BMW's X4 Sports Activity Coupe comes in two models

BMW recently added a new crossover-style vehicle to its U.S. lineup, the five-door X4 Sports Activity Coupe, designed to meld coupe-like styling with the versatility of a wagon.

[...] with its standard BMW intelligent all-wheel drive, it's designed to go lots of places that the average sports coupe could never imagine.

Among the X4's muscular design cues are large air intakes on the outer edges of the front fascia, and what BMW calls "precise character lines in the front apron."

[...] included are LED fog lights below the signature twin round headlights, which is a design element on all of the BMW X models, including the subcompact X1, which is the entry-level X model, with a $33,100 starting price.

Optional is a navigation system, included on our test model in the Technology Package ($2,750), which also comes with a new iDrive Controller with a touchpad.

The cabin has premium materials, including subtle electroplated accents, a high-gloss black-panel look and aluminum trim strips in the wood paneling.

Besides the Technology Package, we had the Lighting Package ($1,900), which added adaptive full LED headlights with automatic high beams; and the Cold Weather Package ($950), which tacked on a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, and retractable headlight washers.

Surround View, similar to Infiniti's Around View system, gives the driver a bird's-eye view of the area around the vehicle from tiny cameras front and rear and in each side mirror.

Other standard features on the M40i included an anthracite headliner, 14-way power front seats with four-way lumbar support and driver's seat memory, LED fog lights, Comfort Access keyless entry and pushbutton start, Harmon Kardon surround sound audio, a moon roof, and rain-sensing wipers.

[...] included is Performance Control, which uses the electronic stability control system to send power to the outside rear wheel when cornering to improve "traction, turn-in and directional stability," BMW said.

Other options include Active Driving Assistant and Active Cruise Control; a Pedestrian and Collision Warning system; Lane Departure Warning; and Active Blind Spot Detection.

Overall, the X4 M40i is a well-balanced, refined luxury crossover that looks, feels, and drives more like a sports coupe than a typical family SUV-style vehicle.