2017 BMW X4

Breaking away from all the conventional rules for an SUV, the BMW X4 is a blend between an SUV and a coupe with a tapered roofline giving it an interesting look. It doesn't look like a tall wagon as one might expect from an SUV neither does it falls directly into the category of being a sedan. Much of the features of 2017 BMW X4 is heavily borrowed from its sibling the X3 but still carries a distinct feature of its own. 

The X4 is offered in two powertrains viz. xDrive 28i and M40i. The car is quick with either of two turbocharged engines—a four- or a six-cylinder—and a stiff chassis gives you an agile feeling on the road. Interestingly, some may find the X4 more athletic than the X3, especially the M40i model which is equipped with a launch control, 19-inch wheels, and an adjustable suspension. 

Since the X4 is not a tall wagon and the experimental look is mostly due to its low roofline, the rear seat's passenger space has been compromised so is its trunk capacity. Therefore, if you are looking for a vehicle which is high on utility factor then maybe the X4 would not show up at the top list. 

There are two simplified versions of the BMW X4: xDrive 28i and M40i. Both the powertrain lineups get all-wheel drive, which BMW calls the "xDrive." The base trim packs a sweet-spinning turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 which is capable of generating 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft of torque. While the second trim comes with a potent turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that is rated as 355 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque. The lower output inline-6 in the X4 xDrive35i is no longer available for 2017.

The X4 comes pretty equipped from the factory itself but if you want to add spend a little extra to get more, BMW offers several packages like the Premium package, Driver assistance Package, and Cold-weather Package. 

Trims	xDrive 28i	M40i
MSRP	$45,550	$58,100
Features	Standard xDrive28i features include   19-inch alloy wheels  Automatic adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors,   Power liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, selectable drive modes and cruise control.  Dual-zone automatic climate control  Eight-way power front seats with driver memory functions, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel   BMW Assist emergency telematics, BMW's iDrive infotainment system  Rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and a nine-speaker CD player with HD radio and USB-auxiliary input.	M40i adds   Adaptive suspension   Keyless entry and ignition  Premium Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio.  M Sport package that includes unique aerodynamic exterior touches, black exterior trim, a sport-tuned suspension, an increased top speed, sport seats and a sport steering wheel.  Cold Weather package

"The "base" turbo four-cylinder packs a real wallop when you put your foot in it, pressing you back in your seat and making a mockery of its claimed 240-hp output."-Edmunds

Engine & Transmission

BMW's xDrive system divides its power 40/60, front to rear, but as per the traction requirement, it can send 100 percent of the power to the rear wheels. The xDrive28i boats of a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 under its hood whereas its elder sibling M40i is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. With 355 horsepower and 343 lb.-ft of torque, the M40i has one of the most powerful engines in its class.

Even the base trim can generate 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque which is decent when compared to its competitors. However, both the engines of BMW X4 are paired to a smooth shifting 8-speed automatic.

Models	BMW X4 xDrive 28i	Audi Q5 Premium	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription
MSRP	$45,550	$40,900	$39,150	$40,950
Engine	2.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder	2.0L TFSI Inline 4-Cylinder	2.0L inline-4 turbo w/Direct Injection	2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	240 hp	220 hp	241 hp	240 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft	258 lb-ft	273 lb-ft	258 lb-ft

The Mercedes GLC has 241 hp of power and 273 lb.-ft. of torque which is one of the best in class. It is backed by a 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged engine. It is the only compact SUV in its class which flaunts a 9-speed automatic transmission. Audi Q5 offers the most power of 252 hp among the fraternity. In terms of torque, Mercedes Benz GLC 300 Audi Q5 ties with Volvo XC60 T5 Q5 at 258 lb.-ft of torque.

Acceleration 

Propelled by BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, with a side excursion in the xDrive30i turbocharged 2.0-liter four-banger the 2017 BMW X4 sprinted to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds in the test track making it the quickest in the segment for a base engine. The higher version of the X4, the M40i is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 sec which is pretty remarkable in its class. The only competition that stands in its way is the Porsche Macan Turbo.

Models	BMW X4 xDrive 28i	Audi Q5 Premium	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription
0-60 MPH	6.0 sec	5.9 sec	6.3 sec	7.3 sec
Quarter mile	13.6 sec	13.5 sec	14.0 sec	15.5 sec
Engine	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Emission  (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.6	8.0	7.3	6.8

The latest iteration of the Volvo XC60 T5 takes roughly 7.3 seconds to traverse a quarter-mile which is one second slower than the Mercedes GLC 300. The Audi Q5 and the BMW X4 compete each other with a hairline difference in their acceleration ability. 

