This luxurious German SUV blends head-turning looks with a stunning drive experience, but there is one thing holding it back.
2022 BMW X4. (overseas model shown).
We get behind the wheel of BMW’s luxurious and stylish mid-size SUV.
Here are five things you need to know about the BMW X4 30i.
IT’S GOT THE GOODS, BUT NOT THEM ALL
The regular X4 range is made up of three grades ranging in price from about $90,000 drive-away to about $130,000. We tested the mid-tier X4 30i combining a solid serve of luxury with a sporty drive experience.
Step into the 30i and you are greeted by plush leather seats, plenty of soft touch materials and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The cabin is extremely well presented.
There is a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is combined with a digital instrument cluster of equal size. There are plenty of USB charging points but no wireless device charging pad.
If you want heated seats you’ll need to pay an extra $912 for the Comfort Pack. And if M Sport seat belts, carbon fibre inserts and sport bucket seats take your fancy you’ll need to tick the M Sport Plus Pack for $2615.
STYLISH, BUT COMPROMISED
The X4 is an SUV, but not as you might know it. BMW created the coupe-SUV segment with its X6 back in 2008, a move followed by most prestige brands.
It oozes style with a svelte, sloping roofline falling seamlessly into its rear end. Combined with chunky 20-inch alloy wheels and an M Sport Pack, the X4 30i looks the real deal in traffic.
The sloping roofline looks good but compromises rear seat headroom.
The X4 wears a similar face to BMW’s 4 Series coupe with a Bugs Bunny bucktoothed grille. It looks better in the metal than it does in pictures, but it’s still polarising.
Rear seat room is compromised by the slanting roof and the view out the rear isn’t the best thanks to a small back window.
A CLASSY DRIVE
BMW has built its reputation on making the ultimate driver’s cars, and its SUVs are some of the sweetest machines in the business.
Despite its high-riding stature, the X4 commands excellent body control, remaining stable and composed through bends whereas other SUVs tend to lean and roll. All-wheel drive provides plenty of grip in wet weather.
A great engine and auto gearbox combo make for a top-notch drive experience.
Well-sorted suspension makes for a smooth ride around town, soaking up most bumps.
The cabin is well insulated, too, making for a quiet commute as it keeps tyre roar and engine noise to a minimum.
IT’S GOT A BIT OF A KICK
The X4 30i uses a spritely 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit making 185kW/350Nm. It’s not overpowered, but packs enough oomph to get the heart pumping, sprinting from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
Combine this with a smooth shifting eight-speed automatic transmission that is one of the best examples on the road, it makes for a smooth highway cruiser and you can dial it up on a curving country route.
BMW claims the X4 30i drinks 7.9L/100km, which is about par for the course.
If you want some real spicy performance you’ll need to jump up to the X4 40i with its smooth-talking 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 265kW/500Nm.
But be prepared to pony up an extra $30,000.
LAST MAN STANDING
Let’s address the elephant in the room – BMW’s three-year warranty. It’s the last of big luxury car makers to switch to the now industry standard five-year/unlimited km guarantee.
Mercedes-Benz was the first to move to the longer warranty period almost two years ago, and was recently followed by Lexus and Audi in the last few months.
BMW says it has no plans to change its warranty offering at this point, but it’s only a matter of time until it backs its products like other luxury brands do.
Keyword: 2022 BMW X30i review: Stylish SUV is the sweet spot in the range