What is it?
The BMW X4 has always been something of an ugly duckling. When the original first arrived in showrooms four years ago, its awkwardly proportioned looks didn’t exactly win the adulation of the motoring press.
Now, though, there’s a new one. And while it hasn’t exactly transformed into some four-wheeled equivalent of a swan, there’s no denying that the second-generation model is much easier on the eye. At the front, it’s largely indistinguishable from the mechanically identical X3, while from the B-pillar back its roofline tapers down to create the coupé-style silhouette that marks out this particular niche of SUVs.
While you may have already read our review of the potent X4 M40d, today we’re driving the bread-and-butter offering in the line-up: the far more humble xDrive20d. Under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel powerplant that puts out 187bhp and 295lb ft of torque, deployed via an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system.
Where the M40d, with its twin-turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine, can hit 62mph from a standstill in 4.9sec, our xDrive20d model makes do with a far more pedestrian level of performance; the same sprint takes 8.0sec flat.
Join the debate
scrap
I think it’s time to give up.
I think it’s time to give up.
Are we really here to be told that “there is no denying this is easier on the eye” and that it has a ‘coupe’ roofline?
The independent motoring media needs to remember how to call a spade a spade. This is an ugly car in concept and execution, and appeals to the ugly side of human nature.
typos1
scrap wrote:
Like you I think it looks awful, unlike you I realise the looks are entirely subjective and that others may love it.
Some people who read the "independent motoring media" need to remember that not everyone has the same opinion about a car's looks and that theres no right and wrong when it comes to a subjective subject.
XXXX just went POP.
xxxx
All change
Do BMW have a practise of one interior fits all?
Although I'm beginning to wish the outside was generic as well because this is just plain UGLY and ungainly from every angle, probably including underneath too!
Golden raspberry award winner?
typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion
reckless fox
Performance issues?
Not so long ago (well in my youth anyway which is a fair while now) 8.0s 0-60 was a good time for a hot hatch. I'm also presuming that with this high torque diesel engine the mid range acceleration is very good too, so I fail to see how it can be considered to 'lack a bit of performance'.
If you want a sports car, buy one. This car is aimed at people who, like me, need practicality for family and home life, but want a bit more style and pizazz - not for everyone this model I know, and maybe not for me until I see it in the metal, but why the constant, boring, hate from others.
If you don't like it don't buy it - if no one likes it BMW will learn their lesson. If lots of people like it and buy it it just shows how looks are subjective and your whiny criticism is irrelevant.
6th Gear
Whiny criticism?
Sorry but this car is ugly and yes it’s about time BMW gets a new interior designer, as the basic design is always the same.
reckless fox
Looks are subjective
I don't think it's ugly and my opinion is as valid as yours
xxxx
Opinion?
Yes your opinion is as valid as anyones, so why say "your whiny criticism is irrelevant"
typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion
reckless fox
Why whiny?
Because every time the X4 or X6 or the Mercedes equivalkent are on there is a huge string of comments about how ugly it is. The reason it's irrelevant is becasue every one's opinion is equally valid and so what's the point of banging on about it. Take this thread as an example - no one has commented on anything other than the looks (except my comment on the performance)
scrap
reckless fox wrote:
You are missing the point. The article says “there’s no denying” it looks better than the previous version.
But of course there is... many people hate it, while others (like you) get all upset. What are you really defending here?
Luap
.
The cringeworthy car dorks still think it's 2005, the Bangle BMW era. Hence they are still on that same old bandwagon so still say "Its teh ugly lulz" even though the cars look completely different now.
Bangle hasn't worked for BMW for nearly 10 years, but the no one told the cringesters.. haha
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