SUV : BMW X4

At this point, it's about the new BMW X4, which came to us as a test for 30i. The reduced area, stretched by 81 millimeters to 4.75 meters, a touch wider and with a wheelbase extended by 54 millimeters, makes the new X4 a fairly dynamic figure. In sports, one would probably say he is absolutely well-trained. Of course, the striking front with double kidney and "six-eye face" also contributes to this, or the very narrow LED taillights placed far below with two-legged tailpipes.

Huge air intakes in the front bumper, distinctive splashes of wheel arches and a massive side skirts are in addition to the blue brake calipers of the sports stoppers the testosterone of the X4. But pumped under the hood not at all the fraction of the six-cylinder, but a modest 2.0-liter four-cylinder. No, not the beginner with 184 hp, but the second largest gasoline engine with 252 hp. Is not enough for the 1.8-ton Bayern? Oh yes, that's fine. One floor underneath you can confidently doubt this, 30i not. Since the maximum torque of 350 Newton meters already from 1450 crankshaft revolutions applied, pushes the X4 clean. The power is distributed over the 8-speed Steptronik without noticeable pulling or jerking as with all other engines and the little bull runs in 6.3 seconds from zero to 100. Provided the driving mode switch is on sport and not on comfort or Eco Pro.

In fact, accelerates the 30i then up to 240 km / h, which must be noted restricting that it is no longer quite as powerful going from 225 km. Here is something missing then the air. And because we are just nagging, it should not go unmentioned that in some places in city traffic the spontaneous response is missing. If it happens so carelessly and the four-pointer is in the doldrums, then he needs a second longer, until the spontaneous kick on the accelerator pedal is set in propulsion. Especially since the 252 horses are only hunted off the paddock when the tachometer passes the 5200. If you want to start here furiously, you should try the paddles on the steering wheel. In sum, the X4 30i but a wonderful marchers, with a measured average consumption of 10.3 liters no Kostverächter, but also no drunkard. Because fast motorway passages around 180 to 200 km / h belonged to the test program as well as the daily trips to the workplace through the city.

Exactly on these rides was also to find that its nearly perfect weight distribution of 50:50 on both axles makes the X4 in combination with the all-wheel drive, the standard M sports suspension and the BMW-typical narrow sports steering an amazingly agile cornering with wonderful directional stability. Even continuous rain and a roadway, which rather invites to boating than for fast asphalt running, could not throw Bayern out of the train. But even here there is a restriction: BMW gave the X4, of course, all s.Augeris at hand, what is possible. This also includes an adaptive steering assistant and a similar track holder. The problem is that you should completely disable these really well-functioning helper in the assault. At least starting at 200 km, the driver gets in the vicinity of lane markers namely a strange feeling, because the steering starts to twitch with minimal movements to bring the car again and again in the calculated ideal lane. This is certainly well-intentioned, but spreads in conjunction with the already mentioned tight steering no good feeling.

On the other hand, the passengers in the tight leather upholstery, which can not only be adjusted electrically in both horizontal and vertical directions, have a good feeling. The adjustment of the side bolsters to the narrow or wide back can also be helped by pressing a button. You do not have to help out with everyday life. BMW has provided large compartments in the interior door panels, which now even accommodate 1.5-liter PET bottles. An inductive cargo space provides space for the smartphone and also supplies the vehicle key with a transmitting function and the display with power. Passengers on the back seat do not have to complain about lack of space, even the headroom should be there for tall people in order.  The trunk holds 525 liters, but must be equipped for construction due to a higher loading edge. The backrest of the second row can of course be unlocked from the luggage compartment, however, the train can miss the high-quality impression that radiates otherwise from the X4 on all pores. Especially in the interior and with a view of the dashboard (the pressure points and grids of the pushers and knobs make an excellent impression) the moves to flip the backrest seem somehow wrong. Added to this is the new interior design, which has also changed the air vents that you like to touch and adjust, because here, too, the strength of the moving elements is very well done.

Very well succeeded are the individual functions of the already mentioned assistants. Distance warning, traffic sign recognition with foresighted display in the brilliant head-up display or just the lane keeping and steering assistant (with the above-mentioned restriction) perform their work absolutely precise. Only the parking assistant takes some getting used to. While other manufacturers allow parking without much driver intervention, BMW would like the finger to hold the park button in the center console all the way. That's not bad, because at the end of the X4 is accurate in the gap, but without this finger pressure, the park pleasure would be even more appealing.  A lot of money, for a lot of car  In any case, what BMW offers in terms of connectivity is appealing. Granted: As virtuoso as in the new X5 is not yet. But the idea to display several subject areas such as Navi, telephone and entertainment medium as controllable tile on the so-called iDrive display and to be able to control via touch or via the turntable, has charm and makes sense. Except for the navigation system, the control can also be done via the steering wheel buttons and the head-up display. And if you do not want to use your fingers, you can use voice control.  And because we just looked at the features, we should now also talk about the price. Without optional extras, the X4 xDrive 30i costs a slim 55,300 euros.