Used 2022 BMW X4

The 2022 BMW X4 is a premium compact crossover SUV for those who would really prefer a sporty/luxurious coupe. The X4 blends elements of both. Based on the excellent X3 compact crossover, the X4 takes its own path, metaphorically speaking.

What’s the difference between the X3 and the X4? It’s not just about the rear end, substituting a fastback design instead of the usual squared-off SUV look. Although admittedly, that’s the biggest and most noticeable divergence.

The X4 comes standard with all-wheel drive and a bunch of other features that cost extra in an entry-level X3. It also rides slightly lower on its M Sport suspension.

Rear headroom in the X4 is 37.2 inches, compared with 38.5 inches in the X3. Hardly a deal-breaking distinction. And although the X3 has more cargo space, the X4’s 18.5 cubic feet — expanding to about 51 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded — is eminently usable.

That much-loved raised driving position — the siren song for many SUV buyers — is still in the X4. But this model, typical of BMW, has a sportier attitude in general.

Performance control is yet another standard feature in the 2022 X4. In the wider world, it’s known as torque vectoring, where power going to the rear wheels can be altered automatically when going through corners.

The outside wheel goes faster than its inside counterpart, allowing the X4 to tackle bends with optimum dynamic efficiency and stability. It’s technical, but it’s also fun. The driver can get on the throttle quite early at the corner’s exit, powering out and on to the next turn.

It’s a pastime made all the more pleasing by steering feel that’s tactile without being insistent. If drivers just wanted a relaxing drive, they can achieve that easily in the X4. It’s more a case of where to focus the attention. Engaging drivers is a particular BMW trait.

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, this could be the ideal X4.

How fast is the X4 M? BMW says it can sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in a fleeting 3.9 seconds. The Competition variant shaves off another 0.2 of a second. Both are completely in their element on a racetrack, which is a rare ability in a crossover.

Up front, both the 2022 X4 and its X3 stablemate benefit from a redesigned center console with new-look controls around the gear lever. The front sport seats feature plenty of lateral support for when those curvy canyon roads beckon. And they’re covered in simulated leather, now perforated for 2022. Overall, the X4’s cabin is clear of clutter and high on quality.

Compared with direct rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe and the Audi Q5 Sportback, the X4 doesn’t lack for rear passenger space. The Q5 Sportback has a larger cargo area (25.1 cubic feet), but practicality isn’t really a potential buyer’s priority.

This year’s styling tweaks bring a bigger grille, flanked by thinner LED headlights. A new black vertical strip separating the grille’s two sections accommodates a camera and various sensors.

The front and rear bumpers have also been revised. And the 2022 X4’s new taillights have a bespoke design that’s unlike those on the X3. For further differentiation, a new Piedmont Red metallic paint is exclusive to the X4.

DUAL DISPLAYS
Two 12.3-inch displays are standard in the 2022 X4 — one for the driver, the other for the infotainment system. They don’t combine to make one larger unit, like the Mercedes-Benz setup, but they still raise the X4’s tech quotient considerably.

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 Competition, it’s a gearhead’s wonderland.

This luxury crossover enjoys a suitably lavish inventory of standard features. The 2022 X4 xDrive30i comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, M Sport suspension, torque vectoring, variable-ratio sport steering, panoramic sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable front sport seats, leather-wrapped Sport steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, 40/20/40 split/fold/recline rear seats, and a powered tailgate.

The infotainment system includes dual 12.3-inch digital displays, navigation, Wi-Fi, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. Safety is enhanced by the Active Driving Assistant (see the “Safety Technology” section below) as well as post-crash braking and driver fatigue/focus monitoring.

An adaptive M suspension and beefier M Sport brakes are in the 2022 X4 M40i.

The X4 M is an extremely focused driver’s machine, with a specially tuned transmission for faster shifts, an Active M differential for optimum traction, aerodynamic additions, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

A heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats are among the warmer options for the 2022 X4. Some of the cooler extras include gesture control for the infotainment system, head-up display, wireless phone charging, Harman Kardon surround-sound system, rear side window shades, remote start, plus a self-parking feature and more advanced driver aids (see the Safety section below).

The X4 M has leather upholstery and the Harman Kardon system as standard. The more powerful X4 M Competition version adds an active M exhaust system and 21-inch alloy wheels.

Each variant of the 2022 X4 has all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 248 horsepower.

The M40i has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6. This year sees the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) system. It supplies an extra little bump in power for acceleration and enables the engine to engage a coasting mode under light loads.

And for all those drivers who have been irritated in the past by lumpy restart actions of the fuel-saving stop/start function in engines from various manufacturers, this arrangement makes it much smoother. Output is 382 horsepower.

The X4 M also has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6, but without any MHEV additions. In the regular X4 M, it develops 473 horsepower. In the X4 M Competition, that’s increased to 503 horsepower.

These X4 M models gain more torque this year. Both had 442 lb-ft before. The regular version goes up to 457 lb-ft, and the Competition now generates 479 lb-ft.

Premium gasoline is required for every 2022 X4.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (xDrive30i)
248 horsepower @ 5,200-6,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/29 mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 & 48-volt MHEV system (M40i)
382 horsepower @ 5,800-6,500 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (X4 M)
473 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
457 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750-5,450 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (X4 M Competition)
503 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
479 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 mpg