BMW X4 is a luxurious sports activity coupe

Call BMW the niche master.

The Bavarian automaker appears determined to populate every cubby in its considerable lineup of sedans, crossovers, sports cars and alternative-fuel vehicles.

In cars, there are 1- through 7-series models, both regular high performance as well as ultra high performance versions. Usually the latter have an M attached, as with the M4 and M3 coupe and sedan.

Over on the crossover side, the shelves are nearly as well stocked with a proliferation of tall, squared-off wagons, with rear or all wheel drive: The X1, X3 and X5, as well as the giant coupe-like X6. There’s also the i8 hybrid grand touring car, the Z3 sports car and the i3 electric.

But that wasn’t enough, so now comes the 2015 BMW X4, which essentially is a fastback version of the X3 and a sort of smaller version of the X6. Because of its sloping roofline, which basically wipes out a chunk of cargo space compared to the X3, BMW calls the X4 a sports activity coupe — notwithstanding the fact that it has four doors instead of a coupe’s usual two.

It seems as if the idea is to lasso every possible buyer — except, that is, the folks on the lower end of the economic scale. BMWs usually have relatively high prices and options imperatives that stretch off the charts to raise stickers even higher.

The tested X4 xDrive35i is a prime example. It has a starting price of $48,950 and, with extras, a bottom line sticker of $57,450. This is for an all wheel drive crossover that has about the same passenger room as a midsize sedan and only a modicum more of cargo space. The typical midsize sedan has about 12 to 14 cubic feet of trunk space; the X4 has 18 cubic feet under its rear hatch, though it can be expanded to 49 by folding the rear seats back.

So the attraction with the X4 is not practicality but looks. If you want BMW performance and utility in this size, you’d opt for the less expensive but roomier X3 or even the engaging X1.

Nope. The X4 is all about driving something different and, to some eyes, more attractive. In any case, it is a BMW, which usually translates into exceptional performance, ride and handling, and the X4 does not disappoint.

The car comes standard with BMW’s all wheel drive system, called xDrive. The test car also came with the company’s famed 3.5-liter in-line six cylinder engine, with twin turbochargers to reach 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque, or low rpm twisting force. The power is delivered through an eight speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode.

Standard equipment includes an annoying auto stop-start system that shuts down the engine at stoplights, which fortunately can be switched off. It is paired with an ECO PRO mode that adjusts onboard systems for maximum fuel economy, including shutting off the fuel supply when the X4 is coasting. The result on the tested 35i model is an EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption rating of 19/27/22 mpg.

Also on the standard equipment list is active cruise control, which automatically maintains a distance to the car ahead, and a power tailgate that can be operated by waving one’s foot under the back of the vehicle.

BMW doesn’t make a point of it but the standard upholstery is an artificial leatherette material, which is becoming increasingly common in expensive German cars. You would expect a car with a $57,450 price tag to have leather. If you want it, figure on spending more.

The X4 also offers an M Sport package, which doesn’t herald even higher performance. On this car the $1,900 extra cost amounts mainly to appearance and comfort items, though it does include some modifications to the suspension system.

Other items that were extra cost options on the test car included a rear-view camera, park distance warning, keyless entry, driver’s seat lumbar support and SiriusXM satellite radio.

On the road, the X4 is typically BMW with a tight handling feel, good steering feedback and straight line tracking, solid braking and a composed demeanor around fast curves, partly because of the xDrive, which sends extra power to the outside rear wheel for better turn-in and stability. The ride is firm but controlled.

If the look gets you and the price doesn’t faze you, the X4 will satisfy.  

2015 BMW X4 xDrive35i 

Engine: 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, turbocharged, 300 horsepower, 300 lb.-ft. torque

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with manual shift mode

Overall length: 15 feet 4 inches

EPA passenger/cargo volume: 96/18, 49 cubic feet

Weight: 4,250 pounds

EPA rating: 19/27/22 city/highway/combined fuel consumption

Base price: $48,950 (including destination charge)

Price as tested: $57,450