BMW X4 Review: Exploring the Stylish and Sporty Coupe-Like SUV
The BMW X4 blends SUV practicality with a sleek, coupe-like design, making it a standout in the stylish crossover market. It’s a more stylish and sportier version of the BMW X3, trading some interior space and cargo capacity for a more aggressive look.
Is the BMW X4 a good SUV? It might not be the most practical, but it’s a great choice for those who prioritize style, performance, and luxury in a premium crossover.
This review will cover the BMW X4’s performance, interior quality, tech features, and overall value compared to rivals. We’ll also answer common questions and share expert opinions to help you decide if the X4 fits your needs.
What’s New for 2024?
The 2024 BMW X4 carries over largely unchanged from the previous model year. However, it does receive a few minor updates, including:
- Wireless Android Auto compatibility (in addition to existing wireless Apple CarPlay)
- New optional paint colors and interior trim choices
- Slight price increases across most trim levels
While these changes are relatively minor, the X4 continues to offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and luxury in the competitive luxury crossover segment.
BMW X4 Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2024 BMW X4 is available in two main trim levels: xDrive30i and M40i. Both trims come standard with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- xDrive30i: Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Starting MSRP: $55,995.
- M40i: Equipped with a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine that generates 382 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. Starting MSRP: $67,395.
It’s worth noting that the X4’s pricing is slightly higher than its more practical X3 counterpart, with the base xDrive30i model starting around $4,000 more than the equivalent X3 trim. This premium pricing reflects the X4’s more stylish and performance-oriented design.
BMW X4 Performance and Driving Impressions
Engine Options and Acceleration
Under the hood, the BMW X4 offers two powerful and efficient engine options:
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (xDrive30i):
- 248 horsepower
- 258 lb-ft of torque
- 0-60 mph: 6.0 seconds (estimated)
3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder (M40i):
- 382 horsepower
- 365 lb-ft of torque
- 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds (estimated)
Both engines are mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which can send power to the rear wheels for improved traction and handling.
While the four-cylinder xDrive30i offers adequate performance for most driving situations, the six-cylinder M40i truly unlocks the X4’s sporty potential. With its potent acceleration and throaty exhaust note, the M40i transforms the X4 into a genuine performance crossover, capable of keeping up with some sports cars.
Handling and Ride Quality
One of the defining characteristics of the BMW X4 is its impressive handling and driving dynamics. Thanks to its lower ride height and sportier suspension tuning compared to the X3, the X4 feels more agile and responsive on winding roads.
The X4’s standard M Sport suspension strikes a good balance between ride comfort and handling prowess. Body roll is well-controlled, and the steering is precise and communicative, inspiring confidence in the driver.
For those seeking even sharper handling, BMW offers an optional adaptive M suspension that allows you to adjust the damping settings for a more comfortable or more spirited driving experience.
While the X4’s ride quality is generally firm, it remains compliant enough for daily driving, especially when equipped with the adaptive suspension. However, it’s important to note that the X4’s sporty setup may not be as comfortable as the more relaxed X3 on rough surfaces or long highway drives.
Fuel Economy Ratings
Despite its impressive performance capabilities, the BMW X4 manages to deliver respectable fuel economy ratings:
- xDrive30i: 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined
- M40i: 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined
These numbers are slightly lower than the more aerodynamic X3 but still competitive within the luxury crossover segment, especially for the potent M40i model.
BMW X4 Interior: Luxury and Technology
Seating Space and Comfort
While the BMW X4’s exterior design may be the star of the show, its interior is no slouch either. The front seats offer ample head and legroom, even for taller occupants, and the available sport seats provide excellent support and bolstering.
However, the X4’s sloping roofline does impact rear passenger space, with slightly less headroom compared to the X3. Taller passengers may find the rear quarters a bit tight, especially on longer journeys.
Cargo Capacity
The trade-off for the X4’s sleek styling is a reduction in cargo capacity compared to the more practical X3. With the rear seats in place, the X4 offers 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough for daily errands or a weekend getaway.
When you need more room, the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats can be lowered, increasing the cargo capacity to 50.5 cubic feet. While this is still a respectable figure, it’s noticeably less than the X3’s maximum cargo capacity of 62.7 cubic feet.
Interior Quality and Design
Inside, the BMW X4 exudes a sense of premium quality and attention to detail. The materials used throughout the cabin are top-notch, with soft-touch surfaces and well-executed stitching adding to the upscale ambiance.
The layout of the controls and displays is quintessentially BMW, with a driver-focused cockpit and an intuitive center console. The optional panoramic sunroof further enhances the sense of spaciousness and lets in plenty of natural light.
