BMW X4 Review 2024

The BMW X4 is the mid-sized crossover coupe in the German brand’s range, sitting above the compact X2 and below the larger X6. Based on the more conventional BMW X3 SUV, it prioritises style and performance over practicality. It has to compete with plenty of rivals, including the Audi Q5 Sportback, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and Porsche Macan.

With so much competition, BMW has ensured the X4 stands out. Its swoopy styling offers considerable road presence. Launched in 2018 and now into its second generation, updates in 2021 have ensured the X4 remains a credible contender for those in this particular market. 

BMW kick-started the modern SUV coupe trend when it launched the original X6 in 2008. This was followed by the first-generation X4 in 2014 – and the market for such cars has continued to expand since. 

Not everyone loves the idea of the X4, with some purists still struggling to accept that BMW produces more than identikit-styled saloons. However, even the most open-minded enthusiast might find the BMW X4 a little challenging in terms of concept. 

Look beyond the assertive styling, though, and X4 has the dynamic ability to support the BMW badge above its grille. Lowering the centre of gravity, upgrading the suspension and widening the rear track have made the BMW X4 an even sharper steer than the regular BMW X3 SUV. But despite this inherent sportiness, the X4 manages to retain a respectable ride quality, making it easy to live with.

Although the market is moving away from diesel, three of the four engines available for the X4 still drink from the black pump. Alongside the three diesels is one sole petrol engine, found in the sporty M40i version.

All engine options come combined with xDrive all-wheel drive, and make use of an eight-speed automatic transmission. The diesels will suit those making longer journeys, with the M40d adding serious, M40i-rivalling pace to the equation. 

For maximum performance, BMW also offers an X4 M Competition model, which we’ll cover separately. This elevates the crossover coupe into a serious sports SUV, with 510PS and 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds. 

Unlike the X3, there is no plug-in hybrid powertrain available for the X4. When key rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and Audi Q5 Sportback have a plug-in option, its absence for the BMW X4 is notable.

Opting for an SUV coupe does mean losing some practicality, but the impact in the X4 is limited. Compared to the equivalent BMW X3, the X4 only sacrifices 25 litres of boot space. Headroom for adults in the rear is compromised, however, but this is the only major drawback. 

Prices for the BMW X4 look high on paper, with the cheapest version now starting at more than £53,000. This is more expensive than the X4’s nearest rivals, although it doesn’t take into account how generous the standard specification is on the BMW.

If you like the idea of owning a crossover SUV coupe, the BMW X4 is one of the best options to consider in this class. From its fine handling and strong engines, to an interior that is not overly limited in practicality, the BMW X4 has plenty to recommend it. 

Dynamic handling is a central tenet of the BMW X4’s appeal, and recent updates have ensured it remains at the top of its game. The X4’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system was tuned as part of the 2021 facelift, with the aim of making it even more engaging on the road.

Building on the already-sporty BMW X3, the X4 comes with a wider rear track and recalibrated steering. As a result, it feels sharper and more direct when entering corners, although there is not a great deal of feedback through the steering wheel itself. A Porsche Macan will be more fun on the right road, but the X4 is still a well-sorted driving machine.

Where the BMW X4 does stand out is the quality of its ride. In particular, the adaptive suspension setup available as part of the M Sport Pro package allows the X4 to be both a sporty SUV and a comfortable cruiser. Choosing Comfort mode for the suspension sees ruts and bumps in the road absorbed with ease, and makes long motorway journeys feel effortless. 

Even the performance M40i and M40d models avoid making the BMW X4 too focused or uncomfortable to use every day.

The BMW X4 bucks the trend by making diesel very much the star of its engine range. Ignoring the high-performance X4 M Competition, there is only one petrol engine on offer, compared with three varieties of diesel. 

Every X4 comes with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system as standard, along with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission.

The xDrive20d is the starting point for diesel engines in the X4 range. A turbocharged four-cylinder unit, it delivers a useful 190PS and 400Nm of torque. Thanks to the standard all-wheel drive, even this entry-level BMW X4 can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than eight seconds. It manages to be quiet and refined, too.

Moving up to the xDrive30d sees the X4 powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine. This raises power output to an even healthier 286PS, cutting the 0-62mph time down to just 5.7 seconds. In reality, this is likely to be all the engine most X4 owners will need. 

However, for those who require even more diesel power, the X4 M40d turns the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine up further. A twin-turbocharged setup means 340PS, allowing a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds. That puts this crossover coupe into genuine sports car territory, aided by 700Nm of torque. 

If only petrol will do, the X4 M40i uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that serves up 360PS. Like the M40d, the M40i is able to accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds.

Such is the power of the M40d, it makes the petrol M40i something of a hard sell. For drivers doing the mileage to justify a diesel, the M40d is certainly the leading performance choice for the X4.

The BMW X4 has not been crash-tested by the Euro NCAP safety organisation. However, the BMW X3 on which it is based received the maximum five-star rating when assessed back in 2017. This included an impressive 93 percent score for adult occupant protection.

Standard safety equipment includes lane departure warning, lane change warning, autonomous city braking, rear cross-traffic protection and cruise control with a speed limiter. 

An optional Driving Assistant Professional package adds adaptive cruise control, emergency stop assistant, wrong-way warning and traffic light recognition.

A crossover coupe may not be the first vehicle that springs to mind when you think of towing, but the BMW X4 retains a practical side. In fact, the X4 can pull just as much as a regular X3 SUV. 

All versions of the X4 can tow an unbraked trailer of 750kg. With a braked trailer or caravan, the X4 is able to haul up to 2000kg. This applies to xDrive20d and xDrive30d, along with the sportier M40i and M40d.

