That "whoosh" you hear isn't the sound of the Sebo X4 vacuum, it's the noise of your rapidly emptying wallet. Clocking in at an aggressively priced $750, the Sebo X4 upright vacuum certainly fits within the luxury vacuum category.

Like most people who encounter the Sebo X4 and its dollar signs, we had one burning question: Is it worth the price? To investigate, we gave it a test drive. The Sebo X4 is an upright vacuum that uses a bag system. It weighs about 16 pounds and it is self-propelled, making it a lightweight vacuum that's easy to maneuver. It has a 12-inch cleaning path, which isn't as wide as some of its lower-priced competitors.

The X4's style is a bit boxy, but it has a low-profile vacuum head that easily fits under furniture. It comes in two color schemes: blue and yellow or white and gray. What we like most about the Sebo X4, however, is what we can't see. It has a three-step filtration system. Particles are picked up, then filtered through the three-layer filter bag, then through an electrostatic microfilter, and then through an exhaust filter. This means the Sebo X4 meets the S-Class standards of filtering out 99.97 percent of dust mites, dust, pollens and other allergens smaller than 0.3 micrometers. The filtering rate for larger particles is 100 percent. Because the vacuum uses this three-step filtering system, it foregoes a HEPA filter. Because the Sebo X4 doesn't use a HEPA filter, there's no need to purchase costly HEPA replacement filters. However, the micro-hygiene filter and the exhaust filter do need to be changed when dirty (after approximately 20 dust bags have been used).

We also like the Sebo X4's carpet height adjustment feature. This feature works automatically, adjusting the vacuum's brushes to the optimum height for various carpet heights or bare floors. It has a standard offering of onboard tools, including a crevice tool, upholstery tool and dusting brush. These tools are functional, but nothing to write home about. We do like the X4's indicator lights. They're a handy way of quickly knowing whether there's a blockage, a full bag or an issue with main brushes, as well as whether the main brushes are raised or lowered.

So, how does the Sebo X4 perform? Like a professional. It has superior suction, an effective filtration system and easy-to-use tools. It works equally well on carpets of varied heights -- from Berber to shag -- and clears bare floors in a snap. If you want a solid performer designed to work for a decade or more, the Sebo X4's durable construction and comprehensive warranty make it worth the extra coin.


Pros: Superior suction, S-Class filter
Cons: Boxy design, price

Warranty
1 year, labor; 3 years, parts (limited); lifetime, drive belts