The BMW X4 has become a popular choice as a stylish SUV. Its swooping roofline and bold image mean it attracts plenty of admirers, and set it apart from the BMW X3 it is based upon.
Demand for SUV coupes like the BMW X4 continues to grow, with more manufacturers offering rivals. BMW created the trend with the larger BMW X6, although the craze has now spread to smaller models as well.
Rivals to the BMW X4 include the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, with the Audi Q5 Sportback also a contender. For outright driving fun, the Porsche Macan is also hard to ignore.
Should you be considering buying or leasing a BMW X4, keep reading for all the important information you need to know.
The BMW X4 has proven itself to be a popular purchase in the SUV coupe market, with bold styling one of its biggest selling points. The curving roofline at the rear leaves no doubt this is the more fashionable version, compared to the related BMW X3. It will certainly command attention in the office car park.
Leaving the BMW X4 parked would be a shame, though, as it delivers its best attributes on the road. Being derived from the upright X3 is not a problem, as it happens to be one of best conventional SUVs to drive. The BMW X4 ups the game even further, with sharp handling and remarkable body control for a tall vehicle.
Performance from the range of engines is impressive, with even the entry-level diesel feeling more than adequate. The standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system means traction is never an issue, which is certainly a benefit in the powerful M40d and M40i models
When it comes to the interior of the BMW X4, those buying or leasing will not feel shortchanged by the quality. All the materials used look and feel expensive, with standard leather upholstery and a large multimedia touchscreen adding to the effect.
Choosing the BMW X4 over the BMW X3 does mean a slight reduction in practicality, although the SUV coupe will be more than sufficient for most families. Headroom in the rear is reduced for taller adults, but space in the front is more than sufficient. The boot benefits from a wide-opening tailgate, and can accommodate more than most family hatchbacks.
The BMW X4 continues the popularity of the larger X6, tapping into the constantly growing demand for SUV coupes. Despite sharing many parts with the regular BMW X3, the BMW X4’s rakish styling will convince many to buy or lease one.
It does lose out a little on practicality versus upright traditional SUVs, but it still boasts more interior space than a hatchback. Then there is the driving experience, which comes close to matching a Porsche Macan for engagement and excitement. The BMW X4’s interior quality also makes it a viable alternative to the Audi Q5 Sportback or Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.
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We reckon the mid-range, relatively affordable X4 20d strikes the best balance between price, performance and fuel economy, with strong acceleration and around 50mpg. When it comes to trim level, M Sport has proved the most popular with buyers for good reason – it mixes style, comfort and features with a sporty attitude, and it's the one we'd recommend.
BMW X4 xDrive20d: The entry-level BMW X4 engine is a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel that produces 190hp. It allows for a 0-62mph time of just under eight seconds, making the BMW X4 feel swift, if not staggeringly rapid. Fuel economy is boosted by standard mild-hybrid technology, which offers up to 46.6mpg.
BMW X4 xDrive30d: Moving up to the xDrive30d sees the BMW X4 fitted with a turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine. This brings a substantial hike in power to 286hp, and the 0-62mph time falls to less than six seconds. Despite this extra performance, fuel economy only declines slightly, to an average of 45.6mpg. It too has mild-hybrid technology fitted.
BMW X4 M40d: The top diesel engine for the BMW X4 is the impressive M40d six-cylinder turbo. An output of 340hp puts it slightly below the petrol M40i, but it still records the same 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds. Average fuel consumption in excess of 41mpg shows that you can still have your performance cake and eat it.
BMW X4 M40i: As the only petrol engine in the BMW X4 range, the 3.0-litre unit compensates by offering the most power of all. Its 360hp may win on paper but, with less torque than the diesel M40d, it only matches it for acceleration. Fuel economy does suffer, at an average 31.4mpg.
The BMW X4 is offered with a simplified model range, consisting of one core trim level and a higher-performance version above it. BMW has been generous with the M Sport spec, meaning there are relatively few optional extras to add.
BMW X4 Sport: As the entry-level trim level for non-M40 versions of the BMW X4 at launch, the Sport model rides on 18-inch wheels, with LED headlights and leather upholstery inside
BMW X4 M Sport: The mid-spec trim for non-M40 versions of the BMW X4 at launch (and later the only option), the M Sport is comprehensively equipped. From 19-inch alloy wheels and adaptive LED headlights to a huge 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen and leather upholstery, there is very little extra you could need.
BMW X4 M Sport X: Available when the BMW X4 first launched in 2018, the M Sport X was based on the M Sport but added a panoramic roof and some extra cosmetic trim elements.
BMW X4 M40i / M40d: Both the top two performance engines are grouped under the M40 badge, with no difference in equipment or price between the petrol and diesel. Each comes with 21-inch alloy wheels, performance suspension and upgraded brakes – and even special BMW M seat belts for the interior.
The BMW X4’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4752mm
Width: 1918mm
Height: 1621mm
Ground clearance: 204mm
The BMW X4’s boot space is:
525 litres
1430 litres with rear seats folded
All the latest generation of BMW X4s were launched after the current Vehicle Excise Duty rules were introduced in 2017, which means they're subject to the standard flat rate of annual tax – £180 per year. However, because all X4s cost more than £40,000 when new, they're also subject to a surcharge of £390 from the second until the sixth year after registration, which means a total tax cost of £470 per year.
With lots of performance, strong levels of standard equipment and the BMW badge on the bonnet, the BMW X4 is at the higher end of the insurance scale. The BMW X4 xDrive20d in M Sport trim will be the cheapest to insure, being rated in group 33 (out of 50). Moving up to the xDrive30d sees a rating of between insurance groups 41 and 42. It is the diesel M40d that tops the rankings, with a group 45 insurance rating.
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