2018 BMW X4 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　

What’s new

　　The BMW X4 returns unchanged for 2018.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　How much are you willing to sacrifice for fashion? This is an important question to answer as it will largely dictate how much appeal the 2018 BMW X4 is going to have for you. The X4 is a lot like the larger BMW X6. Both have a distinct sloping rear roofline for a coupelike profile, plus plenty of aggressive styling flourishes to up the sporty quotient. Compared to the X3 on which it is based, the X4 certainly looks cooler. But let's not forget what the "U" in SUV stands for — utility. That fastback rear hatch significantly cuts into cargo capacity as well as rear-passenger space.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 BMW X4 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$200/mo  for X4 xDrive28i

　　X4 xDrive28i

　　xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $47,600 MSRPM40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $59,250 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　If style is a priority for your small luxury crossover SUV, the 2018 BMW X4 is certainly a strong contender. But for everybody else, we suggest checking out more capable alternatives, some of which are within BMW's own model lineup.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　The 2018 BMW X4 is a sleek SUV with a distinctive sloping rear roofline that gives it a sporty appearance. Unfortunately, the sacrifices in cargo and rear-passenger space are significant. You'll probably like the X4. Just know that it's form over function.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 BMW X4 xDrive28i (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current X4 has received some revisions, including an update to BMW's iDrive infotainment system. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's X4.

　　

Scorecard

Overall

　　

Driving

　　With either engine, the X4 delivers quick acceleration for the class. The M40i is for the few who seek a high-performing overkill SUV with superb handling capabilities. The xDrive28i isn't as great in the corners but does have a more comfortable ride quality.

　　

Acceleration

　　The 240-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder gets the X4 to 60 mph in 6 seconds, which is darn quick. The eight-speed automatic has sport and manual shift options, the latter controlled by the shift lever or wheel-mounted paddles.

　　

Braking

　　The pedal feel is reassuringly firm yet easy to modulate for around-town duty. It stopped from 60 mph in 122 feet, which is average. Brake drying, standby, hill-hold, hill descent control and fade compensation are standard.

　　

Steering

　　The steering doesn't exhibit the kind of precision we normally associate with BMWs. Still pretty accurate and it turns in corners quickly. But the X4, at just over 4,100 pounds, feels heavy through corners.

　　

Handling

　　Considerable body roll around turns, a bit more than we expected considering our test car had the M Sport package. Still, the xDrive all-wheel-drive system puts the power down effectively to all four tires.

　　

Drivability

　　Dynamically the X4 is not as light on its feet as other BMW SUVs, but it should still deliver enough sport for most. Great stability at speed on the highway. All-wheel-drive components hamper low-speed maneuvering a bit.

　　

Off-road

　　The X4 is a somewhat capable off-roader, with standard all-wheel drive. Hill descent control helps, too, along with just over 8 inches of ground clearance.

　　

Comfort

　　Front-seat comfort is adequate, with the M Sport seats gaining an edge for support. Rear seats are mounted low yet still lack enough headroom for taller passengers. This is one of the prices you pay for that sloping rear roofline.

　　

Seat comfort

　　We like the M Sport package's front seats. They are highly adjustable and offer appropriate lumbar and lateral support for most body types. Some may find the large bolstering intrusive.

　　

Ride comfort

　　The optional M Sport suspension gives a sporty-firm ride, which isn't helped by the stiff sidewalls of the 19-inch Goodyear Eagle LS-2 run-flat tires.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　Sound isolation is excellent. Hardly any noise of any kind reaches the cabin, whether tire, wind or road. The only exception is the growl from the turbo four-cylinder when the tachometer gets near redline.

　　

Interior

　　The materials quality matches that of the rest of the BMW lineup, which is to say it's really quite good. Combined with the upmarket design, it feels right for the price. Controls are logically placed and easy to use.

　　

Ease of use

　　All primary and secondary controls are within easy reach of the driver. A manual tilt-and-telescoping wheel helps with the driving position. Those new to BMW will need a course in iDrive, though it has become a much more intuitive system.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　The X4's step-in height is reasonable even for shorter drivers, and the roof is high enough to give a tall driver suitable head clearance when stepping in. The doors open wide and aren't too heavy.

　　

Roominess

　　The X4 is built to technically seat five, but three people across the back seat will be tight unless they are kids. Up-front accommodations can be called "comfortably snug."

　　

Visibility

2.5

　　Forward visibility is average for a small SUV and enhanced at night thanks to standard xenon adaptive headlights. Rearward sightlines are similar to the larger X5, about the norm for this segment. A rearview camera is available.

　　

Quality

　　We encountered zero build quality issues. The X4 exhibited the high level of fitment we've come to expect from BMW. Everything about the X4 feels solid and durable.

　　

Utility

　　There's only 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, or 49.4 cubic feet with them folded down. This is smaller than in some hatchbacks, which could spell trouble for bulkier items. Interior storage could be better, too, especially with the shallow center armrest bin.

　　

Small-item storage

　　The door pockets are wide. Usable space in the center armrest bin is minimal.

　　

Cargo space

　　The X4 delivers hatchback versatility, with a 40/20/40-split folding second row. The cargo area holds two full-size suitcases or four golf bags behind the second row.

　　

Technology

　　BMW's iDrive system continues to evolve in the right direction. Yes, it takes some time to fully acclimate to, but it can become second nature with ease. The advanced safety features are well tuned to avoid false alarms yet effective when you need them to be.

　　

Which X4 does zzdcar recommend?

　　The 2018 BMW X4 xDrive28i is already a potent little performer and will satisfy the majority of drivers. Almost all of the features from the range-topping M40i are available as options, so you won't be missing much other than the overabundance of power.

　　BMW's suite of advanced safety features is among the best in the industry, so for either the xDrive28i or the M40i, we'd recommend adding the Driving Assistance package. Otherwise, we caution against adding much else since options are expensive and quickly send the price into another bracket.

　　

2018 BMW X4 models

　　The 2018 BMW X4 is a compact luxury SUV with a sloping rear roofline, much like the larger but equally sleek BMW X6. It is available in two trim levels: the xDrive28i and M40i. The xDrive 28i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (240 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque) while the M40i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (355 hp, 343 lb-ft). Both come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

　　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, a power liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, selectable drive modes and cruise control.

　　On the inside, the features list continues with dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats with driver memory functions, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, simulated leather upholstery, 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, a universal garage door opener, BMW Assist emergency telematics, BMW's iDrive infotainment system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and a nine-speaker CD player with HD radio and USB-auxiliary input.

　　Stepping up to the X4 M40i will add an adaptive suspension, keyless entry and ignition, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio. It also comes with the 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.

　　Bundled options include the Cold Weather package (heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and headlight washers); the Driving Assistance package (forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display and a speed limit display); and the Parking Assistance package (a surround-view camera system and an automated parking system). The M40i is also eligible for the Lighting package (adaptive LED headlights and automatic high beams). Other add-ons include a navigation system, a wireless charging pad, a Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay.

　　

2018 X4 Highlights

Type: SUVM40iSUV

　　Trim: xDrive28iM40ixDrive28i

　　

Base MSRP	$47,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$200/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles