BMW X4 Review (2018-present)

The BMW X4 isn’t for everyone, indeed, that’s kind of the point. The huge growth and popularity of SUVs is fuelled in no small part by the practicalities they bring, so wilfully robbing a high-riding four-wheel drive of that practicality that is at odds with many people’s sensibilities. The thing is, not everybody who wants an SUV wants or needs rear seats with maximum headroom, or to maximise practicality and boot space, and some bright spark at BMW spotted an opportunity. The X6 was born, a SUV with the profile of a coupe, or at least a rear passenger compartment and rakish roofline that threw the SUV convention out of the window. It was successful, so much so BMW applied exactly the same coupe-SUV formula to create the X4, with the first one arriving in 2014, it being sold until 2018.

This second generation (G02 if you like your BMW number nomenclature) arrived in 2018, the fact BMW replaced the original underlining that the X4’s sales justified it. Indeed, since the X6 and X4 arrived almost every rival manufacturer has been scrambling to introduce rivals, as BMW’s formula has unquestionably worked. Among its competition it can count the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, Range Rover Evoque and some Velar models, the Porsche Macan, Audi Q5, Jaguar F-Pace, with only that Mercedes-Benz offering a genuine ‘coupe’ rival alongside the X4.

The M Competition model has 510hp at its disposal, which is enough to allow it to reach 62mph in 4.1 seconds, that being quicker than a Porsche 911 Carrera. The other engines might lack the outright performance of that range-topping X4 M Competition, but even the entry-level, big-selling, 190hp BMW X4 xDrive20d feels brisk enough. But for those wanting a mix of decent economy and genuinely sparkling performance, the xDrive30d is difficult to ignore, with its 5.8-second 0-62mph time allied to the potential to return over 40mpg, if you’re taking it a bit easier.

All X4s feature xDrive which means they’re all four-wheel drive, while all have an eight-speed automatic transmission. Even that entry-level xDrive20d is enjoyable to drive, with finely weighted steering and a chassis that rides commendably well and exhibits some real agility. All versions get M Sport suspension, which underlines the X4 as a more driver-orientated X model than its more pragmatic X3 relation, with Adaptive M Sport suspension featuring on some models, or as part of the M Sport Plus Package.

With a model range encompassing a fleet-friendly 2.0-litre turbodiesel, to a Nurburgring laptime chasing X4 Competition model with over 500bhp, there’s certainly a degree of disparity in the running costs within the X4 line-up.

Taking that xDrive20d as a measure is fair, though, as a sizeable volume of X4s leaving dealer showrooms will be powered by the entry-level turbodiesel engine.

Fuel economy for the xDrive20d is tested at 42.2-45.6mpg on the official, newer WLTP testing scheme, that number actually one that might represent what you’ll achieve in daily driving, so long as you’re not too heavy-of-foot. CO2 emissions are between 153-168g/km for this engine, that figure getting higher if you option larger wheels, so if you’re buying with company money, and aiming to keep your monthly tax liability to a minimum, then keep a close eye on specification when you’re ordering.

The more powerful xDrive30d doesn’t punish you overly for your demands for more performance. Indeed, the smooth-revving six-cylinder’s quoted 38.2-40.9mpg is, again achievable, and impressive given the leap in performance this engine brings over the xDrive20d. Emissions are a good bit higher at 180-194g/km, but given the greater poke, it’s arguably worth the additional outlay. The X4 M40i/d models will cost more to run, and also service, with consumables like tyres costing more. Likewise the X4 Competition, which, along with plenty of expensive fuel, will work its high performance tyres and brakes harder, with corresponding increases in running costs being the result.

No BMW X4 slips under the £40,000 buying threshold for the more punitive annual road tax payment for the first five years, so bear that in mind for your annual running costs. Servicing, via BMW’s own dealer network can be done via a monthly payment plan which is £25 monthly for 36 months and covers two services on the regular models, the range-topping M costing more. After three years a lot of the connected services in your X4 will require a subscription payment, should you choose to continue to use them.

The BMW X4 rarely features on reliability surveys, because while it might be a popular model, it’s still a bit of a niche one, which doesn’t sell in the sort of numbers to give a decent representation of itself. Usefully, you can look at the X3 as a guide: after all, under the X4’s different bodywork there’s an X3 lurking.

That’s good news, because while BMW hasn’t necessarily covered itself in glory in more recent reliability studies – its performance is middling, which is disappointing for what’s a premium brand – the X3 has scored decently. There aren’t any reports of major mechanical maladies, with most of the reliability issues relating to the X3, and hence X4, being the sort of electrical problems that are a nuisance rather than catastrophic.

Still a new-ish car, too, the X4 does at least use proven engines and transmissions from the BMW line-up, and there’s the back up of an unlimited mileage three-year warranty with new cars, with approved used models also getting additional warranty cover. There’s the possibility to extend your warranty after three years for an additional payment, too.