2019 BMW X4: 8 Things We Like and 2 Things We Don’t
The 2019 BMW X4 is a sportier take on the traditional sport utility vehicle. Newly redesigned, the X4 stands out thanks to its sleek exterior design, truncated tail and optional high-performance engines. During our recent test drive of the X4 in M40i trim, we found this SUV to be downright thrilling in a straight line and confident in zipping around corners.
Related: 2019 BMW X4 M40i Review — Still Nutty, But Easier to Live With
If you value driving fun more than overall practicality in a premium SUV, the BMW X4 could be your best compromise. It competes directly with other luxury-branded small SUVs that place an emphasis on performance, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and Porsche Macan. There are some notable sacrifices to be made, however — particularly if you need lots of cargo space and extra room for rear-seat occupants.
So, how did the BMW X4 stack up? To read our full expert review by Cars.com’s Aaron Bragman, follow the related link above — but for a quick-reference rundown of the X4’s high points, not to mention a few areas where it fell flat, keep reading.
Here are eight things we like (and two not so much) about the 2019 BMW X4:
Things We Like
1. It’s Easier on the Eyes
People seem to either love the X4’s streamlined shape or think it looks like an overgrown hatchback on stilts. We don’t buy into BMW labeling the X4 as a coupe — sorry BMW, coupes are two-door vehicles — but surely we can agree that the 2019 X4 looks better than the previous generation. Stretching about 3 inches longer than the outgoing model and with a 2-inch-longer wheelbase, the proportions of the X4 are more handsome and better defined. Gone is the hunchback look of the previous model.
2. Optional Turbo Six-Cylinder
The base engine in the BMW X4 is a turbocharged four-cylinder, though our test vehicle came in the M40i trim. This includes a delicious turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine that delivers 355 horsepower to all four wheels. BMW says it takes only 4.6 seconds to accelerate from zero-to-60 mph. After spending time behind the wheel, we’re not going to argue with that impressive performance figure.
3. BMW-Worthy Ride and Handling
Better still, the X4 has the smooth ride and sharp handling you expect in a BMW. Unfortunately, this hasn’t always been the case with some of the company’s recent products (looking at you, X5). But the X4 is agile and always makes you feel in control.
4. Won’t Siphon Your Wallet
If you’re upgrading to the 355-hp turbo-six in the M40i, our guess is that fuel economy is going to be of less importance. But it’s still worth noting that our test vehicle managed an average of 24 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving. That’s not bad considering the amount of power you have on tap here. The official EPA figures are 20/27/23 mpg city/highway/combined.
5. Upgraded Interior
BMW tweaked the exterior and stretched the wheelbase in the latest X4. Thankfully, the German luxury automaker took time to give the cabin a significant refresh, too. The materials used are of higher quality than before, and the layout of the dashboard is handsome in a business-class-like manner befitting a luxury SUV.
6. More Second-Row Space
That 2-inch-longer wheelbase translates to more room for anyone seated in the second row. It’s nice to see that BMW hasn’t gone overboard in its quest to make the X4 sportier. The added space makes this a slightly more practical vehicle.
7. BMW Still Believes in Buttons
We already commented on the crisp new design and materials used in the interior, but special mention needs to be made for BMW’s use of actual buttons and knobs for many major controls. We know: Touchscreens look cool and are all the rage when it comes to automotive design. But sometimes having physical controls to turn or press, not a screen to tap and swipe (and smudge), is vastly better (and safer) while driving.
8. Sport Mode Actually Sporty
The drive mode selector in our X4 M40i made a tangible difference in how this SUV behaves. That’s not always the case with these systems; many simply add an artificial layer of steering heft and palm it off as “sport mode.” We preferred keeping the Sport mode engaged for steering feel and engine power, while keeping the transmission and suspension tuned into Comfort at the same time.
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Things We Don’t
1. You Pay More for Less SUV
The elephant in the room here is BMW’s own X3 SUV. It’s less expensive and has more rear room than the mechanically identical X4 with its tapered, cargo-crowding tail end. There’s no getting around the fact that the X3 is the pragmatic choice when looking at hard numbers, be it price or available space. With 18.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, the X4 is some 10 cubic feet short of the trunk space you get in the X3.
2. You Gotta Pay to Play (CarPlay, That Is)
For whatever reason, BMW only lets you pair your phone to the X4 by using Bluetooth. That means anytime you want to use Apple CarPlay, simply plugging your smartphone into the USB won’t do it. This is strange and annoying, especially since we’ve experienced sudden losses of connection with a paired phone. Making matters worse, BMW charges for Apple CarPlay compatibility after a free trial period is over. Considering that many budget-priced economy cars come with this feature for free, this is a real stingy move on BMW’s part. Oh and by the way: If you’re an Android Auto person, too bad … it’s not available.
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