There’s something about the Schurwald. Nestled between Esslingen and Göppingen, this forested highland doesn’t scream performance car testing ground at first glance. But give it a twisty B, road, a stretch of wet tarmac after a morning drizzle, and a long straight running past misty pine trees , and suddenly, it’s a perfect litmus test for what a premium SUV coupe like the BMW X4 xDrive30i is really made of.
When I slid into the cockpit of the X4 early that morning, the silence of the Schurwald was broken only by the low rumble of the engine warming up and the faint crackle of gravel under the wide 20, inch wheels. It’s a curious thing , the X4. Neither a traditional SUV nor a pure coupe, it straddles both worlds with unapologetic confidence. Some say it’s too much of a compromise. Others, like me, are here to find out whether that compromise is worth north of €70,000.
The Design Dilemma: Coupe Lines, SUV Proportions
Let’s not pretend the X4 doesn’t turn heads. Its sloping roofline, stretched stance, and sculpted rear are striking, even if it comes at the cost of practicality. The high rear beltline and narrow rear window won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it works in a bold, almost rebellious way.
As I approached the car parked along a narrow trail near Reichenbach, the X4’s muscular haunches and long hood were set off nicely against the mossy forest backdrop. The M Sport package added extra flair with more aggressive bumpers, high, gloss Shadow Line trim, and those big 20, inch alloys that looked like they were cut from obsidian.
Opening the door , which closes with that satisfying solid BMW thunk , I stepped into a cabin that’s unmistakably premium but not overdone. No wild screens or conceptual design statements here. Just restrained elegance, clean lines, and materials that feel like they’ll still look good in ten years. The 12.3, inch touchscreen blends beautifully with the instrument cluster, and thankfully, the iDrive rotary controller remains a physical marvel in a world increasingly obsessed with touchscreens.
On the Road: Between Schurwald’s Pines and Predicaments
Within minutes of setting off, the car revealed its true nature. The BMW X4 xDrive30i isn’t a track monster. It’s a long, legged, high, riding GT that feels astonishingly planted through Schurwald’s undulating back roads. The adaptive suspension, which I can’t recommend enough for the extra €700, handles mid, corner bumps like they don’t exist. In Comfort mode, it glides. In Sport mode, it tightens just enough to remind you this is still a BMW.
The 2.0, liter turbocharged four, cylinder under the hood makes 245 hp and 350 Nm of torque. It’s not explosive, but it is smooth , like stirring molten silver. The engine pulls cleanly from low revs, and the eight, speed Steptronic automatic gearbox is as intuitive as ever. There’s no drama, no lag, just a linear rush of power that feels refined, if not particularly thrilling.
I took a familiar curve near Lichtenwald a bit faster than I should’ve. The X4 didn’t flinch. The xDrive all, wheel, drive system shuffled torque seamlessly, the electronic rear diff gently guiding the tail out just enough to keep things interesting. It’s heavy , nearly 1.9 tonnes , and that mass does make itself known in tight transitions. But the chassis tuning is so well balanced that it rarely feels clumsy.
Real, World Practicality: Living With the X4 in the Forest and Beyond
This isn’t a car that’s meant to be practical in the traditional sense. Yet it surprised me in small but meaningful ways.
The boot, for instance, is enormous for a coupe, styled vehicle. I had my full, suspension mountain bike partially disassembled in the back, along with a backpack, tripod, and toolkit. With the rear seats folded in a 40:20:40 split, the X4 swallowed it all up. No drama. BMW claims up to 1430 liters of luggage space, and while real, world figures tend to be a bit shy of that, it’s still usable enough to make you forget the sloping roofline.
Rear passenger comfort, though? Let’s be honest , that’s where form overtakes function. At 1.83 meters, I had just enough headroom to avoid brushing the roof. Anyone taller would start to feel the pinch, especially on longer drives. Legroom is adequate, not class, leading. But the seat materials and backrest angle adjustment help make up for it.
The Price of Premium: What You Get for €70,000+
Here’s where things get tricky. The X4 xDrive30i starts at €59,800. Our test car, with M Sport package, adaptive dampers, acoustic glazing, panoramic roof, upgraded audio, and a head, up display, nudged past €80,000. For that price, you expect perfection. And in many ways, the X4 delivers.
Fit and finish? Impeccable. Ride comfort? Smooth yet taut. Tech? BMW’s iDrive system is still among the best, and voice control works shockingly well even with my half, German, half, English driving commands. Even the key fob comes with a display screen that feels more spaceship than car key.
But there’s a nagging question , is it too perfect? Too smooth? Too…sanitized?
The Engine: Silky Yet Demanding
There’s no denying the refinement of the four, cylinder turbo. It’s vibration, free, hushed, and efficient at low loads. But in spirited driving , like pushing up the hill from Baltmannsweiler to the forest’s edge , it starts to run out of character. There’s no drama in the power delivery. No distinct crescendo. Just one smooth wave of torque that gets the job done.
Fuel consumption is the kicker. Official WLTP figures promise 7.5, 8.5 liters per 100 km. But the ADAC test , and my own driving through hill climbs, autobahn stints, and town traffic , showed a real, world average of 9.2 liters. That’s thirsty. For a 2.0, liter four, cylinder, it’s hard to justify. Especially when CO₂ emissions hit 252 g/km, making it a tough sell for the eco, conscious.
Technical Specifications: BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport (Tested Model)
To stay accurate and dependable, we obtain our technical info directly from BMW’s official source.
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 2.0L 4, cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 245 hp (180 kW) |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,560, 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8, speed Steptronic automatic |
| Drivetrain | xDrive all, wheel drive |
| 0, 100 km/h | 6.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h |
| Fuel Consumption (WLTP) | 7.5, 8.5 L/100 km |
| Real, World Consumption (ADAC) | 9.2 L/100 km |
| CO₂ Emissions (WLTP) | 171, 192 g/km |
| Length / Width / Height | 4.75 m / 1.92 m / 1.62 m |
| Luggage Capacity | 525, 1430 liters |
| Towing Capacity (Braked) | 2400 kg |
| Base Price | €59,800 |
| Price as Tested | ~€80,000+ |
Conclusion: Is the BMW X4 Worth It?
The BMW X4 xDrive30i is a beautiful contradiction. It’s a sports car wrapped in an SUV’s body, built with the precision of a German watch and the visual drama of a coupe. It’s not for everyone, and it doesn’t try to be.
Driving through the Schurwald, past early morning hikers and sleepy towns, I kept thinking , this is a car that grows on you. Not because it shouts the loudest or accelerates the fastest. But because it’s composed, capable, and carved with care. It doesn’t ask for attention, yet it gets plenty. It’s not cheap, but it feels worth every euro when you’re behind the wheel, especially on roads that twist and turn like those deep in the Schurwald.
If you’re looking for a family SUV, look elsewhere. If you want raw performance, the M40i or X4 M will serve you better. But if you want a bit of everything , style, comfort, tech, and just enough dynamism , the xDrive30i hits a quiet sweet spot.
Is the X4 xDrive30i fast enough for highway driving?
Yes, absolutely. The 245 hp engine delivers a 0, 100 km/h time of 6.6 seconds, which is more than enough for overtaking and comfortable high, speed cruising on the autobahn.
Is X4 worth upgrading to the M Sport package and adaptive suspension?
Definitely. The adaptive dampers make a noticeable difference in comfort and handling, and the M Sport visuals give the car more road presence.
How does X4 compare to rivals like the GLC Coupe or Audi Q5 Sportback?
The X4 feels sportier and more refined inside than the Audi, and more engaging than the GLC Coupe. It strikes a balance the others don’t quite manage.
