Review - BMW X4

This is where today’s subject comes into the picture, BMW’s X4 SUV which takes a similar approach to the coupe-styled X6 SUV, but this time in a smaller package. Rather than fit under the umbrella of a sports-utility-vehicle (SUV), BMW describes it as a sports-activity coupe, or SAC for short. 

This means that the X4, on paper at least, is far more entertaining and dynamic than a typical SUV package, but how well do these claims translate onto the road, and just how practical is the X4 when it comes to family duties? Let’s find out.  

Starting Price: $88,600

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BMW X4 (M40i)Specifications

For more details and other variants, check BMW X4 car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The BMW X4 range kicks off from $88,600 for the entry-level X4 xDrive20i M Sport, with prices rising to $99,900 for the X4 xDrive30i M Sport. 

The X4 range tops out in the form of the M40i, which is priced at $129,500. All prices mentioned here are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs. 

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What Features Does the BMW X4 Have?

The entry-level X4 xDrive20i M Sport comes riding on 19-inch alloys, and receives adaptive LED headlights, M Sport styling package, leatherette interior upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, three-zone climate control, powered boot lift, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, parking assistant, rear-view camera and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. 

Stepping up to the X4 xDrive30i M Sport adds an ambient lighting system, Vernasca leather upholstery, driving assistant professional upgrade and reversing assistant atop an upgraded 12-speaker sound system. 

The range-topping X4 M40i receives a set of 21-inch alloys as well as adaptive suspension, an M Sport differential, panoramic sunroof, Laserlight headlights, heated seats with lumbar support and a Harman/Kardon sound system. 

Range Features: 

• 19-inch alloys 

• Adaptive LED headlights 

• M Sport styling package 

• Leatherette upholstery with leather-wrapped steering wheel 

• Three-zone climate control 

• Powered boot lift 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 

• 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay 

• Vernasca leather upholstery (xDrive30i M Sport) 

• Ambient lighting (xDrive30i M Sport)

• 21-inch alloys (M40i)

• Adaptive suspension (M40i)

• M Sport differential (M40i)

• Panoramic sunroof Laserlight headlights  (M40i)

• Heated seats (M40i)

BMW X4 Colours 

The X4 range is available in a choice of eight colours, including Alpine White, Piedmont Red, Sophisto Grey, M Brooklyn Grey, Black Sapphire, M Carbon Black, Phytonic Blue & Tanzanite Blue. 

Is it Comfortable to Drive? 

The X4 platform offers a nice blend of SUV stability with a generous sprinkling of sportiness that we’ve come to expect from a company like BMW. 

Here in Australia, the X4 range features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol producing 135kW of power and 300Nm as the entry-point in the xDrive20i, while the xDrive30i is tuned up to 185kW of power and 350Nm of torque. 

Stepping up to the flagship M40i utilises a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six producing 285kW of power and 500Nm of torque and gives the X4 package some serious pace; all variants receive an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

While it retains all the important hallmarks of a family-friendly SUV like a lightweight steering platform and a smooth yet capable suspension package, the X4 feels impressively agile when you get up and moving. 

Considering just how much power the mid-spec and flagship X4 packages are, its lively steering feels better utilised thanks to the shorter wheelbase platform of a larger SUV and makes for an extremely engaging drive as you pick up speed. 

When you dial everything back for a trip around town, though, the X4 does an impressive job at becoming smooth and sophisticated in town, while offering some agile handling that makes for a great city car. 

Keep in mind that the suspension can feel quite firm on some of Australia’s rougher roads, but overall the X4 is a strong performer when it comes to spicing up the compact SUV segment thanks to its impressive platform and powerful engine lineup. 

Is it Practical and Spacious? 

The BMW X4 shares its platform with the X3, which is a very well-credentialed compact SUV that makes the most of its limited platform’s space. 

This means that the driver and front passenger gain BMW’s familiar cockpit design that features a pair of digital screens, a chunky BMW steering wheel and an impressively premium cabin even in the base model. 

Up front, there’s a heap of headroom and adjustment in the driving position, with the X4 offering drivers a nice amount of ride height and visibility for smaller drivers to gain a better view of the road ahead. 

Practical elements in the front of the cabin include some driver’s side storage, a retractable tray housing a pair of cupholders and extra storage, a folding armrest, and a pair of large door bins either side. 

The sleek exterior styling package has its drawbacks, though, with the sloping roofline translating to a limited amount of headroom for tall rear passengers, and a less accommodating boot for tall objects. 

Overall, though, there’s a heap of legroom in the second row of the X4 for adults to get comfortable, although the lack of headroom from the sloping roofline is noticeable for tall passengers.

This extends to some of the visibility setbacks inside the X4’s body, with some noticeable blindspots in the forward and rear three-quarter views that can make parking a bit more of a chore. 

There’s a set of ISOFIX anchors on each side of the second row’s cabin, as well as a boot measuring in at 525L, which extends to 1,430L with the rear seats folded, making for an impressively practical compact SUV. 

Is it Safe? 

The BMW X4 has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 93% and 84% for adult and child protection respectively, with a 70% score for vulnerable road user protection and 58% for its safety assist technology. 

As standard, the entry-level X4 xDrive20i comes generously equipped with autonomous braking, collision warnings, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, rear collision protection and cruise control. 

Stepping up to the xDrive30i and M40i receives an adaptive cruise control system, lane-keep assistance, front cross-traffic alerts and a semi-autonomous steering and lane control system. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

BMW’s entry-level xDrive20i is the best-performing X4 variant when it comes to fuel efficiency, returning figures of 7.3L/100km on a combined cycle. 

Stepping up to the xDrive30i brings fuel consumption up to 7.4L/100km, while the performance M40i is rated at 8.7L/100km on a combined cycle. 

Our Verdict: Is the BMW X4 Worth it?

There are very few cars that can match the X4 as an overall styling exercise, and thankfully, BMW has designed a compact SUV that is far more than style over substance. 

The X4 platform is a high achiever when put under both the family and the performance driving test, making for a truly adaptable compact SUV with two distinctly different personalities in higher-spec variants. 

As a result, we can’t help but recommend you add the X4 to your shortlist while shopping around at the compact SUV segment. On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Three-year, unlimited KM warranty 
2. Five-star ANCAP safety rating 
3. Three engine options with eight-speed automatic transmission standard 
4. Fuel economy between 7.3L - 8.7L/100km 
5. 525L boot 

Pros 

• Sharp handling works well around town and on open-roads 
• Impressive space and practicality for a compact SUV 
• Extremely powerful engine in the M40i range-topper 

Cons

• Three-year warranty compared to main rivals 
• Limited rear headroom for adult passengers 
• Noticeable blindspots 

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

BMW X4 Competition