Ride and Handling 

The varied amount of options given to the X4's steering program shifts through different programs namely green, comfort, and sport modes. Its Four-wheel independent suspension tries its best to relay those commands to the road as effectively as it can without creating too much fuss. It shares the rigid chassis and overall refined behavior of its sibling X3 and X5 while also working great to sharpen the handling. Identical to the X3, the X4 too has been tuned with firmer springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars for its optional adaptive M version.

BMW claims that it has invested much of its effort to reduce its weight by shaving un-sprung mass in the suspension, which successfully dispels the apprehensions about the flinty ride over rough pavement experienced in its previous models.

Braking

The 2017 BMW M40i comes with standard M Sport brakes with a larger master cylinder. Thereby, it gives a very firm feel and its easily modulated pedal shows its performance in mountain driving. It is to be noted that a consistent weakness of the previous-generation X4 was its abnormally long stopping distances which doesn't match to its heavyweight counterparts. The xDrive28i trim still takes 123 feet to stop in the emergency brake test.

Model	BMW X4 xDrive 28i	Audi Q5 Premium	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription
Brake Front(in)	12.9	12.6	13.5	12.9
Brake Rear(in)	13.0	11.8	12.6	11.9
Curb Weight(lbs)	4130	4200	3892	3959
60-0 MPH (ft.)	123	117	115	125

Others in the list are quite competitive as the luxury SUVs like Audi Q5 and Mercedes Benz GLC 300 throw up impressive numbers in panic beak tests. It takes mere 115 feet for GLC 300 to come to a stop from 60-0 mph. Volvo X60 T5 travels about 130 feet to come to halt.

The BMW X4 predictably follow the X3 as per the ratings given by the EPA. The base trim xDrive28i can somehow manage 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, 23 combined this year, while the 2017 M40i has been rated at 19/26/21 mpg.

Model	BMW X4 xDrive 28i	Audi Q5 Premium	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription
MPG (city)	20	20	22	23
MPG (highway)	27	27	28	31
MPG (combined)	23	22	24	26

The X4 is probably one of the most fuel-efficient luxury SUVs out there. The only competition to the X4 is the Volvo XC60 T5 which has a combined capacity of 26 mpg which is best in its class. The Audi Q5 is almost identical to X4 in terms of fuel efficiency but falls just 1mpg short in the combined city/highway rating.

"The X4's front compartment feels somewhat more intimate than that of the X3, highlighted by a wide center console that creates a sporty, dual-cockpit feel."-Edmunds

Seating and Comfort 

The faster roofline of the X4 is reflected in its interior compromised packaging. This compact luxury car is a bona fide five-seater, but the X4's deeply contoured buckets prioritize four passengers as the manufacturers haven't left sufficient headroom for the rear passengers. If there are just two travelers going on a weekend trip then they would not suffer for comfort and cargo capacity as the X4 is slightly more useful than the Porsche Macan.

 

Model	BMW X4 xDrive 28i	Audi Q5 Premium	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.0/57.2/40.4	39.4/57.7/41.0	37.8/57.3/40.8	38/56.2/41.2
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.4/56.0/34.8	39.0/56.4/37.4	38.5/56.5/37.3	38.1/55.2/38.1

 

 

Infotainment System

Among the various trims of the X4 the M40i is equipped with BMW’s gesture-control system which is quite gimmicky. The infotainment was first seen in the 7-series sedan the iDrive system is intuitive and responsive. Some of the standard features which comes tagged with the X4 includes a moonroof, Bluetooth, the iDrive infotainment system, and Mobile Office. Other available features include: - 

• Harman Kardon audio system 
• Apple CarPlay 
• Wireless phone charging 
• Wi-Fi hot spot 
• Mobile Office 

 

Cargo volume 

One of the biggest drawbacks of the BMW X4 is its compromised storage space. With just 17.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 49.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded this SUV sits at the bottom when it comes to utility. With the rear seats up you can put in a lot of shopping bags or a few sets of golf clubs whereas with the rear seats down, you might have enough space for camping gear, cookout supplies, or some smaller furniture items but is insufficient for a luxury SUV like the X4 mostly because of its sloping roofline which impedes the X4's utility.

Model	BMW X4 xDrive 28i	Audi Q5 Premium	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription
Volume behind 2nd row (cube ft.)	17.7	29.1	19.4	30.8
2nd row folded (cube ft.)	49.4	57.3	56.5	67.4

 

Among its competitors, the Volvo XC60 T5 has the largest amount of trunk space as you can easily fit in bulkier items given the 67.4 cubic feet of space. Coming second is the Mercedes Benz GLC 300 and Audi Q5 having 57.3 and 56.5 cubic feet of space which is average in its class

Dimension and Weight

Just in the name of fashion the X4 purposely gives up some of its functionality towing the lines of its bigger sibling. The rear end of the BMW X4 has been planned down tailoring its duds which gives its a distinct look and sets it apart from the bigger X6. The thick rear haunches may not look flawed from the outside but it does considerable amount of damage to its cargo capacity. The noticeable break in the shoulder line, and the break of the C-pillar is an intent by the brand to showcase the X4's performance capabilities.

