Test drive BMW X4 xDrive 28i: provocateur
X4 on BMW effectively conveys the idea of the X6 one class lower
The success of the initially critically acclaimed combination of a massive SUV, a sophisticated crossover and a large sports coupe with the short name X6 has long surpassed even BMW's expectations. Since 2008, the design model, which has since entered the second phase of its development, has sold over a quarter of a million copies, and the success obviously continues. This is a good reason for the Munich brand to move a contested but apparently commercially successful recipe to the smaller X3 segment.
At the moment, the BMW X4 has the privilege of being practically the only representative in its niche on the market - the answer to Mercedes and Audi we will have to wait for, at the moment to some extent only Lexus with their NX dynamic form, as well as Porsche in their dynamic Macan they come close ideology of the sports model X3. As you'd expect, the model's technology is entirely based on what we already know from the current X3. However, unlike its more function-oriented sibling, the BMW X4 relies more on expressive styling, the main features of which are the sporty coupe-style roofline and the distinctive "straight" rear end with striking trim. The center of gravity is lower, promising even more agile driving compared to the X3. Of course, as you might expect, the BMW X4's athletic lines are somewhat hampered by its practical advantages - trunk volume and second-row passenger space are more modest than those of the X3.
An SUV that loves to bend
The fact is that BMW is one of the few car manufacturers that manages to design and tune its SUV models in such a way that when driving they not only feel like a car with a low center of gravity, but even show the temperament of well-trained athletes, not at all. new. However, the BMW X4 once again manages to impress with the lightness, directness and precision with which it attacks each next turn in its path, and in a more aggressive driving style helpfully narrows the trajectory with a controlled rear slide. Tendency to understeer? Only when entering at excessively high speeds and under excessively high loads on too tight corners. And, as you know, in such conditions, even racing sports cars begin to experience understeer. Oscillatory movements of the body in a turn or during acceleration / resp. stop? As minimalistic as any of the brand's sports vans. Even more respectful in this case is the fact that BMW has managed to give the X4 such a sporty demeanor while weighing over 1,8 tons.
Even better than the X3 is achieved, on the one hand, thanks to a lower center of gravity, and on the other hand, thanks to a very precise work with stabilizers, dampers and springs. The standard chassis is noticeably stiff, and the optional adaptive suspension strikes a very good balance between comfort and dynamics.
Under the hood of the BMW X4 xDrive 28i is the well-known two-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with twin turbocharging with a capacity of 245 hp. and a maximum torque of 350 Newton meters, available in an extremely wide range between 1250 and 4800 rpm, which, in tandem with the repeatedly admired eight-speed automatic ZF, provides the X4's impressive dynamic performance, reliable traction and harmonious power development. Economy is not a major discipline in this version, but this is not surprising given the weight of the car.
Text: Bozhan Boshnakov
Photo: Melania Yosifova, BMW
CONCLUSION
The BMW X4 xDrive 28i has truly surprisingly dynamic handling for the SUV category, and the small compromises in functionality over the X3 certainly won't bother car buyers with this plan.
