Perfect fit: BMW’s X4 could be the best crossover in the PH market

The BMW X4’s uniqueness is seen from every angle. And this is actually the crossover’s forte.
CDN photo/Junjie Mendoza

From the time they were introduced to the market in 1999, BMW Sports Active Vehicles (SAV) have always been a hit.
The X5 remained  the leader in its class, then the X3 and X1 followed suit and were just as  successful in their own right.
Not resting on its laurels, BMW took things to the next level years later and introduced a new line that was dubbed the Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). Its first model was the X6.
This unique line brought together the characteristics of the SAV and the sporting character of a coupe. That said, the X6 became as popular as its other X siblings.
The only problem was that in the Philippines, the X6 seemed too huge and a bit too heavy on the pockets of its targeted market.
But BMW fixed that issue faster than  its cars go from 0-100 kilometers per hour.

CDN photo/Junjie Mendoza

Last year, the German automaker came up with a perfect solution and shrank the X6 to produce the X4 compact crossover.
The plan worked wonders, especially in Cebu, where BMW is being handled by the Autowelt BMW Inc. of the Gateway Motors Group.
Autowelt BMW Vice President/Deputy General Manager Michael Goho said the X4 is one of the dealership’s most sold models, owing to its uniqueness.
He also said part of its success is because BMW enthusiasts know that the X4 is a totally new line that has a drop of X6 blood in its system.
Smaller and more affordable, the X4 is now made easier to own, too.
CHARACTERISTICS
At 4,671 millimeters long, 1881 mm wide and 1,624 mm high, the X4 seems to be a perfectly balanced crossover.
It sits lower to the ground, which means handling is sporty, fitting for the distinctive sporting character lines on the outside.
Although the X4 shares the same platform with the X3, it does have a distinct character of its own.
The large air dams on the front corners match with its sleek headlights and patented kidney grills giving it a muscular and forward-looking appearance.
The coupe-like roofline, although a bit awkward at first glance, is said to reflect BMW driver focus on its vehicles. It reaches its highest at the front doors then swoops down to the rear to give it a distinct coupe-like appearance on a higher stance. The rear, L-shaped LED tail lamps highlight the X4.

The X4’s cabin is very driver-focused, which is how most car enthusiasts would like it.
CDN PHOTO/Junjie Mendoza

Inside, the X4’s cabin is very driver-focused, which is how most car enthusiasts like it.
Electroplated accents and high-gloss black panels, give it a luxurious yet sporty feeling.
Sporty because, aside from the powerful engine that pushes the crossover, the driver and the front passenger also sit 20 mm lower and the rear passengers 28 mm lower than its sibling, the X3.
Speaking of engine power, the X4  Cebu Daily News  was able to test-drive   a 20d xDrive that had a new-generation 2.0-liter, four-cylinder twin turbo diesel engine paired with a whopping eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

The new-generation 2.0-liter, four-cylinder twin turbo diesel engine.
CDN PHOTO/Junjie Mendoza

Here’s the fun part: that power plant produces a maximum of 190 horsepower and 400 newton meter of torque on all four wheels (all-wheel drive).
The X4 is also available in a 30d xDrive M Sport edition that is powered by a 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder twin turbo diesel engine capable of producing 258 horsepower and 560 nm of torque.
Other fun parts of the crossover include runflat 19-inch tires with alloy rims, LED fog lights, bi-xenon headlights, automatic tailgate function, rearview camera, daytime driving lights,  automatic start/stop function, brake energy regeneration, electric seat adjustment with memory and Sensatec leather upholstery, among others.