Choosing the BMW X4 over the equivalent X3 does mean sacrificing some space for style, but thankfully not too much. Those in front will be perfectly happy, with ample headroom and legroom on offer. There are also large door bins and a useful centre console to help store items up-front. 

The X4’s curvy coupe-like roofline does have an effect when it comes to space in the rear, though. Passengers over six-foot tall will be aware of headroom limitations, with the optional panoramic sunroof making the situation worse. Shorter adults and children should be fine, though, and there is even the potential to fit three adults across the rear bench. 

Boot space is, naturally, also reduced as a result of the curvaceous styling at the rear. Yet the effect is less dramatic than might be imagined, with the X4 able to accommodate 525 litres of luggage with its rear seats in use. This is only 25 litres less than the equivalent X3 SUV, and makes the X4 competitive with its Audi and Mercedes-Benz rivals. 

Folding the rear seats down, with a 40/20/40 split as standard, boosts luggage capacity to 1400 litres. BMW also includes a tailgate that opens and closes electrically, while there are numerous helpful cubbies found within the boot itself. 

BMW has consistently produced high-quality cabins, and the X4 is no exception. It shares the same dashboard as the X3 SUV, which means plenty of solid-feeling materials and luxurious design touches. 

Standard ambient lighting, neatly stitched leather upholstery and plenty of real metal trim all help the X4 to feel expensive. Given its premium price tag, this is welcome, and puts the BMW on a par with the Audi Q5 Sportback for interior quality.

BMW began developing its iDrive infotainment system more than two decades ago, and this experience shows in how the latest setup functions in the X4. Put simply, iDrive remains one of the very best infotainment systems offered in any new car.

All BMW X4s now come equipped with a 12.3-inch multimedia display, with an iDrive rotary controller found on the centre console. This is fast and responsive to use, with drivers also able to operate the display as a touchscreen, or make use of voice commands. The resolution on the display is superb, too.

BMW has opted to integrate climate control functions into the infotainment screen for some models, but the X4 has so far escaped this fate. It means fewer menus to flick through, improving the overall experience. 

A 12.3-inch Live Cockpit digital instrument panel is standard on all X4s. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, satellite navigation and DAB radio are all included. Wireless phone charging and a premium Harman Kardon sound system are offered as part of the optional Technology Pack.

At the time of writing, prices for the BMW X4 start from around £53,000. This buys you the entry-level xDrive20d M Sport version – and makes the basic X4 more expensive than the cheapest Audi Q5 Sportback or Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. But the X4 counters with more standard equipment.

Moving up the range, more than £59,000 is needed for the X4 xDrive30d, while a diesel X4 M40d costs close to £67,000. The petrol M40i is even more expensive, at around £67,250. At least strong residual values should help limit depreciation, whether you’re buying outright or using a finance option.

The BMW X4 may be a powerful crossover coupe, but with the right engine options it can be relatively affordable to run. All engines feature BMW’s Efficient Dynamics mild-hybrid technology, helping eke out every last mile per gallon. 

The BMW X4 xDrive20d diesel offers potential for fuel economy up to 49.6mpg, based on the WLTP combined average test. This is fairly impressive, given the performance available. 

Opting for the more powerful BMW X4 xDrive30d sees only a minor penalty for fuel economy. Official figures say this model can achieve up to 45.6mpg on average, with CO2 emissions from 163g/km. 

The most potent diesel engine in the X4 range is the M40d, but even this manages to be relatively parsimonious. With a punchy 340PS power output, the M40d can return an official average of 41.5mpg.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the 360PS petrol-powered M40i is the least fuel-efficient member of the regular BMW X4 range. It averages up to 31.4mpg, which seems acceptable for a family-sized crossover coupe that can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than five seconds. 

Be sure to read our Real MPG submissions to see just how achievable these figures are in the real world. 

Unlike the related BMW X3, the X4 is not sold with a plug-in hybrid powertrain option. This seems an unfortunate omission, especially when the rival Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and Audi Q5 Sportback are both offered in hybrid format.

BMW has reduced the model range for the X4 down to just two trim levels. This splits the X4 between M Sport specification and the performance M40i and M40d models.

The level of standard equipment on BMW X4 M Sport models is particularly impressive. It begins with 19-inch alloy wheels, M Sport suspension, a BMW M Sport aerodynamic body kit, a chrome front grille and Shadowline exterior trim.

Adaptive LED headlights are fitted, along with LED front fog lights and LED tail lights. Front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, electrically folding side mirrors and acoustic glass are other key exterior features.

On the inside, the X4 M Sport comes with perforated Sensatec leatherette upholstery, offered in a number of different colours. Aluminium Rhombicle trim, with a pearl-effect finisher, adds to the premium interior effect. Climate control and cruise control are included on M Sport specification models, too.

All versions of the BMW X4 come with a 12.3-inch iDrive infotainment system operated by a rotary controller. Supporting this is a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and the ability to use voice commands. Satellite navigation, DAB radio and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity are also included. 

Opting for one of the performance M40i petrol or M40d diesel models brings even more equipment to the BMW X4.

For the M40i and M40d, the list includes 21-inch alloy wheels, M Sport performance brakes with blue-painted calipers, an M Sport differential and adaptive suspension. Adaptive LED headlights are fitted, along with gloss black Shadowline exterior trim and gloss black exhaust tailpipes. 

On the inside, the M40i and M40d models come with Vernasca leather upholstery as standard, while the front seats gain electrical adjustment with a memory function. The dashboard is clad in Sensatec leatherette, with M Sport seat belts for a touch of pizazz.