2019 BMW X4: Call It Whatever, I Call It Good

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This week we reviewed another coupe from BMW. Another sports activity coupe that is, and in BMWspeak that means, well, it’s not a coupe. The EPA calls it a small SUV, and I pin it somewhere in the crossover utility/activity vehicle genre. Either way, this is the 2019 X4 from BMW.

2019 BMW X4/Images courtesy BMW

This is the second generation for the X4 and features sportier proportions, wider wheel tracks, the latest generation suspension settings, a lower center of gravity, and improved aerodynamics. And of course, BMW has thrown in all of its latest technology for both creature comfort and safety including standard Active Guard which includes front collision warning, city collision mitigation with braking, pedestrian warning with city braking, and speed limit information. New standard navigation means a 10.25-inch color touchscreen with the latest iDrive Touch Controller (which is light years better over the first generation of this technology) and real-time traffic and parking information.

The X4 will seat four adults in comfort but can accommodate up to five. Of course, the driver’s seat is the best in the house as being a BMW the cockpit is driver-oriented, not to mention the operator gets to control this “sports activity coupe” and its standard xDrive all-wheel control powered by a peppy 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. The driver also gets to make the selection in the driver dynamic control of Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes. The 8-speed Sport Automatic gearbox features sport and manual shift modes and includes steering wheel paddle shifters and launch control. One feature that took a little getting used to was the new automatic hold function that keeps the vehicle stationary with no gas pedal input even if you lift off the brake pedal while in gear. Pretty handy actually, especially on inclines.

By the numbers, the new X4 is three inches longer than its predecessor with 2.1 inches added to the wheelbase and 1.4 inches to the width. Our tester arrived in xDrive30i form with the engine output of 248hp and 258 lb. ft. of torque. BMW also offers the X4 in M40i form with a V-6 generating 355hp and 365 lb. ft. torque. The new vehicle features a ground clearance of eight inches with water fording capability of 19.6 inches, and the standard xDrive all-wheel drive keeps this vehicle under control under all kinds of driving conditions.

Being a BMW, the new X4 is quiet and comfortable and boasts excellent craftsmanship. It rides nearly as smooth as a sedan, and conversations can be carried out in low voices, unless the driver (that being me) has the premium audio system cranking out their (my) favorite tunes. Of course, there is leather everywhere, but I would really have liked ventilated seats as summer was still hanging on in these parts. And what’s with not making heated seats standard equipment? Our tester arrived with a few extra packages over the base model. These included driving assistance and driving assistance plus, parking assistance, and premium package (that’s where you get your heated seats along with steering wheel heat function).

Pricing for the 2019 BMW X4 xDrive30i begins at just over 50 grand with our loaded tester arriving with a final window sticker of $61,545. Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

Call it a sports activity coupe, call it a sport utility vehicle, call it a crossover – the 2019 BMW X4 is a great little vehicle offering a fun driving experience with the latest safety technology. It sticks to the road like glue offering a great combination of sport and luxury. This would be an ideal vehicle for riding off into the sunset as that is exactly what I am getting ready to do. Vaya con Dios, my friends.

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About the Author

David Goodspeed
David was editor of AutoworldToday at Today Newspapers in the Dallas suburbs until its closing in 2009. He was also webmaster and photographer/videographer. He got started doing photography for the newspaper while working as a firefighter/paramedic in one of his towns, and began working for the newspaper group full-time in 1992. David entered automotive journalism in 1998 and became AutoworldToday editor in 2002. On the average, he drives some 100 new vehicles each year. He enjoys the great outdoors and as an avid fly fisherman, as is his spouse Tish. He especially enjoys nature photography and is inspired by the works of Ansel Adams.