BMW X3 Vs X4: The Ultimate Luxury SUV Showdown

What Will Be Covered in This BMW X3 vs X4 Comparison?

Understanding the key differences in design and body styles
Comparing interior space, cargo capacity, and comfort features
In-depth analysis of performance, engines, and driving dynamics
Exploring the available trim levels, pricing, and value for money
Safety ratings and advanced driver-assistance technologies
Weighing the pros and cons to determine which suits you better

So buckle up as we take you through this detailed BMW X3 vs X4 comparison, covering every aspect that matters in your decision-making process.

BMW X3 vs X4: Design and Body Style Differences

The BMW X3 and X4 may share the same platform and underpinnings, but they differ significantly in terms of their design and body styles. Let’s break it down:

BMW X3: A Traditional and Practical SUV

The BMW X3 sports a traditional SUV design with its tall stance, squared-off rear end, and upright seating position. Its styling is more conservative and functional, appealing to those who prioritize practicality and versatility.

Exterior Design: The X3 features a sleek yet rugged appearance with a bold kidney grille, angular headlights, and sculpted body lines. It has a distinct SUV silhouette with a high ground clearance and a spacious cabin.
Body Style: The X3 is a five-door SUV with a conventional rear hatch, making it easier to load and unload cargo. Its upright design translates to more interior space and headroom.

BMW X4: A Coupe-Like SUV with Sporty Flair

In contrast, the BMW X4 takes a more daring approach with its coupe-like design and sleeker roofline. It’s aimed at those who value a sportier and more dynamic driving experience without compromising on utility.

Exterior Design: The X4 has a more aggressive and athletic stance, with a sloping roofline that gives it a coupe-inspired silhouette. The front end features a larger and more pronounced kidney grille, along with sharper headlight designs.
Body Style: The X4 is a four-door coupe-SUV with a slanted rear hatch, sacrificing some practicality for a more stylish and aerodynamic profile. Its lower roofline and raked rear glass create a more muscular and dynamic appearance.

While the X3 is a more traditional choice for families or those who value interior space, the X4 caters to individuals who want a sportier and more head-turning SUV without compromising on utility entirely.

Interior Space, Cargo Capacity, and Comfort Features

When it comes to interior space and cargo capacity, the BMW X3 has a clear advantage over its coupe-inspired counterpart. However, the X4 doesn’t fall too far behind, and it offers its own set of unique comfort features.

BMW X3: Generous Interior Space and Cargo Room

The BMW X3’s upright design and boxy shape translate into a spacious and practical interior, making it an excellent choice for families or those who frequently carry bulky items.

Seating Capacity: Both the X3 and X4 can accommodate up to five passengers.
Interior Dimensions: The X3 boasts more generous interior dimensions, including:
- Rear Headroom: 39.1 inches (compared to 37.5 inches in the X4)
- Rear Legroom: 36.4 inches (compared to 35.5 inches in the X4)
Cargo Capacity: The X3 offers a substantial 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 62.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This makes it easier to accommodate larger items or luggage for road trips.

BMW X4: Sportier Interior with Unique Comfort Features

While the BMW X4 may not match the X3’s interior spaciousness, it still offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, along with some unique comfort features that set it apart.

Interior Design: The X4’s sloping roofline translates into a more intimate and driver-focused interior, with a sporty and modern ambiance.
Comfort Features: The X4 comes standard with a panoramic moonroof, adding an airy and open feel to the cabin. Additionally, it offers available features like heated and ventilated front seats, providing added luxury and comfort.
Cargo Capacity: Despite its coupe-like shape, the X4 still offers a respectable 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 50.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

While the X3 is undoubtedly the more practical choice for families or those who prioritize interior space and cargo capacity, the X4 offers a unique blend of sportiness and comfort, catering to those who value a more stylish and driver-focused interior.

Performance, Engines, and Driving Dynamics

Both the BMW X3 and X4 are performance-oriented SUVs, but they differ in terms of their overall driving dynamics and available powertrain options.

BMW X3: Balanced Performance and Practicality

The BMW X3 strikes a balance between performance and practicality, offering a range of powerful and efficient engines, along with a refined and comfortable ride.

Engine Options:
- sDrive30i: 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder (248 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque)
- xDrive30i: 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder (248 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque)
- M40i: 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder (382 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque)
Drivetrain: The sDrive30i comes with rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i and M40i models feature BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system (xDrive) for improved traction and handling.
Driving Experience: The X3 offers a well-balanced driving experience, with precise steering, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride quality. It’s a capable all-rounder that can handle daily commutes and weekend adventures with ease.

BMW X4: Sportier Handling and Dynamic Prowess

The BMW X4, with its lower center of gravity and more aerodynamic design, delivers a sportier and more engaging driving experience compared to the X3.

Engine Options: The X4 shares the same engine lineup as the X3, including the 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder and the potent 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder.
Drivetrain: All X4 models come standard with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, providing excellent traction and control in various driving conditions.
Driving Experience: The X4’s lower stance and coupe-like design contribute to a more dynamic and responsive driving experience. It offers sharper handling, enhanced agility, and a more connected feel with the road, appealing to driving enthusiasts who want a sportier SUV experience.

