Yet another spinoff of BWM's compact 3 Series, the X4 combines the ride height of a crossover with a fastback roofline reminiscent of a coupe. BMW calls it a sport activity vehicle, which seems about right for a tall passenger car with wagon-like capacity and a touch of ruggedness.
What's New for 2015
The X4 is an all-new model.
Choosing Your BMW X4
Leather seating is part of the Premium Package, which also includes satellite radio and keyless access and ignition. The Cold Weather Package adds heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and retractable headlamp washers.
The Technology Package includes a head-up display, integrated smartphone apps and a navigation system (also available separately). You get front parking sensors and a rearview camera with the Driver Assistance Package, while Driver Assistance Plus tacks on a surround-view camera system, active collision mitigation, and blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems. Adaptive cruise control can be added to the package at additional cost. Rounding out your choices are adaptive full LED headlamps and active suspension dampers for increased stability around curves.
All of the option packages are worthwhile, but adding too many kicks the sticker into a whole different size class. The Premium Package, with its leather interior, is the most essential in our view.