Creating a car that handles with composure and a sense of fun is a challenge for manufacturers, but to do so from the starting point of a tall and relatively heavy SUV is even more taxing. Remarkably, the X4 is a sure-footed SUV that makes it easy to forget its size and shape from behind the wheel. While it鈥檚 based on the X3, it feels a little more sporty. That鈥檚 partly down to the view from the driver鈥檚 seat, but the X4 also has stiffer suspension and a wider rear track. The result is that the X4 handles with remarkable composure, and rarely feels like a tall vehicle considering the way it behaves through corners. Despite the sporty handling, the X4 is a comfortable car to travel in. Even in M Sport guise the ride remains composed and avoids feeling too firm. Only the occasional large bump causes any discomfort in the cabin, but the optional adaptive dampers give even greater comfort when in their softest setting, so they鈥檙e a worthwhile upgrade.
That gives the X4 the ability to cope with broken urban roads, motorways and challenging B-roads with equal ease, and even though the X4 is designed to provide a sporty driving experience, it retains good off-road ability too. The eight-speed automatic transmission, available as an option on xDrive20d models and standard across the rest of the range, is excellent in the X4. It shifts smoothly and quickly when in automatic mode, and the seperate drive modes means the gearbox changes its shift points depending on the setting for better performance or economy. Manual shifting is also possible, either by the paddles on the back of the steering wheel or by using the gearlever for full control. The 2.0-litre diesel unit found in the xDrive20d is likely to be the most popular choice, and it performs very well in a variety of circumstances. Although it is not as quiet as the equivalent four-cylinder Audi engine, it still offers good refinement, and balances decent performance, with a 0-62mph time of 8.0 seconds, with impressive fuel consumption of 52.3mpg combined. Moving up to the xDrive30d brings the additional performance of the six-cylinder 3.0-litre diesel unit, with the further benefit of it being significantly smoother than the four-cylinder diesel. It turns the X4 into a genuine performance car yet only results in a small penalty in terms of increased fuel consumption. The M40d model is quicker still, with the twin-turbocharged unit pushing the X4 from 0-62mph in only 4.8 seconds and delivering rapid response to the driver鈥檚 inputs. The only petrol engine currently available is the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged unit in the M40i model, and is also biased towards performance. Its six-cylinder configuration means the engine is smooth even at high revs and provides impressive acceleration, although it is no faster from 0-62mph than the M40d model but has higher fuel consumption.
Other big five-seat SUVs to consider include the Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC and BMW X3, but you鈥檒l pay more for all of these models, especially the latter two. However, we鈥檇 say that they鈥檙e all more accomplished than the Ford, so if you can find the extra money it鈥檚 worth spending it. The same goes for the Land Rover Discovery Sport, which comes with five or seven seats depending on trim level. Standard headlights are poor; optional LED alternatives do a far better job. Condensation can form in the rear light clusters. This is a design feature and is covered in the manual. Check how much tread is left on each tyre. Good replacement rubber costs 拢200 to 拢250 a corner. Problems with the media system include radio, phone and navigation glitches; software updates can help. The lack of a third row of seats ensures plenty of space for five people.
The Edge offers one of the roomiest cabins in its class. It also has a big boot, capable of stowing 602 litres with the seats up or 1,847 litres when they鈥檙e folded. With lots of cubbyholes, comfortable, supportive seats and a clear dash, the interior is an appealing place. You can buy a nearly new Ford Edge for between 拢21,499 and 拢32,990 on our sister site BuyaCar. A service is required every two years or 18,000 miles, with prices depending on who maintains your Edge. A minor check costs 拢155-拢272 according to the dealer鈥檚 location, while a major service ranges from 拢211-拢299. The 2.0 TDCi engine features a cambelt, which should be replaced every 10 years or 125,000 miles (the work costs around 拢450). Few of these cars have covered more than 20,000 miles, however, and the oldest examples have yet to celebrate their third birthday. Fresh brake fluid is needed every two years, while an air-con service every two years costs 拢60-拢90. The Ford Edge has been recalled just once so far, with the campaign being started in June 2016. It affected cars fitted with adaptive LED headlights, which could switch off because of a problem with their controlling software. Edges built up to February 2016 were potentially affected, but the fix was straightforward: the car鈥檚 ECU was updated with some fresh software. Drivers are keen on the value that the Edge offers, plus the driving experience, spacious cabin, comfort levels and reliability, with seemingly no downsides reported.