Test drive BMW X4 xDrive 25d: let it be diesel!
Driving a new generation of SUV-Coupe body models
It's bigger and more attractive in its next-generation BMW mid-range SUV coupe. Diesels have not been removed from the lineup.
Such things really rarely happen: in a year when various car manufacturers declare to each other about the abandonment of diesel fuel, and the press and electronic media spew gloomy predictions about the fate of the auto-ignition engine, BMW offers its new X4 with three gasoline and four (!) Diesel motors.
Whether this courage is the result of the inertia of previous decisions, or the clear realization that there is no other way to achieve low carbon emissions in the SUV class, the people of Munich should be congratulated for having the courage to go their own way. Even if it is contrary to the current trend.
In regards to congratulations, one cannot fail to mention the designers of the new X4, who have achieved a more harmonious and stylish appearance, especially at the rear. The designers' task was also facilitated by the resizing, noting the noticeable lengthening of the silhouette and wheelbase.
Now the roof drops more smoothly, as befits a Sports Activity Coupe, a name coined by BMW marketers with the introduction of the first X6. Its success predetermined the creation of an analogue of the middle class X4, the first generation of which sold 200 copies.
The commercial success of the predecessor has led the new model to follow its concept of "the same, but bigger and better." In addition to more space in the cabin and trunk, higher quality materials are now used, and the head-up display has more indications.
The new touch screen up to 10,25 inches has an improved image. Voice control now understands more freely formulated instructions, and gesture control has been added for some infotainment features.
The assortment of auxiliary systems has been expanded. The Driving Assistant Plus package includes next-generation Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist with Active Side Impact Protection and Intersection Warning.
The new Parking Assistant Plus shows the car from a bird's eye view, panoramic and 3D views. With the Remote XNUMXD View function, the driver can view a three-dimensional image of the vehicle and the area around it on his smartphone. In addition, WLAN hotspot preparation for high-speed Internet access is available upon request, as well as wireless charging of compatible smartphones.
The new BMW ConnectedDrive digital services assist the user with travel planning. Thanks to the flexible Open Mobility Cloud platform, the BMW Connected mobility assistant connects the vehicle to hotspots such as smartphones, smart watches and voice assistants.
With the additional functions of BMW Connected+, the level of personalization is further enhanced. BMW is the first car manufacturer to offer a secure server connection for exchanging and processing e-mail, calendar entries and contact lists using the Microsoft Office 365 feature.
However, when we talk about a BMW model, the first thing that interests us is the driving experience. The comfortable thick leather steering wheel has a pleasantly heavy travel to provide the best feeling on the road without tiring your hands. The X4 doesn't lean too much into corners and handles them with ease with amazing dynamics for its class.
Each kilometer traveled brings that genuine pleasure, which in many ways makes sense to own a blue and white car. And while the gorgeous Flamenco Red we drive is somewhere in the middle of the range (an xDrive25d four-cylinder with 231bhp and 500Nm), the feel of traction and drivetrain capability is standard with a dual-gearbox and eight-speed automatic. - completely satisfactory.
Next to this version, other four-cylinder variants are positioned in the power spectrum: petrol xDrive20i (184 hp) and xDrive30i (252 hp), as well as diesel xDrive20d (190 hp). Above is the six-cylinder diesel xDrive30d (265 hp) - powerful and more expensive, completely in the tradition of BMW.
For sports enthusiasts, Munich offers the M Performance M40d (240 kW / 326 hp) and M40i (260 kW / 354 hp) models, six-cylinder cars with excellent acceleration. Particularly impressive is that, despite the lower power (compensated by stronger traction), the diesel version is only one-tenth of a second behind the petrol version (4,9 vs. 4,8 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h). Such figures make us share the faith of BMW employees in the prospects of the Rudolf Diesel engine.
Conclusion
As before, the BMW SUV offers sporty handling, but now the increased dimensions, taller and improved workmanship make it more visible in the high-end segment. Congratulations again on the gorgeous diesels!
