2016 BMW X4

BMW X4

BMW’s X4 sits in a space that’s polarising, to put it mildly. You either buy into that coupe-SUV look, trading boot practicality and rear headroom for something that stands out in a Constantia or Sandton parking lot, or you stick with an X3 and call it a day. It’s what the X4 should have been from the start: a statement car for someone who doesn’t want to blend in with the Fortuner set. On paper at least, it lines up against the GLC Coupe, Q5 Sportback, and Porsche Macan, but here in South Africa, diesel is king — the xDrive20d basically carries the badge in traffic and on long stretches like the N1. All autos, which is a relief if you’re queueing in Fourways. Only 12 active listings, with a wild price swing from R286,500 up to R1,599,900, and a lone new car in the mix. That tells you everything about its exclusivity and depreciation curve. If you’re shopping, odds are you’ll be eyeing the xDrive20d M Sport between R339,900 and R649,900, because that’s where the sweet spot sits for most people who want the looks without the M Competition’s eye-watering R1,399,500-plus price. The fresh G02s are nudging R930,000, so buying nearly new cuts out most of that depreciation hit. Mileage averages 89,438 km — not low, but these are built to do Joburg–Durban hauls without fuss. BMW’s edge, especially in SA, is the efficiency of its diesel and the fact that you get M Sport trim without mortgaging your house. If that matters to you, it’s an easy pick over the Benz.