BMW X4 M Sport redefines performance for SUVs

The X4 hauls more like a sports sedan than a SUV.

BMW continues to redefine the luxury crossover and SUV market with the X4 xDrive20d M Sport sports activity coupé, intended for premium and performance-oriented buyers who want the compact and nimbleness of a sporty European sedan and practicality of a SUV with the graceful lines of a coupé.

The X4 inherited the silhouette from its bigger X6 sibling but carries the more nimble footprint of the X3.

Just like sports cars and sports sedans, the X4 has a uniquely arched coupé roofline, giving the driver and passengers a more intimate cabin, although leaving less cargo room compared to other similarly-sized SUVs.

Its sporty persona matches with the car’s road holding skills and spirited personality. Despite the taller ride height, the X4 hauls more like a sports sedan than a SUV.

Given its performance-oriented nature, safety features that come standard include an antilock braking system (ABS), dynamic stability control (DSC) with extended contents, dynamic traction control (DTC), head airbag front and rear, side airbags for the front row, side impact protection, acoustic seatbelt warning, Isofix child seat mounting, crash sensor and adaptive LED headlight.

The X4 has a very intuitive and enhanced telephony system with extended smartphone connectivity that allows hands-free and undistracted driving.

For better fuel economy and engine performance, the X4 uses a servotronic electric power steering that inherently gives lesser feedback. But its highly intelligent steptronic transmission with gearshift paddles and sport suspension setting ably makes up when the driver wants to enjoy a more spirited form of driving.

Adding to this, features like automatic start/stop function, brake energy regeneration, dynamic cruise control, cruise control with braking function, and driving experience control with Eco Pro gives the X4 better fuel economy.

Outside, this X4 variant’s handsome 19-inch M light alloy wheels gives it a menacing stance, and is nicely complemented by an electrical glass roof. BMW’s individual high-gloss shadow line matches well with the M aerodynamic package.

Driver aids and conveniences like exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function, park distance control (PDC) for front and rear, rain sensor, rear view camera, surround view and automatic tailgate makes the X4 a very pleasant daily commute.

Side view

Inside, two sport seats greet you in the front row (for driver and front passenger). These come with electric seat adjustment with memory.

The interior cabin’s trims come in finely brushed aluminum, Nevada leather upholstery, while embellishers for the instrument panels are in black high-gloss finish, giving it a very elegant yet minimalist vibe that’s consistent with the X4’s purposeful nature.

BMW’s storage compartment package allows storage pockets to make up for the limited cargo room.

On the other hand, the X4’s two-zone air conditioning and Hi-Fi audio system allows creature comforts against holdups in traffic.

The X4 is one of the most reasonably priced luxury performance compact SUVs at P4.64 million.

Visit any of BMW’s dealerships nationwide and check out the X4 before the excise tax kicks in and you start kicking yourself for regretting not getting it.