Making SUVs More Personal with Coupe-Like Bodies

When I asked if it would fit in the parking space at the sports club, someone said, "Is that anX6?" It seems the car isn't widely recognized yet, as it had just been released. While waiting at a traffic light, the driver of an X5 kept staring at meX4.—.

BMW calls the X4 an SAC (Sports Activity Coupe). Originally, they categorized SUVs as SAVs (Sports Activity Vehicles). This is to differentiate them from rivals and establish their character. The term SAC emerged when they released the X6, likely to emphasize its coupe-like form. While models like the Range Rover Evoque and Porsche Macan exist today, it was undoubtedly a groundbreaking concept at the time.

The X4 is built on the X3, just as the X6 is based on the X5. Incidentally, the X5 underwent a full model change, which also affected the X6, and it was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last September.Evoque, or the PorscheMacan, but it was certainly a novel concept back then.

The X4 is based on the X3, just as the X6 is based on the X5. Incidentally, the X5 underwent a full model change, which also affected the X6, and it was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last September.X5 underwent a full model change, and the X6 was also updated, being unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last September.

Returning to the X4. The differences from the X3 can be seen even in their dimensions, reflecting their distinct characters. Similar to the relationship between a sedan and a coupe, the X3 measures 4,665mm in length, 1,880mm in width, and 1,675mm in height, while the X4 is 4,680mm long, 1,880mm wide, and 1,625mm high. In essence, the length is slightly increased, and the height is reduced. Of course, with both having a wheelbase of 2,810mm, they directly correspond to the relationship between the3 Seriesand the4 Series.

BMW X4 | BMW X4

A Compact, Smart SUV Sized Just for You

Test Drive of the New Generation SUV, the BMW X4, Blending Sportiness and Agility (Part 2)

Easy-to-Handle Size and SUV Eye-Level View

While the X3 lineup offers variants based on the 20i/20d/28i/35i with Standard, xLine, and M Sport trims, the X4 is limited to Standard and M Sport trims based on the 28i/35i. Given its niche character, the lineup is considerably narrowed down. Personally, I would appreciate a diesel option, but that's for another time.

So, how does the X4 perform in real-world driving? I primarily test-drove the 28i M Sport. Under the hood lies a 2-liter inline-4 turbo, a unit familiar to BMW enthusiasts. This engine performs exceptionally well, smoothly revving past 6,000 rpm, which is a pleasure in itself. It's truly enjoyable.

If I were to be picky, it's fine for cruising on regular roads and highways, but I'd wish for a bit more mid-range acceleration. To address this, I utilized the driving mode selection. Naturally, if you constantly drive in Sport mode, you'll get the desired power, but then fuel economy becomes a concern. So, I switch to Sport mode only when needed for acceleration. This makes the acceleration fun.

The gear drops down, and it holds the revs in the upper range. It's like a power switch. The 8-speed transmission tends to shift up quickly due to the increased number of gears, aiming for better fuel efficiency.

BMW X4 | BMW X4

A Compact, Smart SUV Sized Just for You

Test Drive of the New Generation SUV, the BMW X4, Blending Sportiness and Agility (Part 3)

Agile Handling and Firm Suspension

Regardless, the more I drive it, the more I get accustomed to it. The size is just right, and the eye-level view is perfect. While not as high as the X3, the visibility is excellent. It retains the privileges of an SUV.

As for the rear seats, apart from the headroom, there are no issues. For someone 180cm tall, it feels a bit cramped, but one can get used to it. If that's a concern, I'd recommend the X3.

The handling is characteristic of BMW's SUV group, with the front end responding nimbly to steering inputs. There's minimal body roll, and the behavior remains stable, which is typical of modern cars. This is achieved through dampers and stabilizers with high damping force. German cars these days tend to have firm suspensions; BMW is one, and Mercedes is another. The newC-Classwas surprisingly stiff when I first drove it. The standard tire size is 19 inches, with 20-inch options available for the M Sport.

Another characteristic of BMW SUVs is the thickness of the steering wheel grip. While it's not an issue for men, some women or less experienced drivers find it a bit challenging. Experienced drivers grip it lightly, but those who aren't may tend to hold it with considerable force.

Despite these points, I personally quite like the X4. Both the Mineral White and the appealing Melbourne Red are attractive colors. Its strong personal feel makes it endearing, undoubtedly enhanced by its distinctive shape. It possesses the presence of a coupe, arguably making it the coupe of the 21st century.

The price for the 28i is in the 6 million yen range, and the 35i is in the 7 million yen range. If your budget allows, the latter is recommended, especially the M Sport version, with its 20-inch double-spoke alloy wheels adding to its imposing stance.

BMW X4 xDrive35i M Sport

BMW X4 xDrive35i M Sport
Body | Length 4,680 × Width 1,900 × Height 1,625 mm
Wheelbase | 2,810 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,605 / 1,600 mm
Weight | 1900 (1,920) kg (with electric glass roof)
Ground Clearance | 205 mm
Engine | 2,979 cc Inline 6-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC
Max Output | 225 kW (306 ps) / 5,800 rpm
Max Torque | 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) / 1,200-5,000 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Drivetrain | 4WD
Suspension Front | Double-joint Spring Strut
Suspension Rear | 5-link
Tires Front | 245/45R19
Tires Rear | 275/40R19
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 12.1 km/ℓ
Price | 7.9 million yen

BMW X4 xDrive 28i | BMW X4 xDrive 28i
Body | Length 4,680 × Width 1,880 × Height 1,625 mm
Wheelbase | 2,810 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,605 / 1,600 mm
Weight | 1870 (1,890) kg (with electric glass roof)
Ground Clearance | 205 mm
Engine | 1,997 cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC
Max Output | 180 kW (245 ps) / 5,000 rpm
Max Torque | 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) / 1,250-4,800 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT
Drivetrain | 4WD
Suspension Front | Double-joint Spring Strut
Suspension Rear | 5-link
Tires Front | 245/45R19
Tires Rear | 275/40R19
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 13.7 km/ℓ
Price | 6.74 million yen