The 2019 BMW X4’s crossover-coupe shape will draw in well-heeled buyers, its drivability in top trims may just keep them there too.
Pros Intriguing shape M40i brings real excitement 10.3-inch touchscreen as standard Near-perfect 8-speed automatic Composed ride
Cons Pricey at every level Apple CarPlay subscription model feels greedy Rear seat passengers need to mind their heads Tight fit for cargo Compromised rear vision
The 2019 BMW X4 ranked #10 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the BMW X4 has a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 12 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Excellent handling Powerful engines Good gas mileage Easy-to-use infotainment system
Cons Below-average cargo capacity Rivals' interiors are more polished Sloping roofline makes interior feel cramped
Completely redesigned for 2019.Revised styling.New standard features.BMW's redesigned 2019 X4 is a more sporting and stylish alternative to the traditional luxury crossover. It's related to the X3 SUV but has a sleeker, more coupelike profile. It's also a bit wider, longer and shorter in height than the X3, signaling its mission from the moment you lay eyes on it.
Pros Both available engines are smooth, powerful and fuel-efficient Easy to personalize thanks to a long list of standard and optional features Impressive handling for an SUV
Cons Rear headroom is a bit tight The sloping roofline compromises cargo space Android Auto is not available Pricey when fully optioned
Named after a famous winding pass in the Italian Alps, the Stelvio is perfect for carving up canyons. A turbo 2.0-liter four makes 280 hp and pairs with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. For more power, the Quadrifoglio flaunts a 505-hp 2.9-liter turbo V-6; an adaptive suspension is standard. Alfa claims a zero-to-60 time of 3.9 seconds. Inside, the Stelvio offers an optional 900-watt Harman/Kardon audio system, but we’re pretty sure that sweet engine is all you’ll want to hear. Assembled at Alfa’s Cassino plant in Frosinone, Italy, the Stelvio is built on the same platform as the Giulia and will be offered in three trim levels: Stelvio, Stelvio Ti, and the high-performance Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which has enough distinct features and tuning to be considered a separate model. While the Stelvio and Stelvio Ti both rely on a 280-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four for motivation, the high-performance Quadrifoglio utilizes the 505-hp 2.9-liter turbocharged V-6 from the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Aluminum is used extensively in the construction of every Stelvio, including the front and rear subframes, the suspension components (control arms in front, multilink in the rear), the doors, and the fenders; the rear crossmember is partly made of composite plastics to pare more weight.
If you want a crossover that sacrifices as little of the conventional-car driving experience as possible, then the Alfa Romeo Stelvio should be given serious consideration. It’s a great car in its own right, but given it is Alfa’s first SUV, it’s borderline brilliant on first acquaintance. All Stelvios ride on double wishbones at the front and multi-link at the rear (Alfa says it’s ‘four-and-a-half-link’), as well as what Alfa says is the most direct steering set-up in the segment. Q4 four-wheel-drive is standard, albeit with a rear-bias to the power distribution: 100% in normal driving conditions and up to 50% pushed to the front when circumstances demand it. You can also option in a mechanical LSD at the rear if you’re planning on hot laps (as if!).
Alfa Romeo has high hopes for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio; the model will even offer carbon fiber shell racing-style seats made by Sparco as well as carbon ceramic Brembo brakes. To save fuel, the Quadrifoglio's V-6 employs cylinder deactivation that allows it to run on just three cylinders during low load situations.
Pros Italian style Promise of serious performance Gorgeous interior Base model offers solid specs
Cons No RWD may be a lose in smile states Big gap between 4-cylinder and twin-turbo V-6 Too little, too late?