Infotainment System and Connectivity
The X4 comes standard with BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. The system is controlled via a large touchscreen display, a rotary knob, or voice commands, providing multiple intuitive ways to interact with it.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, allowing seamless integration of your smartphone with the infotainment system. Additionally, a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging pad are available to keep you connected and your devices charged on the go.
Important Safety and Driver Assistance Features
When it comes to safety, the BMW X4 doesn’t disappoint. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance technologies, including:
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control (optional on higher trims)
While the X4 has not yet been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the current model year, its strong safety feature set and the X3’s excellent crash test scores suggest it should perform well in real-world collision scenarios.
BMW X4 vs Rivals
The BMW X4 faces stiff competition in the luxury crossover segment, with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, Audi Q5 Sportback, and Porsche Macan vying for the attention of style-conscious buyers.
Compared to the Mercedes GLC Coupe, the X4 offers a more engaging driving experience and a slightly more spacious interior, although the Mercedes has a slight edge in terms of overall refinement and interior design.
The Audi Q5 Sportback is a newer entrant in the coupe-like crossover segment and boasts a sleek exterior design and a well-appointed interior. However, the X4’s superior driving dynamics and a wider range of engine options may give it an advantage for performance-oriented buyers.
For those willing to spend more, the Porsche Macan is a compelling alternative to the X4, offering even sharper handling and performance, albeit at a higher price point. The Macan’s interior is also a step above in terms of material quality and fit and finish.
What the Critics Say
The BMW X4 has received generally positive reviews from automotive critics and experts, who praise its blend of style, performance, and luxury. Here’s a summary of what some leading publications have to say about the X4:
Car and Driver: “The X4 serves as a stylish alternative to the more practical X3 crossover, combining sporty performance with a sleek fastback design that eats into cargo room.”
Edmunds: “Thanks to its sleek fastback-style roof, the X4 will appeal to people who think the related X3 is too dull and predictable. You lose some utility in the process, and you have to pay more compared to the X3, but overall the X4 succeeds in its mission to be a stylish and sporty SUV.”
MotorTrend: “The X4’s coupe-like roofline cuts into rear headroom and cargo space, but its sleek styling and impressive performance make it a compelling choice for those who value form over function.”
While critics generally agree that the X4 sacrifices some practicality for its stylish design, they also acknowledge that it delivers on its promise of being a sportier and more dynamic alternative to the X3.
FAQ
Is the BMW X4 worth buying?
Whether the BMW X4 is worth buying depends on your priorities and lifestyle. If you value style, performance, and a luxury driving experience over outright practicality, the X4 could be an excellent choice. Its sleek coupe-like design and engaging driving dynamics make it a standout in the premium crossover segment.
However, if you prioritize interior space and cargo capacity, the more practical and slightly more affordable BMW X3 may be a better fit. The X4’s sloping roofline and reduced cargo volume could be limiting factors for larger families or those who frequently transport bulky items.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to balancing your desires for style, performance, and utility within your budget.
How reliable is the BMW X4?
According to industry experts and consumer reports, the BMW X4 has generally demonstrated good reliability. While specific reliability data for the current generation is still limited, the X4 shares its underpinnings and many components with the highly regarded BMW X3, which has a strong track record for dependability.
However, it’s worth noting that luxury vehicles like the X4 can be more expensive to maintain and repair compared to mainstream models. Proper maintenance and adherence to service schedules are crucial for ensuring long-term reliability.
What’s the difference between X4 and X6?
The BMW X4 and X6 share a similar coupe-like SUV design philosophy, but the X6 is a larger and more expensive offering in BMW’s lineup.
The X4 is based on the compact X3 platform, while the X6 is built on the larger X5 platform. As a result, the X6 offers more interior space, a larger cargo area, and more powerful engine options, including a high-performance X6 M model.
However, the X6’s increased size and weight also make it less agile and fuel-efficient compared to the more nimble X4. Additionally, the X6’s starting price is significantly higher than the X4, reflecting its more premium positioning within BMW’s lineup.
In essence, the X4 is a more affordable and slightly more practical alternative to the larger and more luxurious X6, appealing to buyers who value a blend of style, performance, and reasonable practicality.
In Conclusion
The BMW X4 is a unique and compelling choice in the luxury crossover segment, offering a perfect blend of style, performance, and premium amenities. While it may sacrifice some practicality compared to its more conventional X3 sibling, the X4’s sleek coupe-like design and engaging driving dynamics make it a standout for those who value a sportier and more stylish driving experience.
With its powerful yet efficient engine options, well-appointed interior, and comprehensive suite of safety and technology features, the X4 delivers on its promise of providing a luxury crossover experience with a distinctive flair. Whether you’re a driving enthusiast or simply appreciate the X4’s head-turning looks, this BMW is sure to turn heads and put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel.
