BMW X4 2019 Review

The competition in the luxury mid-size coupe SUV market in Malaysia has become increasingly fierce in recent years. As an established luxury brand, BMW's X4 model has always attracted consumers who desire the off-road capability of an SUV combined with a sporty appearance, thanks to its unique coupe-style sloping roof design and BMW's signature driving performance. Today, we are test-driving the 2019 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport. Equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, it emphasizes a balance between "luxury sports and practical space." This test drive aims to see whether it can truly satisfy the needs of its target audience in terms of static experience and dynamic performance.

From the front, the double kidney-shaped grille of the 2019 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport is wide and features vertically blacked-out trims, creating a strong visual impact. The sharp design of the LED headlights on both sides, along with BMW's classic "angel eyes" for the daytime running lights, offers highly distinctive illumination. The three-section air intake below the front bumper, also treated with blacked-out elements, along with the M Sport-specific sporty body kit, makes the overall style more aggressive compared to the standard version. At the side of the vehicle, the most striking feature is the sloping roofline, which starts to descend from the B-pillar and extends all the way to the tail, outlining the sleek posture of a coupe SUV. The waistline of the car runs from the front fender to the rear taillights, paired with 20-inch M-series multi-spoke wheels, further enhancing the sporty aesthetic. At the rear, the LED taillights feature an L-shaped design that echoes the headlights; the lower rear bumper houses twin circular exhaust outlets, while the M Sport diffuser adds to the sporty ambiance of the rear.

Sitting inside, the first thing you notice is BMW's family-style interior layout, with solid materials throughout. The dashboard and inner door panels are covered in soft leather and metal trim, offering a refined tactile feel. The steering wheel features the M Sport-exclusive three-spoke design, which is moderately sized, has a full grip, and comes with multifunctional buttons on both sides for controlling multimedia and driver assistance systems. Paddle shifters are also standard, adding to the driving pleasure. The instrument panel adopts a 12.3-inch fully digital display with a clear interface, supporting different display modes and can work in tandem with the HUD head-up display, projecting key information such as speed and navigation onto the windshield so the driver can access crucial data without looking down. The central control screen measures 10.25 inches, supporting touch operation as well as iDrive knob control. The system operates smoothly and includes features like navigation, Bluetooth, and CarPlay. As for seating, the front seats adopt the M Sport's sporty design, offering excellent support and featuring electric adjustments and driver memory functions. While the sloping roofline slightly affects headroom in the rear seats, passengers up to 175cm tall still have about a fist's worth of headroom, and legroom is reasonably spacious. The rear seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 split, expanding the trunk capacity from 525L to 1430L, which is sufficient for daily use or long-distance travel storage needs.

In terms of performance, the 2019 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport is powered by a 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offering a maximum output of 255 horsepower and a peak torque of 350Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In standard driving mode, power delivery is smooth, with light take-offs and linear acceleration, perfectly adequate for daily urban driving. When switched to sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, and when stepping on the gas pedal, the engine's power reserve is released continuously, delivering a noticeable pushback sensation. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 6.3 seconds, a commendable performance. The transmission's shifting logic is clear, with quick upshifts and downshifts that complement the engine's performance, whether cruising or during spirited driving. In terms of handling, the steering provides precise feedback with minimal play, offering great directional accuracy and giving the driver plenty of confidence. The chassis features an independent suspension setup with MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear, tuned towards a sporty feel without being overly stiff. It effectively absorbs most bumps when driving over uneven roads, maintaining body stability. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system helps distribute power between the front and rear wheels during cornering, improving traction and providing a more stable body posture.

In terms of fuel consumption, we drove approximately 100km each in urban and highway conditions, with an average fuel consumption of around 8.5L/100km, which is slightly different from the official figure of 7.8L/100km. However, considering our driving mode and road conditions, this result is still quite good. As for braking, the brake pedal feels linear, the braking force output is even, and the vehicle remains stable during emergency braking without noticeable nosedive. In terms of noise control, wind and tire noise are relatively low during driving; engine noise can be heard in the cabin at high RPMs, but it is not harsh. Overall, the noise insulation performance aligns with the positioning of a luxury brand.

Overall, the 2019 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport performs well in exterior design, interior luxury, powertrain performance, and handling. Compared to its rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and Audi Q5L Sportback in the same segment, its advantages lie in its sportier exterior design and more precise handling, while also offering rich configurations such as a HUD head-up display, full LCD instrument cluster, and Harman/Kardon sound system as standard features, making it quite cost-effective. However, its rear headroom and regular trunk space are relatively limited, which might not make it the best choice for families that prioritize space.

In summary, this car is more suitable for consumers who value individuality, enjoy driving, and need a certain level of practicality, such as young urban professionals and driving enthusiasts in family settings. If you're looking for a coupe SUV that combines luxury and sporty performance, the 2019 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport is a worthy option to consider.