2016 BMW X4

2016 BMW X4 Review

The 2016 BMW X4 combines some of the best features of sports cars and traditional sport utilities. As a result, the X4 has an athletic, coupe-like design with driving dynamics to match. But BMW also provides a versatile cabin on the inside, and all models have standard all-wheel drive. They offer a lot of high-end content, too.

Although BMW refers to the X4 as a “sport activity coupe,” its primary competition is in the premium compact SUV segment. It matches most rivals with seating for five. BMW then distinguishes the X4 with three increasingly powerful trim levels: xDrive28i, xDrive35i and the new M40i.

Other upgrades this year include enhancements in standard infotainment technology.

Exterior

The dramatic roofline of the BMW X4 sets it apart from typical SUVs. Designers also emphasize that aggressive silhouette with strong character lines along the X4’s sides. BMW’s hallmark “kidney” grille is on display up front, where it’s paired with large lower intakes. A skidplate-style trim piece delivers a rugged cue at the rear.

For an upscale touch, the 2016 BMW X4 comes with premium lighting elements as standard equipment. This includes adaptive xenon headlights with LED accent rings, LED fog lights and LED taillights. A sunroof, power-folding exterior mirrors and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels also are standard. The X4 is available with popular options as well. These range from full LED headlights up front to a hands-free liftgate at the rear. The upper trims have their own specific design details, such as 19- and 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Interior

Another highlight for the 2016 BMW X4 is the vehicle’s stylish interior. A wide center stack and deeply inset infotainment screen dominate the dashboard, which also has an eye-catching multi-piece look in front of the passenger. Contoured door panels and a clean, simple gear-shift console add to the sophisticated look. For cargo, the X4 features a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat. It leaves 17.7 cubic feet of storage in the rear cargo hold, and that can be expanded to 49.4 cubic feet by folding all seatbacks. The similarly sized 2016 BMW X3, with a more traditional SUV shape, compares with 27.6 and 63.3 cubic feet.

The cabin for the X4 has the kind of standard equipment you expect in the segment. That includes synthetic-leather seats, an eight-way power-adjustable front row, dual-zone automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. When it comes to options, BMW again can satisfy many customers. For that, the company provides upscale content such as real leather upholstery and heat for the front seats, rear seats and steering wheel.

Performance

The 2016 BMW X4 is available with three engine choices. In the xDrive28i model, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine is standard and produces 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The xDrive35i upsizes to a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder turbocharged engine. Output increases to 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. At the top of the range, the M40i relies on a new version of that engine that makes 355 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. All models match their engines with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The X4 complements those numbers with EPA grades of up to 20/27 mpg city/highway.

Technology

Standard technology for the X4 includes a full-color infotainment display, a console-mounted controller, Bluetooth, HD Radio, a USB port, an auxiliary input jack and nine speakers.

Next, BMW offers some notable safety technology. Among them are features such as adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot system, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and both rearview and surround-view camera systems. To meet demand for premium infotainment technology, BMW’s supplies an uplevel system with navigation, a wide-screen display and handwriting recognition. It also can be bundled with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, access to mobile apps and a head-up display.