2017 BMW X4

by BMW of Silver Spring

BMW improves a segment-busting SAV

BMW introduced the X4 for the 2015 model year as the second of its “Sports Activity Coupes.” Like the larger X6, the X4 combines the tall ride height of an SUV with the styling of a coupe to create something very unusual. For 2017, BMW is adding a bit more sportiness to the lineup with the new 355-horsepower M40i model, bringing the 2017 BMW X4 closer to the “Ultimate Driving Machine” ideal.

Performance

BMW tries to make everything it builds live up to the “Ultimate Driving Machine” moniker, but that was especially important with the X4. As a “Sports Activity Coupe,” the X4 is supposed to emphasize on-road driving and performance more than a traditional SUV.

For 2017, buyers get two powertrain choices. The X4 xDrive28i uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard equipment. With this combination, BMW says the X4 will do 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 130 mph. The EPA rates the four-cylinder X4 at 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).*

BMW previously offered a six-cylinder version of the X4, but for 2017 it gets an extra injection of performance. The X4 M40i uses the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six as the old xDrive35i model, but with upgraded internals, more boost pressure, and other modifications. The result is 355 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque. That’s a horsepower increase of 18 percent, and a torque increase of 14 percent.

Like xDrive28i, the M40i uses an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. This sportier X4 variant will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, according to BMW, while top speed is electronically limited to 150 mph. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway).*

Features

The 2017 BMW X4 is a five-door, five-seat SAV. BMW also calls it a “Sports Activity Coupe” because of the coupe-like roofline. If a more conventional utility vehicle is more your style, the BMW X3 is mechanically identical to the X4. Pricing for the X4 starts at $46,245.**

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon adaptive headlights with LED signature, LED fog lights, power-folding, heated side mirrors, power front seats, 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench seats, power moonroof, tilt/telescoping steering column, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power tailgate, ambient lighting, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system.

The M40i model also gets some of its own specific equipment, including Dynamic Damper Control, 19-inch alloy wheels, specially tuned power steering, aerodynamic body kit and other model-specific exterior trim, sport seats, Nevada Leather upholstery, 16-speaker Harman/Kardon® surround sound system, and SiriusXM® satellite radio.

In addition, notable optional features include 20-inch wheels, wireless phone charging and Wi-Fi hotspot, and multiple option packages. The Cold Weather Package includes a heated steering wheel and seats and retractable headlight washers. The Lighting Package adds full LED lighting and auto high beams. The Technology Package includes BMW’s remote services, real-time traffic information, navigation, app suite, and head-up display.

Design

It doesn’t take more than one look to realize that the X4 isn’t like most SUVs; in fact, BMW refers to it and all its other X models as "Sports Activity Vehicles." BMW invented the concept of an SAV coupe with the X6, and downsized it to create the X4. Both vehicles match the high-riding body of a traditional SUV with the sleek, low roofline of a coupe.

The result is a very distinctive design. At the front, the X4 has the same tough-looking visage as other BMW SAVs, but at the back it has a slick rear hatch ending in a ducktail shape, more like what one would expect to see on a sports cars. The arching roofline is the complete opposite of the traditional SUV box shape.

Unlike real coupes, though, the X4 is actually fairly practical. It has four doors and a rear hatch, plus full-size rear seats. Despite the sloping roofline, headroom is a decent 39.3 cubic feet. The X4 also boasts a generous 34.8 cubic feet of rear legroom, 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, and 49.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The interior combines a driver-focused ambiance with the latest technology. The overall layout is similar to what you’ll find in BMW’s sports sedans, with easy-to-read gauges and a three-spoke sport steering wheel. The X4 also features BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, which includes a rotary controller knob for ease of use. A head-up display is available as well.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 BMW X4 includes anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, hill descent control, and a full array of airbags. Optional equipment includes a rearview camera, surround view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and the Driver Assistance Plus package, which adds speed limit information, and active blind spot detection.

Verdict

The 2017 BMW X4 continues to defy categorization.

Be sure to contact us online or visit BMW of Silver Spring at 3211 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904 to schedule a test drive.

* Preliminary consumption figures shown. Please go to bmwusa.com for latest available information. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.

** MSRP excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration.

Image Credit: BMW