X

BMW X4 combines sport, rugged (pictures)

BMW's new X4 comes with a coupe roofline, a hatchback, four doors, and sits up high on all-wheel drive, an automotive mash-up that is more crossover than the competition.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
2015 BMW X4
1 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

BMW introduced the X4 last year, a new model that serves as a smaller and cheaper version of the X6.

2015 BMW X4
2 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The X4 has four doors, but uses a coupe-like roof.

2015 BMW X4
3 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Sitting higher off the ground than its 3-series cousin, the X4 has an SUV-like front-end.

2015 BMW X4
4 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

In this xDrive28i model, the engine compartment is barely filled by the 2-liter four-cylinder engine.

2015 BMW X4
5 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

With its odd styling, the X4 is more crossover than what other automakers call a crossover.

2015 BMW X4
6 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

All-wheel drive comes standard in the X4.

2015 BMW X4
7 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The hatchback allows for easy access to the cargo area.

2015 BMW X4
8 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

This model includes the M Sport package, with sport seats and suspension.

2015 BMW X4
9 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Rear bench seats fold down to allow more cargo room.

2015 BMW X4
10 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Rear headroom is only somewhat impacted by the roofline.

2015 BMW X4
11 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

An electric power-steering includes comfort and sport programs.

2015 BMW X4
12 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

BMW retains analog dials instead of employing an LCD instrument cluster.

2015 BMW X4
13 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The sculptured drive selector shares space on the console with the latest iDrive controller.

2015 BMW X4
14 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

BMW wide LCD includes this simple main menu design.

2015 BMW X4
15 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Sport and Sport Plus modes tighten steering and throttle response.

2015 BMW X4
16 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Eco Pro mode deadens the throttle response and reduces climate control power.

2015 BMW X4
17 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The Sport display shows real-time horsepower and torque.

2015 BMW X4
18 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The X4 is not a real offroader, but BMW includes this display showing the car's pitch and roll angles.

2015 BMW X4
19 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The optional rearview camera shows trajectory lines and includes object detection.

2015 BMW X4
20 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The navigation system's maps are very rich, but the system does not include lane guidance.

2015 BMW X4
21 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

The optional phone cradle is very convenient, if you have an appropriate phone.

2015 BMW X4
22 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Apps integrated through the phone include social media and music services.

2015 BMW X4
23 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Built-in apps, using the X4's own data connection, include destination search and fuel prices.

2015 BMW X4
24 of 24 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Spotify, integrated through BMW ConnectedDrive, is one of the newest apps to find its way into BMW models.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos