The BMW X4 comes in two basic trims and two high performance X4 M trims, with varying degrees of power delivery. The xDrive30i is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which makes 248 horsepower. BMW claims a 0-60 time of just 6 seconds for the xDrive30i, making the vehicle pretty quick even by today's standards. The X4 M40i gets an extra couple of cylinders powered by a 3.0L straight 6-cylinder engine, making 355 horsepower. X4 M models take the S58 straight 6-cylinder to new heights producing 473 horsepower and 442-pound feet of torque and 503 horsepower in the X4 M Competition. BMW claims a 0-60 time under 5 seconds for the X4, the X4 M and M Competition bring that number down making the pair among the fastest in the segment.
BMW uses their standard "xLine" and "M Performance" trim designations for the xDrive30i and M40i respectively, meaning that in addition to having different engines, the two trim base models look somewhat distinct as well. The xDrive30i gets unique 19-inch wheels, front and rear under guard elements and silver metallic side skirts. The M40i, on the other hand, gets unique front and rear aprons with exterior accents painted in a high-gloss black color. Though the M40i also rides on 19-inch wheels, the design is unique and the wheels hide bigger brakes for more stopping power. The M40i also gets a unique sport exhaust that allows the user to switch between loud and quiet modes.
Inside, the two trims are further differentiated by their interior styling and features. The xDrive30i comes with dark oakwood interior accent strips, chrome instrument bezels and high-gloss black highlights. In contrast, the M40i comes with aluminum accent strips, a sportier steering wheel and grippier seats.
Both X4 M and X4 Competition vehicles are engineered with special attention to chassis stiffness, bigger brakes, and adaptive suspension dampeners with custom Sport, Comfort, and Race settings that tailor your experience to your preference. Unique quick ratio power steering tuning aided by heavy duty limited slip differentials and standard X-drive ensure the X4 remains planted wherever it goes. Outside bigger vents, unique wheels, and M-badging round out most esthetic differences between trims.
The BMW X4 infotainment system comes with a 12-speaker 205-watt sound system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatible, three 12v power outlets, USB port, real-time traffic/weather display and Bluetooth integration.
The X4 also comes standard with a navigation system, which is displayed on a large 10.25-inch screen in the X4's center console. After various complaints about their iDrive system, BMW has resorted to offering multiple interaction systems. iDrive is still present, but the monitor is also a touchscreen and offers voice command support for good measure. BMW took it one step further and now offers a cutting-edge gesture-recognition system that allows the driver to control the infotainment system with simple hand gestures waived into the air via a 3D sensor in the center console.
Standard safety features for the X4 includes Frontal Collision Warning, Park Distance Control, pedestrian detection prevention, antilock brakes, a comprehensive set of airbags, stability control, brake assist, hill hold control and post-collision braking.
Driver assistance options on the BMW X4 are pretty numerous and include an active cruise control system that extends to stop-and-go traffic, meaning the car will essentially take care of the gas and brakes even down to bumper-to-bumper traffic. Options also include a blind spot detection system, a lane departure warning system, rear cross traffic alert system and a speed limit information system.
Coupe-like Styling
Available All-wheel Drive
Strong Acceleration
Driving Dynamics
For 2021, the BMW X4 is mostly a carryover, adding more standard equipment like Android Auto and several driver-assistance features.
Upon first glance, the X4 occupies a strange place in BMW's lineup. It's nominally a mid-sized SUV, but it's far more conscious of its styling than most of those entries because the X4 offers more of a luxurious feel than the normal SUV variety. The big differentiator, though, is in how the X4 drives. It's compromised some of its off-roading ability in the name of on-road performance. Though it still has enough ride height to not get hung up too badly during light off-roading duty, the X4 is clearly a machine meant for the road. It handles leaps and bounds better than most SUVs in its class, while providing strong, real-world acceleration and passing power.
