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      05-22-2014, 11:38 AM   #1
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Post Our BMW X4 First Drive

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Our BMW X4 First Drive
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BMW X4: The baby X6

By Jens Meiners, BIMMERPOST Correspondent
May 22, 2014


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While others, such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz, are busy bringing their first generation of SUV-based coupes to market, BMW is launching the second round. Just a few months before the next generation of the X6 will be unveiled, the BMW X4 comes to market - as a sporty derivative of the X3.

Ever since the X4 concept was launched at the Shanghai auto show last year, it was clear what the Bavarians were up to. From the characteristic, sloping roofline to the double shoulders, the X4 provides a convincing evolution of the X6 theme - which, coincidentally, will be shared with the next-gen X6. What we didn't know last year was that the X4 concept accurately previewed the mid-term facelift of the X3. In fact, the hood, front fenders, and headlights are identical, and only the bumpers are differentiated between the X3 and the X4. Except for the M Sport package: Here, even the front fascia is identical.

Inside, both the X3 and the X4 are identical as well; they share the same dashboard, seats, and door trim. The X4 offers fold-down rear seats and between 17.7 and 49.4 cubic feet of luggage room. That's less spacious than the X3 - and at first glance, it seems that this SUV coupe offers only disadvantages when compared to its less flamboyantly styled sister model.

But that is not entirely true. In fact, both front and rear passenger sit lower than in the X3, and BMW says the body is "mounted" a full 1.5 inches lower. The steel suspension with a five-link rear axle has been modified, and the body is altogether stiffer than the X3's. The lower center of gravity and added stiffness are a clear advantage on twisty roads - and on the track (if anyone cares to take an SUV there). Like the X3, the X4 is fitted with "Performance Control," distributing power seamlessly between the rear wheels. 245 tires on 18-inch wheels are standard on the 28i; the 35i gets 19-inch wheels.

On curvy roads, body roll is kept to a minimum, and the variable-effort electromechanical power steering operated with exemplary precision - although the effort in the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" setting seems artificially high. Except for the higher seating position, the X4 has far more in common with, say, a 3-series, than with a classic SUV. Similar things, of course, can be said about the Audi Q5 or the VW Tiguan - but we feel the X4 takes dynamics to yet another level.

What the X4 is lacking, however, is anything approaching the sheer force of Audi's supercharged V-6 in the SQ5. The current top-of-the-line engine is the N55 3.0-liter i-6 engine, rated at 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. It is joined by the N20 2.0-liter, 240-horsepower, turbocharged four, which produces up to 260 lb-ft of torque. The only available transmission is the ZF 8HP eight-speed, torque-converter style automatic. The X4 xDrive 35i reaches 60 mph in 5.2 seconds; the entry-level X4 xDrive 28i takes 6 seconds. We'd always prefer the 35i, just because any BMW improves so much with the sound and feel of a true straight-six engine.

There are three distinct trim levels for the X4: The very businesslike base trim; the xLine, which combines a rugged exterior with luxurious interior fittings; and M Sport, which adds a heavy dose of visual Garching flavor to this SUV. The X4 xDrive 28i will set you back by $44,700; the xDrive 35i comes in at $48,000 (see 2015 price/order guide). That's $4,400 or $2,900 over an identically powered X3. If there were not so much visual commonality between the sister models, the step might be a bit easier.

BMW X4 Review




Last edited by Moderator; 05-22-2014 at 11:59 AM..
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      05-22-2014, 05:18 PM   #2
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Identical is the key word for me regarding the X3 and X4. Shame..would be nice to see the X4 with at least sportier headlights to differenciate it from the X3. Not to mention that the Base Macan will destroy this car in pretty much every aspect.

Same thing now for the X5 and X6. I loved how sportier the X6 looked over the X5 especially in the front.
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      05-22-2014, 05:22 PM   #3
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Comment 2 woo hoo. Like the X4 but the X3 will always make more sense
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      05-22-2014, 05:23 PM   #4
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Same crappy interior design as the X3, jmo
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      05-22-2014, 05:33 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AKRAPOVICOWNS
Identical is the key word for me regarding the X3 and X4. Shame..would be nice to see the X4 with at least sportier headlights to differenciate it from the X3. Not to mention that the Base Macan will destroy this car in pretty much every aspect.

Same thing now for the X5 and X6. I loved how sportier the X6 looked over the X5 especially in the front.
Base Macan? I seriously doubt it.
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      05-22-2014, 05:43 PM   #6
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My opinion it's ugly. X3 is much better looking. I'm not sure if it looks like larger X1 or smaller X6.
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      05-22-2014, 05:54 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nonagon
Quote:
Originally Posted by AKRAPOVICOWNS
Identical is the key word for me regarding the X3 and X4. Shame..would be nice to see the X4 with at least sportier headlights to differenciate it from the X3. Not to mention that the Base Macan will destroy this car in pretty much every aspect.

