2019 BMW X4 30i AWD: A Little Sibling To The Hatchback-Like X6

Highlight: The X4 is available with an optional parking service, allowing the driver to go cashless and reserve parking spots in advance. This feature is only available in select cities.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $61,545 (Base Model: $51,445)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; hill descent control; a rearview camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; a rain-sensing windshield wiper system; a radar-activated cruise control system; a frontal collision warning system; an automatic collision mitigation braking with a pedestrian detection system; and an audible parking distance control for front/rear

Standard Features: 19-inch wheels; all-wheel drive; an 8-speed automatic transmission; an automatic start-stop gas saving feature; driving modes: economy, pro, comfort, sport and sport plus; power folding heated mirrors; power front seat with a 2-position driver’s memory; a navigation system; an oversized sunroof; a manually operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a power tailgate; dark oak wood trim; split folding rear seats; and an automatic climate control system

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: red leather; Convenience Package: comfort access keyless entry, lumbar support and a SiriusXM 1-year subscription Driver Assistance Package: blind spot and lane departure warning;  Driver Assistance Plus; Parking Assistance Plus: parking assistant plus, active park distance control, a rear view camera and surround view camera; Premium Package: a heated steering wheel, head up display, and gesture control; Dynamic Damper Control; 20-inch tires; and wireless charging

Other Trim Levels:

M40i AWD

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 205-watt, 12-speaker AM/FM/HD/CD with satellite radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

Apple Connectivity:  Yes

                                                                                                        

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter twin-turbo, 4-cylinder/248-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 18-city/25-hwy

What’s New: The second generation X4 is all new for the 2019 model year, wearing a wider stance and projecting a larger profile.

Why: The beefed-up looking baby X6 makes this year’s vehicle a standout in the crossover/SUV segment. This is due to the stretched proportions, wider stance and standard 19-inch wheels. Both 20-inch and 21-inch wheels are available on the X4.

BMW’s midsize German utility vehicle, which broke the mode for car designs a few years ago, has been overhauled to include such features as a three-zone ventilation system, a larger heads up display system, a 10-inch touchscreen navigation screen, a panoramic moonroof and redesigned front seats. 

Like BMW customers have come to expect, the all-new X4, which is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration, is a driver oriented vehicle despite being classified as a crossover. 

The vehicle is available with two powertrains. For those seeking a more performance oriented X4, an all-new M40i has joined the line up. The M40i distinguishes itself from the X4 we reviewed, adding a gutsy 355-horsepower engine to complement the vehicle’s sporty styling. We can only imagine the thrill that would have been added to our driving experience had we got our hands on the M40i, which also adds throatier sound.

And, as one would expect, this hatchback-like BMW is available with the latest safety driving aids, too. Those features consist of everything from a radar-activated stop-and-go cruise control system to a lane keep assist system to a traffic jam assistant system.

But: The stylish curved rear window can easily impair the vision of the driver, when backing up or changing lanes. Also the hatchback-like, curved roofline also limits the rear headroom for tall adults.

Moreover, the seating of the X4 mimics that of many other BMW crossovers we’ve reviewed. Despite the array of seat adjustments, with the 10-way power driver’s seat and front seat leg extender, the seating is just too firm for our taste.

Lastly, as more automakers are experimenting, with interior lighting, we noted that the strip of lighting embedded in the doors seemed mismatched and out of place with the color theme of the interior. In our opinion, BMW needs to take a page from its German competitor, Mercedes-Benz, in terms of interior lighting. Mercedes-Benz interior lighting seems to be more cohesive, giving one the feel and look, as if they’re a part of a video game.

Verdict: For buyers seeking a stylish utility vehicle, with German engineering and an athletic physique, the all-new X4 should be on one’s shopping list. The design of the almost coupe-like styling stands out from the crowd of today’s ‘me-too’ crossover designs.

The second generation X4 provides many of the luxury amenities, driver safety aids and sporty driving characteristics that will draw consumers to this utility vehicle. There are competitors with a lower pricing point, as a result of the option of a front wheel drive configuration. However, for those seeking performance and an engaging driving experience, they should steer toward an all-wheel drive configuration. In fact, a few of the competitors in this niche segment offer more horsepower in some of their pricier trims.

Competition: Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe; Jaguar F-Pace; and Land Rover Range Rover Velar