BMW X4 (2014 – 2018) Review

BMW X4 (2014 – 2018) At A Glance

4/5

+Coupe-inspired alternative to the X3. High level of standard equipment including electric tailgate and navigation. Impressively refined ride quality.

-Narrow tailgate glass area means limited rear visibility.

Insurance Groups are between 28–43
On average it achieves 77% of the official MPG figure

If you're looking for the newer model, you'll need our BMW X4 review.

Described as a 'sports activity coupe', the X4 is designed to be a more style-led alternative to the BMW X3 with sleeker looks and a lower roofline. For buyers who want the raised ride height of an SUV but don't want the bulk and size, the X4 is the perfect premium crossover.

This isn't the first time BMW has designed a coupe-like SUV of course. There was the X6, launched in 2008 and the X4 follows a similar formula. With a design similar to the 3 Series GT, it's less bulky than the X6 and less aggressive too. There are few obvious rivals in the market, although the Range Rover Evoque has already proved that there's a big appetite for a desirable premium SUV.

It has plenty of road presence with its narrow headlights while the fact it's longer and lower than an X3 adds to that sleeker appearance, helped by the coupe-esque roofline. That doesn't mean the X4 isn't practical though. It has plenty of interior space with good headroom for those in the back and a usefully large boot with 500 litres of carrying space.

On the move, the refinement of the X4 shines through. It's wonderfully quiet and relaxed helped by impressive ride quality and little road or wind noise. Yet it's still every inch a BMW when it comes to handling, with lovely weighted steering and great composure, giving you plenty of confidence in its cornering ability. All models come with xDrive four-wheel drive as standard.

The engine line-up is diesel only with three choices. In our opinion entry-level xDrive20d is the the most impressive and with 190PS it performs strongly and smoothly, yet still returns a claimed 54.3mpg with the optional eight-speed automatic gearbox, which we'd say is pretty much essential.

Alongside that are xDrive30d and xDrive35d models, both powered by the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine. The latter boasts 313PS and 630Nm giving it a 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds, but the 30d model is hardly a slouch and both offer effortless performance along with good economy.

Standard equipment levels are generous and all versions come with an electronically operated tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors, 40/20/40 split rear seats, navigation, xenon headlights and heated front seats. The X4 does carry a hefty £3600 premium over an equivalent X3 but the extra equipment is worth more than £2000.

Real MPG average for a BMW X4 (2014 – 2018)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

77%

Real MPG

25–49 mpg

MPGs submitted

115

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Would switching from run flats mean a more forgiving ride?

"I have a 2016 BMW X4 which has just been MOT'd, I was discussing the merits of changing my run flats for cross climates with the tester in order to have a more forgiving ride as the X4 is very fidgety on the suspension in almost every aspect of daily driving. He feels that it would not make any difference which surprised me somewhat. What is your view on changing the tyres for a softer ride, if not cross climates then what other tyres would offer a more compliant ride?"
It depends on the wheel and tyre size fitted to the X4. The smaller the wheels and the deeper the profile the tyres the more effective Cross Climates can be. They are only available as ZPs (Zero Pressure = runflats) in a few sizes. Try Motokiki.com (https://bit.ly/2EF0U04) and Blackcircles.com (https://bit.ly/2JM6bqG) for sizes and prices and read our Tyre Buying Guide (https://bit.ly/2wsFHBU).
Answered by Honest John
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