The X4 is roughly half an inch longer than the X3, but is 1.5 inches shorter. However this does not make any changes to the center of gravity as the rider still sits on top of the bulk of its weight, rather than between it as expected from a conventional SUV. The X4 is indeed athletic for its size and very negligible amount of discernible nose dive or exaggerated body motions in corners.  

Model	BMW X4 xDrive 28i	Audi Q5 Premium	Mercedes-Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription
Curb weight(lbs)	4130	4200	3892	3959
Length(in)	184.5	182.6	183.3	182.8
Width(in)	74.1	74.7	74.4	74.4
Height(in)	63.9	65.2	64.5	67.4
Ground clearance(in)	8.0	7.9	5.9	9.1
Wheelbase(in)	110.6	110.5	113.1	109.2
Track width(in) F/R	62.8/63.4	63.7/63.5	63.9/63.7	64.3/62.4

There have been no tests performed by the NHSTA or the IIHS for safety ratings. Among the standard features, the X4 includes plenty of airbags, and options for adaptive cruise control, a forward-collision and a lane-departure warning system, and the uniquely designed BMW's bank of surround-view cameras. The Parking Assistant allows the driver to steer the X4 into parallel parking spots while the driver attends the controls as a backup. 

Safety Features 

• Head Protection System (HPS), front and rear 
• Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with advanced technology: dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment; and front-passenger-seat sensors designed to prevent unnecessary airbag deployment 
• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger-seat safety belts (for installation of child-restraint seats) 
• Central locking system on driver and front passenger doors (leaves fuel filler door unlocked) 
• Impact sensor that activates Battery Safety Terminal disconnect of alternator, fuel pump and starter from battery; automatically unlocks doors; and turns on hazard and interior lights 
• LATCH for child-restraint safety-seat installation 
• Front safety belts with automatic pretensioners 
• Anti-theft alarm system 
• BMW Assist eCall includes Emergency Request (SOS button) and Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification 

BMW X4 vs Audi Q5 Premium

Audi Q5 Premium enthralls you with its top-notch interior craftsmanship. Its refined character makes the Q5 feel expensive from behind the wheel. The seats boast of being extra versatile as it has unique sliding rear seat which is quite unique in its class. Something that is bothersome about the SUV is that it has no USB ports for charging or connecting a phone neither does it comes equipped with active accident-avoidance technology. For those of you who are willing to make same exterior changes can meet a hurdle as the Q5 offers a very limited color edition.

BMW X4 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 

Maintaining a good balance of comfort and performance makes the new Mercedes Benz GLC 300 an appealing daily driver. The car also gets a solid fuel efficiency score from the standard four-cylinder engine based on the estimates by the EPA. Unlike the X4 which has a declining roofline making it difficult for rear passengers to adjust the GLC 300, on the other hand, offers plenty of room for adult-sized passengers in the back. The exterior of the GLC 300 flaunts an elegant design from the outside giving it a true luxury appearance. The buyers may not find its technology interface user-friendly as its a tad bit inconvenient. The powertrains are limited as only one four-cylinder engine is offered unless you step up to the ultra-high-performance AMG model. 

BMW X4 vs Volvo XC60 T5 Inscription 

The XC60 T5 has an efficient four-cylinder engine which is far more powerful than you could imagine. It's indeed a family car as it boasts of top safety scores and integrated booster seats and generous amount of cargo capacity. The T5 is an ideal car for longer hauling with family as the seats of the car are super comfortable and provide long-distance comfort. However, you wouldn't be much impressed by its handling as it doesn't inspire much confidence when going around turns making it lag behind its newer competitors. Even the interior design and infotainment system are still old school. 

For the 2017 BMW X4 SUV, the focus has been laid more on the sport aspect and not so much on utility. It can prove to be a good purchase for those you look for nimble handling and two powerful turbocharged engines in a car. The styling of this vehicle is in line with characteristic BMW fashion which signifies a sportier driving experience. If going by the claims made by the brand the BMW X4, with its new shape brings dynamic improvements thanks to a lowered center of gravity although, it still remains higher than a sedan or a coupe—and a wider rear track. Some of its peers perform better and is higher on the utility side as the cramped rear seats and an undersized cargo of the X4 hold can be a big let-down. If you can live with the lack of usability of the car then maybe the sporty X4 is for you.