The stylish X4 is what BMW refers to as a Sports Activity Coupé, or SAV. It is very similar to the X3, but offers a more sporty look and feel. It's not quite as practical as the X4, but is a beautifully dynamic car to drive if you're not quite ready for the soccer-dad (or mom) image.
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The current-generation X4 is also a good choice for families, since it scored high marks for child protection in 2017's EuroNCAP tests. Adults are also well-protected, of course, and if you want to go into ultra-fine detail, including how well-protected the kids were in different kinds of child seats, you should definitely
The BMW's X4's "basic" safety features
It almost goes without saying that the X4 and X3 both scored a five-star safety rating. Every X4 in the lineup has the usual German array of safety features, such as ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction and stability control, child locks, ISOFIX child seat anchorage points on the outer rear seats, and six airbags.
Other standard safety features on every BMW X4
Every model in the X4 lineup also has cruise control with an emergency auto-braking function, a tyre pressure monitor, an electronic parking brake, hill-start assist, sat-nav, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, heated exterior mirrors, daytime driving lights, automatic-levelling headlamps, LED front fog lamps, LED tail lamps, park distance control in the front and rear (a rearview camera is optional), park assist, and flashing emergency brake lights. The spare wheel is of the space-saver variety, so just bear that in mind if you're going to take your X4 off-road or anywhere the road-surface is in poor condition.
As you would expect, there's a touchscreen infotainment system with voice control, satellite buttons on the steering wheel, and the usual Bluetooth for a safe, hands-free telephone connection. The head-up display will have to be specified.
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Nice-to-have safety equipment that will cost you extra
Should you want features such as surround view cameras, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, be prepared to pay dearly for that privilege. While it's all very convenient to have, it does add a rather hefty amount to your final BMW X4 bill. For example, BMW's adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function will cost you R17 500. Adaptive LED headlights will set you back R5000 while Active High Beam headlights will add R2 150 to the price. Then, there are more comprehensive packages that include a variety of options, such as Driving Assist Plus for R33 500. This allows the X4 to steer on its own (for limited time periods) and stay in its lane by reading lane markings and "seeing" other traffic and/or pedestrians, and includes active stop-and-go. It's an absolute pleasure to use and goes a long way in preventing driver fatigue. Instead of going all-out with wheels and spending extra on interior and exterior trim bits, this is the package I would specify. It's semi-autonomous driving at its finest (and in my humble opinion, almost as good as Volvo's Pilot Assist).
If you're keen on an X4, old or new, its safety features won't let you down.
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