2015 BMW X4 xDrive35i: Slave To Fashion

All-wheel drive is standard across the board, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Where the X3 is upright and capacious the X4 is pinched and sloped, with its roofline plunging towards the rear deck like the Dow Jones circa 2008.

Facing both the 2015 BMW X4 and its X3 sibling head-on reveals few, if any differences between the sheet metal of the two automobiles.

Available with an Active Damping System on the options sheet, the 2015 BMW X4 is positioned to out-handle many other luxury SUVs in its class.

It's too bad, really, that the 2015 BMW X4's passenger compartment is compromised to such a degree, because the rest of the setup is well-executed.

It's a better ride than the X3 when examined from a performance perspective.

Space for one's head and legs is perfectly adequate in its first two seating positions.

It's only when the fraternal twin SUVs are rotated through a plane that one encounters their dramatically divergent profiles.

Access to the cargo area is complicated by the narrow access of the tailgate opening.

We suffer for style.

I don't believe for a second that there are only 300 lb-ft of twist lurking inside this 3.0-litre monster.

The effect creates a muscled, bulging look at the back of the X4.

You'll have to fork out $3,000 more as compared to an entry-level X3 to enjoy the X4's shrunken interior and reduced trunk space.

Unless you are completely smitten by the X4's looks, the mechanically-identical X3 is an all-around better buy.

The X4 lags behind both the 3 Series sedan and touring models when pushed through a corner.

The SUV is definitely cramped in the second row.

The iDrive system, HVAC controls, head-up display providing full navigation integration, and gauge cluster perform well.

Space for one's head and legs is perfectly adequate in its first two seating positions.

The M Line offers a unique steering wheel.

Paddle shifters complement the console-mounted shifter.

Cargo space suffers to an even greater degree, with only 500 litres of storage room available between the seatback and hatch.