The article was originally produced on November 2, 2018, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

The new X4 impresses and offers both new technology and performance beyond the norm, but also small disappointments.

The first generation X4 arrived in 2014 and has since sold more than 200,000 units. So even if not everyone is attracted to its shape, the model can still be considered a success. Sales of this particular type of coupe-style sloping rear window SUVs have really exploded. Among the first to appear may be considered the larger sibling BMW X6.

The life cycle of a model before a generation change is normally longer than that of the first generation X4. That the shift was so short is because the new generation X3 appeared and the X4 is based on the base of the X3. Therefore, the models share a lot, if not even most, except for the shape then.

The X4 is, and especially in the loaner car, an extremely well-equipped car model. The list can be made long with all the technology and amenities that the car can be equipped with.

The parking system with 360 degree cameras can show the car from above and from the sides, just as the cameras fly around the car

Another fun but perhaps somewhat unnecessary feature is that you don’t have to turn or press any buttons to control the infotainment system, it’s enough to make gestures in the air in front of the center console and the functions change. How useful it is is probably for everyone to decide personally, but innovative at a time when car and other technology companies like to see us talking to our smart devices. 

As usual, it is possible to get a multitude of different powertrains. To be precise, we are talking about seven different alternatives, with the X4 M40i at the top with 360 horses. The test car, which in no way needed to be ashamed, had a diesel engine of two liters and 190 horses. A perfect machine for everyday use that you absolutely do not tire of, in addition a relatively frugal consumption with a mixed consumption of 0.54 liters per mile.

The interior’s colorful lighting can be changed as desired

Joking aside, the cabin is spacious, comfortable and very pleasant. The panoramic glass roof lets in pleasant light both day and night from the city lights. Even outside the car you are delighted by the light even at night, when you press the button to open the car or just grab a handle, lights turn on and fill the ground next to the car with a pattern of lines, really cool. With scent cartridges, you can get scents in the passenger compartment, which can be nice if you have a wet dog that removes the new car smell on day two of owning the car.

Despite a number of driving programs, one of which is Comfort, the chassis of the new X4 still feels very bumpy and with the big rims things don’t get any better. Here, one would like an even softer alternative to really achieve that feeling of gliding along on clouds, especially when the car externally appears to be doing so. The sportier options with Sport+ at the top, on the other hand, transform the image into something that undoubtedly feels like a perfect companion on the Nürburgring racing track where you want to feel what’s happening underneath the car. Maybe it would have been more interesting to focus on comfort than to make the sporty option this hard. 

All in all, the X4 feels like a very nice car to live with. The starting price of 376,400 for the X4 20d xDrive may also be considered affordable in the context of BMW. Then, however, there is a long and not completely free option list left to click on to get a car on par with the test car.

BMW X4 20d xDrive 

Basic price	From SEK 376,400
Engine	2-liter biturbo diesel four. Power: 190 hp. Torque 400 Nm
Transmission	Front engine, 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Acceleration	0-100 in 8 seconds
Top speed	213 km/h
Fuel consumption mixed driving according to the manufacturer	0.54 l/mile
Weight	1,815 kg
Guarantees	New car 2 years, wagon damage 3 years, 12 years rust
Web	www.bmw.se