts considerably less attention. In any case, this is grist to the mill of competitors such as fresh Jaguar F-Pace and Mercedes GLC coupe. Both competitors are in fact proud owners of quite courageous moves.

Rear bench: great for children, mediocre for adults

The rear bench in BMW X4 could be more spacious. But the descending roof has its price.

The ambience is typical BMW – ish. What does this mean? The seats are perfect, interior appearance is very tasteful. The visibility is not a good virtue of BMW X4, due to the design of the bodywork. But this is the same problem all similar models have to cope with. The overall quality of the materials used in the cabin is great. But, given the price of the vehicle, we can and should be very demanding. So, here is a complaint. The plastic is too hard in some places. And this is the only major point.

The front part of the cabin: no complaints.

The first part of the cabin is spacious enough. And while the tax of the descending roof in the second row is also not too high (children are welcome, adults only for a shorter route), the largest taxpayer on the account of the coupe-like body shape is the luggage compartment. So, family-oriented customers will be more likely to look in the direction of X3 model.

BMW X4 expectedly excellent on snow, gravel and tarmac

According to the past experience of driving BMW X models, especially X6, which definitely has one the best chassis in the SUV segment SUV (ie. SAC), we expected and demanded a lot from the X4. After all, its benefits are also smaller weight and more compact dimensions, which should deal with the curves with even greater joy. BMW X4’s ground clearance is the same as X3’s, 204 mm (or around 8 inches).

The ambience is typical BMW – ish.

On the road, BMW X4 2016 excels. Because of the relatively small lateral and longitudinal inclination of the body and due to the excellent damping and high level of comfort. Despite the large, 19-inch wheels. And yes, the steering is surprisingly good, very responsive and exact.

BMW engineers have proven once again that they belong in the top of the versatile and excellent travel experience. Agility is of course further improved with the presence of all-wheel drive. And this can be important. Not so much for the sporty drivers, but for those who take advantage of all-wheel drive because of the lower grip.

BMW X4 2.0d – the weakest diesel, fuel economy one of the advantages

The quality of the materials used in the cabin is great.

The drive train harmoniously matches the whole vehicle concept. 2-liter diesel, the weakest choice, with 190 HP, combined with an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission. The advantage of the four-cylinder is flexibility, the disadvantage is that it is slightly too loud in idle and at high speeds.

A piece of advice. Whoever will test only this engine before buying, will most likely came from the vehicle very pleased. But anyone that also hears the noise of the larger V6, the story is different. Especially because V6 is not much, if any, less economical.

Of course, the iDrive controller is a must. BMW X4 is no exception.

The reviewed vehicle on average require 7.7 liters of diesel per hundred kilometers, but not more than 6.6 liters on the highway. A good achievement for a relatively heavy car with permanent four-wheel drive and automatic transmission.

What about the price?

We agree, it is a bit too high. Especially the reviewed vehicle price, which is around 75,000 EUR. For this amount, you can buy yourself an apartment in many countries. On the other hand, the base price of the BMW X4 2,0d is around 50,000 EUR. Still a lot, but you also get a lot of car for the money.

8-speed Steptronic transmission with shift paddles.

Probably you are asking yourself, what kind of equipment did we get in a reviewed car that cost another half of the base model price. Well, the list is below. Is it is worth 25 grand? The selection of brand new cars you can get for that amount of money, is not short at all. Some pieces are definitely dispensable, others are a must in today’s automotive world. Because of the safety or just because all the competitors have it. Or because of the status symbol. Anyhow, here is the list, and we will let you be the judge for yourself.

BMW X4 Harman kardon HiFi sound system.

Additional equipment list of the reviewed 2016 BMW X4 2,0x xDrive, worth around 25,000 EUR: X-line package, Mineral white color, Nevada Oyster black leather, Steptronic transmission with shift paddles, Integrated remote device, Comfort Access, Rear-view camera, Roof rails – aluminium satinated, Panoramic glass roof, Automatic dimming mirrors, Electric adjustment of the front seats with memory, Sports front seats, Heated front seats, Adaptive LED headlights, Warning when changing lane, Surround view camera, Parking Assistant, HiFi sound system, 19-inch alloy wheels Y-spoke, Interior moldings fineline anthracite, BMW Connected Drive Advanced package, Driving Assistant Plus, Innovation Pack.

2016 BMW X4 rivals and competitors

In reality, BMW X4 will have to deal with the Jaguar F-Pace and Mercedes GLC coupe.

Overall, BMW X4 is a very good vehicle. Otherwise, with a relatively conservative look, but great driving dynamics. Relatively powerful and very economical engine, four-wheel drive, informally labeled the “little X6”. In reality, BMW X4 will have to deal with the Jaguar F-Pace and Mercedes GLC coupe, who are slightly longer (six or eight centimeters), more spacious, with more modern looks and much more striking at first glance.

Jaguar F-Pace
Mercedes GLC coupe (video comparison below)
Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover Velar (video comparison below)

BMW X4 vs. Range Rover Velar

The technical comparison between Range Rover Velar vs. BMW X4 shows Velar is larger in almost all directions, including wheelbase. Inside, the spaciousness is very similar, BMW X4 is slightly more generous with centimeters in the first row. The engine offer is similar, both with diesel and petrol motors between 2- and 3-liters. Velar engines have a bit more torque on average, while the X4 is quicker in acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour. BMW X4 is also cheaper, you can get the base model for more than 15% less in UK.

BMW X4 versus Mercedes GLC Coupe

Technical data: BMW X4 2.0 d xDrive

Design:

Crossover, SUV (SAV), five seats.

Engine:

Type: Four-cylinder turbo diesel engine.
Engine capacity: 1995 cm3.
Maximum power: 140 kW (190 HP) at 4000 rpm.
Maximum torque: 400 Nm at 1,750 rpm.
Transmission: four-wheel drive xDrive, the eight-speed automatic transmission.

Dimensions and weights:

Length: 4,671 mm.
Width: 1,881 mm.
Height: 1,624 mm.
Wheelbase: 2,810 mm.
Ground clearance: 204 mm.
Luggage compartment: from 500 to 1,400 liters.
Vehicle weight: 1,820 kg.
Maximum allowed weight: 2,335 kg.
Fuel tank: 67 l.

Performance and consumption:

Top speed: 212 km/h.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: 8.0 s.
Fuel consumption: urban driving: 6.0 liters/100 km, on the open road: 5.0 l/100 km, combined: 5,5 l/100 km.
Average test consumption: 7,7 liters/100 km.
CO2 emissions: 145 g/km ; Euro 6.

Safety equipment:

BMW emergency call, collision sensor, ABS, airbags, curtain airbags, Dynamic Stability Control DSC, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, ISOFIX.