By Patrick James on 2015-02-28 - The author has been a motoring writer for more than 16 years. Formerly motoring editor at the Coventry Telegraph, he now produces motoring copy, on new car launches and road tests on a freelance basis.
BMW X4 3.0d M Sport
BMW's striking new X4 is a car that can divide opinion.
A coupe-style SUV, it does not look that much different to the X3 on which platform it is based, being slightly longer, but lower to the ground, yet offering less boot space.
BMW calls it a Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) as opposed to the usual SUV.
Like the rest of the X range if offers high performance levels, the xDrive all-wheel drive system and decent levels of standard equipment - and like the rest of the range is not cheap, particularly with the comprehensive list of options.
Performance is underpinned by a range of hi-tech diesel engines which are both powerful and frugal thanks to the BMW's fuel-saving and carbon-reducing Efficient Dynamics systems like brake regeneration and stop/start technology.
Three diesels, all of which meet the EU6 standards, include a two-itre 190bhp unit and two three-litre six-cylinder in-line engines, both with the standard eight-speed sport automatic transmission. The unit tested here delivers 258bhp with a 313bhp version also available.
This model claims a combined mpg of 47.1, while CO2 emissions are just 156g/km. It is fair to say I got nowhere near 47mpg, but when the car can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 5.8 seconds, it is not really surprising.
It is a super refined engine, with a muted diesel clatter, while the gearbox transfers power seamlessly.
It does look sporty, with styling borrowed from the larger X6, with a muscular, yet almost feline appearance, with large air intakes and fog lamps sited below the signature twin headlights.
The swooping roofline tapers off towards a sloping tailgate at the rear.
Like all BMWs the interior is of the highest quality, with premium soft touch material, high-gloss black-panel look and aluminium trim strips in the wood panelling.
The dials and switchgear are clear, and concise while the IDrive 'brain' of the car, which controls the standard sat nav, connectivity and infotainment system is intuitive and handily placed between driver and front seat passenger.
Standard interior trim includes 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, a leather upholstery and steering wheel with variable sports steering and heated front seats. On this model there is, you would think, there is just about every gadget you could want, but it still came with a whopping £10,000 worth of extras.
Practicality is decent, with a good sized boot space of 500 litres which with the multi-folding seats increases to 1,400, but the coupe styling does compromise rear visibility.
On the road, the car drives brilliantly. Push it hard and the on-demand xDrive four-wheel drive kicks in which makes it grip like a limpet corners.
With its new lowered suspension, the car feels ultra stable, particularly in by selecting Sport mode from the BMW Performance Control system. This is selected by a switch mounted next to the gearstick, which stiffens up steering, suspension, steering and gear selection. To calm things down, switch back to comfort mode.
Safety equipment is comprehensive with six airbags, ABS and stability programme plus a host of optional extras.
In fact, in common with all BMWs optional extras can seriously bump up the cost. One which might worth considering is ConnectedDrive services allow customers to access smartphone applications such as AUPEO! or Deezer as well as innovative mobility services via the built-in SIM card. Remote Services and Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) can likewise be used from the comfort of the car.
Online Entertainment provides direct access to music services such as rara or Napster with their millions of music tracks as well as audiobooks.
BMW X4 3.0d M Sport
Price: £45,453
Mechanical: 258bhp, 2,993cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox
Max Speed: 145mph
0-62mph: 5.8 seconds
Combined MPG: 47.1
Insurance Group: na
C02 emissions: 156g/km
Bik rating: 27%
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