While the X3 is the more well-rounded choice for those seeking a balance of performance and practicality, the X4 caters to drivers who prioritize a more engaging and athletic driving experience without sacrificing too much utility.

Trim Levels, Pricing, and Value for Money

When it comes to trim levels, pricing, and value for money, the BMW X3 and X4 offer a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.

BMW X4 Trim Levels and Pricing

xDrive30i: The base X4 model starts at around $52,000, featuring the 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
M40i: Similar to the X3, the X4 M40i trim level is priced at approximately $63,000. It comes equipped with the powerful 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine and various M Performance upgrades, such as sportier suspension and brakes.
M Performance Models: For true driving enthusiasts, BMW offers the X4 M and X4 M Competition models, starting at around $74,000 and $81,000, respectively. These high-performance variants boast a potent 3.0-liter TwinTurbo inline 6-cylinder engine that produces up to 503 horsepower, along with a host of performance-oriented enhancements.

While the BMW X4 carries a premium over the X3 due to its more stylish and sporty design, it still offers a compelling value proposition for those seeking a balance of performance, utility, and head-turning looks.

Safety Ratings and Advanced Driver-Assistance Technologies

Safety is a top priority for both BMW and its customers, and the X3 and X4 models are no exception. Both SUVs come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features and advanced driver-assistance technologies to help keep you and your passengers protected on the road.

Safety Ratings

The BMW X3 and X4 have earned impressive safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The X3 received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the X4 earned a 4-star overall rating.
Both models performed well in various crash tests conducted by the IIHS, with the X3 earning a Top Safety Pick+ award and the X4 receiving a Top Safety Pick recognition.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Technologies

BMW’s commitment to safety extends beyond just sturdy construction and crash protection. Both the X3 and X4 offer a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies designed to help prevent accidents and enhance safety on the road.

Active Driving Assistant: This system includes features like Lane Departure Warning, Frontal Collision Warning, and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation.
Blind Spot Detection: Sensors monitor your blind spots and provide visual and audible alerts if a vehicle is detected in those areas.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: This feature helps you back out of parking spaces safely by alerting you to approaching vehicles or pedestrians.
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Maintains a preset distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.
Parking Assistant Plus: Helps you parallel park or back into a tight space with ease.

While the X3 and X4 share many of these advanced safety features, it’s worth noting that some features may be standard on higher trim levels or available as optional packages, so be sure to check the specific configurations when making your purchase decision.

Weighing the Pros and Cons: Which One Suits You Better?

Now that we’ve delved into the various aspects of the BMW X3 and X4, it’s time to weigh the pros and cons and determine which one suits your needs and preferences better.

BMW X3: The Practical Choice

Pros:

More interior space and cargo capacity
Generous rear headroom and legroom
Well-balanced performance and comfort
Slightly lower starting price

Cons:

More conservative and traditional design
Less sporty driving dynamics compared to the X4

The BMW X3 is an excellent choice for those who prioritize practicality, versatility, and a balanced driving experience. Its spacious interior, generous cargo capacity, and comfortable ride make it an ideal family hauler or adventure companion. If you value functionality over flashy styling, the X3 could be the way to go.

BMW X4: The Stylish and Sporty Contender

Pros:

Sleek, coupe-inspired design and sporty appearance
More engaging and dynamic driving experience
Standard all-wheel-drive system (xDrive)
Unique comfort features like the panoramic moonroof

Cons:

Slightly less interior space and cargo capacity
Higher starting price compared to the X3
Compromised rear headroom and legroom

The BMW X4 caters to those who value style, sportiness, and a more engaging driving experience. Its coupe-like silhouette and athletic stance turn heads, while its performance-oriented handling and available powerful engines deliver an exhilarating ride. If you’re willing to sacrifice some practicality for a more dynamic and head-turning SUV, the X4 could be the perfect fit.

Ultimately, the choice between the BMW X3 and X4 comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you need a versatile and practical SUV that can accommodate your family and cargo needs, the X3 is an excellent option. However, if you’re seeking a sportier and more stylish SUV that still offers utility, the X4 could be the way to go.

Final Checkpoint

In the battle of the BMW X3 vs X4, there is no clear winner – it all depends on your specific needs and preferences. The X3 shines as a practical and well-rounded SUV, offering ample interior space, cargo capacity, and a balanced driving experience. On the other hand, the X4 adds a dose of style and sportiness to the mix, with its coupe-like design and more dynamic handling characteristics.

Whichever model you choose, you can be assured of BMW’s signature performance, luxury, and advanced technologies. Whether you prioritize practicality or style, the X3 and X4 both deliver a premium driving experience that’s sure to impress.

So, take your time, weigh your options, and choose the BMW SUV that best aligns with your lifestyle and driving preferences. With either the X3 or X4, you’ll be embarking on a journey of luxury, performance, and uncompromising quality.

BMW X3 vs X4: The Ultimate Luxury SUV Showdown