Same thing now for the X5 and X6. I loved how sportier the X6 looked over the X5 especially in the front.
Base Macan? I seriously doubt it.
Sorry, i meant Macan S vs 35i.
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      05-22-2014, 05:56 PM   #8
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why would anyone buy this over a macan?
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      05-22-2014, 06:03 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by akhter
why would anyone buy this over a macan?
Bmw should've waited to launch the X4 based on the next X3, instead of doing it with a car that its already in the middle of its life cycle..
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      05-22-2014, 08:52 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by akhter
why would anyone buy this over a macan?
Price?

X4 starts much lower.

Now a fully loaded 35i vs a macan s is tough but it is still cheaper with the same options, especially factoring in maintenance.
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      05-22-2014, 09:05 PM   #11
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So, is there a real sports (lowered) suspension installed as standard on the X4?

I've also noticed a Sport Suspension option (code 226 I believe) available on the LCI X3.
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      05-22-2014, 09:26 PM   #12
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Same crappy interior design as the X3, jmo
IMO the F25 has a better high quality feel to it than the F30, especially with the LCI models .
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      05-22-2014, 09:37 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nonagon
Quote:
Originally Posted by AKRAPOVICOWNS
Identical is the key word for me regarding the X3 and X4. Shame..would be nice to see the X4 with at least sportier headlights to differenciate it from the X3. Not to mention that the Base Macan will destroy this car in pretty much every aspect.

Same thing now for the X5 and X6. I loved how sportier the X6 looked over the X5 especially in the front.
Base Macan? I seriously doubt it.
Base macan is the macan S. It will own this thing.
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      05-22-2014, 09:56 PM   #14
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Not a big fan of the M-sport ... Without the M-sport, it looks nice. Not my cup of tea though
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      05-22-2014, 10:25 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by Gins View Post
Base macan is the macan S. It will own this thing.
I don't know. The Macan S has 40 more HP and torque but the 0-60 time is about the same so the Porsche isn't likely to be that much faster like everyone seems to think with all the "Macan S is going to kill the X4". Will it handle better? Probably but who really cares? It's a damn SAV. LOL.

I remember when the Cayenne came out, it was the same talk. The X5(M) wouldn't be on the same level as the Cayenne but the X5(M) won most of the comparisons so I'm not exactly sure why everyone is so quick to think the Macan is going to "destroy" the X4. Porsche makes good SAV's but not as good as they make their base cars.
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      05-22-2014, 10:30 PM   #16
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      05-22-2014, 11:01 PM   #17
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Why not give it dual exhaust, different headlights, nicer wheels? Honestly, just an X3 with a slope. BTW, I love my X3 35i M sport...would not not buy the X4..serves less purpose for more money :
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      05-22-2014, 11:33 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gins View Post
Base macan is the macan S. It will own this thing.
I don't know. The Macan S has 40 more HP and torque but the 0-60 time is about the same so the Porsche isn't likely to be that much faster like everyone seems to think with all the "Macan S is going to kill the X4". Will it handle better? Probably but who really cares? It's a damn SAV. LOL.

I remember when the Cayenne came out, it was the same talk. The X5(M) wouldn't be on the same level as the Cayenne but the X5(M) won most of the comparisons so I'm not exactly sure why everyone is so quick to think the Macan is going to "destroy" the X4. Porsche makes good SAV's but not as good as they make their base cars.
I care. I am selling my 135i and buying a Macan
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      05-23-2014, 12:15 AM   #19
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48k and no dual exhaust? That kills it for me.
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      05-23-2014, 05:03 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jraymond
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gins View Post
Base macan is the macan S. It will own this thing.
I don't know. The Macan S has 40 more HP and torque but the 0-60 time is about the same so the Porsche isn't likely to be that much faster like everyone seems to think with all the "Macan S is going to kill the X4". Will it handle better? Probably but who really cares? It's a damn SAV. LOL.

I remember when the Cayenne came out, it was the same talk. The X5(M) wouldn't be on the same level as the Cayenne but the X5(M) won most of the comparisons so I'm not exactly sure why everyone is so quick to think the Macan is going to "destroy" the X4. Porsche makes good SAV's but not as good as they make their base cars.
I care. I am selling my 135i and buying a Macan
This. I test drove an X3 35i and a Macan S back to back. Macan is definitely faster straight line and better handling. The SQ5 is right in between.

Doesn't matter though. Put down a deposit on a Macan Turbo, build is now locked.

And out of all the cars mentioned, only the X3/4 is an SAV.
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      05-23-2014, 08:44 AM   #21
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Interesting that Porsche has no model below the S. The base Cayenne has always been beaten by the competing X5. Now they're positioning the Macan as an S or better and it's a bit faster and better handling than an X4. I might have to test drive an S. Certainly a Turbo must be out of my price range with options...
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      05-23-2014, 09:07 AM   #22
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Cannot afford a Macan. Need to rob a bank or two. Have to settle for the X4 in the meantime.
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