2024 BMW X4 M

The X4 is the fastback version of the X3. Manufacturers like to call these things “coupes” because of the sloped roof. So they immediately make a different statement to their regular family-oriented rides. Some people aren’t going to use all that space, but might still have become accustomed to the higher driving position in SUVs.

If that’s the case, then consider the X4. It’s full of the usual BMW talents like an enjoyable driving experience, choices of great engines, quality materials, great tech, plenty of safety features, and the prestige that comes with a BMW badge.

The more conventional BMW X3 SUV is reviewed separately.

There are no big changes to the X4 this year. However, this second generation debuted for the 2019 model year and there are internet rumblings of a new X3 generation in the works, which will obviously affect the X4.

This section of the compact luxury SUV class is less populated than the one with regular body styles. The Audi Q5 Sportback starts at $51.5K, the new-for-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe starts in the mid-50s, and the Infiniti QX55 begins at about $50K. Although the Porsche Macan is not strictly a coupe-like SUV, it’s still one of the best-driving machines in this entire segment, priced from $61K. A base, rear-wheel-drive X3 starts at $47K. Resale values are slightly above average — level with the Q5 Sportback, but below the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and Porsche Macan.

The X4 xDrive30i gathers up its 248 horsepower to sprint from standstill to 60 mph in six seconds. That’s quick enough for most situations. OK, the Q5 Sportback is a few tenths faster and has 261 horsepower, but we reckon such differences are virtually imperceptible on public roads in everyday use.

Anyway, the X4 also has other talents, because engaging drivers is a particular BMW specialty. During our time with the X4, we discovered that you can get on the throttle quite early at the corner’s exit, powering out and onto the next turn. It’s a pastime made all the more enjoyable by a steering feel that’s tactile without being insistent. If drivers wanted a relaxing drive, they can also achieve that easily in the X4. It’s a case of where to focus the attention.

The M40i boosts the thrill factor with a considerable 382 horsepower, bringing the ability to spring off the line and hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. If the full M version is too extreme for some tastes, we think this could be the ideal X4. It even comes with an adaptive M-tuned suspension.

BMW says the 473-horsepower X4 M can sprint from standstill to 60 mph in a fleeting 3.9 seconds. We also found that it’s completely in its element on a race track, which is a rare ability for an SUV. The Competition package adds another 30 horsepower, sportier front seats, and an even more spine-tingling exhaust system.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching this generation of compact luxury SUVs, including the BMW X4.

Fuel Economy

The xDrive30i version achieves 24 combined mpg (21 city, 28 highway). That’s pretty much midway between the slightly more frugal Q5 Sportback and what we expect the new GLC Coupe to return.

The M40i manages 23 combined mpg (21 city, 26 highway), and the X4 M is rated at 17 combined mpg (15 city, 20 highway) regardless of whether it has the Competition package or not.

Every X4 requires premium gasoline.

Overall, the X4’s cabin is clear of clutter and high on quality. Covered in perforated simulated leather, the front sport seats have that much-loved raised position, plus plenty of lateral support for when those curvy canyon roads beckon. We like it in here and we’re not going to criticize it for having slightly less space than the X3. If we wanted that kind of vehicle, we wouldn’t be hanging around in this corner of the BMW showroom.

Having said that, the X4 doesn’t have quite so much rear passenger space when compared with direct rivals like the GLC Coupe and the Q5 Sportback. Let’s assume this is a non-issue for a potential X4 buyer, but we just thought we’d mention it.

Rear legroom measures 35.5 inches, about an inch less than the X3 and almost three less than the Q5 Sportback. The X4 also has around an inch less rear headroom than its X3 stablemate. Likewise with the cargo area. Still, the X4 has 18.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats — much more than the trunk in a 3 Series — expanding to 50.5 when they’re folded down (they split in 40/20/40 fashion for some versatility). The Q5 Sportback has 24.7/51.9 cubic feet.

The fastback SUV look is either going to work for you or it’s not. Anyone reading this with a view to acquiring a new X4 might well have made up their mind about the styling already. We say follow your heart’s desires and enjoy something a bit different to most of the other SUVs out there.

Engines
BMW engines are special — the way they respond to throttle inputs, how they deliver their power in such a linear way, the sounds they make. From the punchy 4-cylinder unit in the X4 xDrive30i to the 503-horsepower inline-6 in the X4 M with the Competition package, it’s a gearhead’s wonderland.

Infotainment system
We’ve found BMW’s systems to be intuitive and easy to use. The one in the X4 has a 12.3-inch screen, understands voice commands given in natural speech, features Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone integration, and has an over-the-air update function.

Digital driver information display
A lot of vehicles are merging their instrument clusters and infotainment touchscreens into one unit. That’s not the case with the X4, but this thing is still a sharp-looking piece of tech.

Powered tailgate
Just because the X4 is a stylish SUV, that doesn’t mean it can’t be well-equipped with convenience features, too.

Harman Kardon audio
Gotta have some cool sounds, right? This optional 16-speaker/600-watt surround-sound system will have them ringing out loud and clear.

Parking Assistance
A lot of us are going to think that it’s $700 well spent to get the X4 steering itself into and out of parallel parking spaces. This package also includes emergency automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.

The xDrive30i version of the 2024 X4 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The M40i has a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) system. It supplies an extra bump in power for acceleration and smooths out the fuel-saving stop/start function. Output is 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The X4 M also has a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, but without any MHEV additions. In the regular X4 M, it develops 473 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. The Competition package increases that to 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

Every X4 comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

BMW’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical among European luxury car marques. Roadside assistance is included for that period, only with unlimited mileage. Scheduled maintenance is free for three years or 36,000 miles, which is not so typical.

Safety Ratings

The X4 hasn’t been crash-tested by any agencies in the United States, but its X3 sibling has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and took a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.