BMW X4

BMW X4 generations at a glance

BMW created the X4 by taking the X3, lowering the roof line and giving it a fastback tail, the same recipe it had used for the BMW X6 on the X5. BMW calls the body style a Sports Activity Coupé. The X4 sits between the BMW X3 and the X5 in price, but it shares the X3's platform, engines and most of its interior. Below both sits the BMW X1, and the background of the X range is part of the history of BMW.

First generation: F26 (2014–2018)

BMW previewed the car as the Concept X4 at Auto Shanghai 2013 and revealed the production version at the New York International Auto Show in April 2014. The F26 uses the F25 X3 underneath. It is slightly longer than the X3 and about 37 mm lower, and the front seats sit 20 mm lower to keep headroom. Ground clearance drops from 212 mm on the X3 to 204 mm.

From the front, the F26 looks much like the facelifted X3, with the same headlights joined to the kidney grille. The bumpers have larger air intakes, the roof slopes down to a short tailgate with an integrated spoiler, and the rear lights are unique to the X4. Wheels of up to 21 inches were available. The low rear window looks sporty but limits the view backwards, a point the old 1cars text criticises.

An eight-speed Steptronic automatic was fitted to almost every F26. A six-speed manual was offered only on the four-cylinder diesel. All engines met Euro 6. The M40i arrived at the 2016 Detroit show and went on sale in February 2016.

Second generation: G02 (2018–2025)

BMW revealed the G02 online in February 2018, and sales began in July 2018. It was developed together with the G01 X3 on the CLAR platform, which mixes aluminium and high-strength steel. The new car is 81 mm longer and 37 mm wider than the F26 and about 50 kg lighter. It uses a double-joint front axle and a five-link rear axle. The M40i and M40d gained an electronically controlled M Sport rear differential.

All G02 versions use the eight-speed automatic. In spring 2020 the xDrive20d received a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and BMW updated the car again in 2021. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, an automatic tailgate and 40:20:40 split rear seats, with xLine and M Sport trims. A 2018 ANCAP test, aligned with Euro NCAP, scored 93% for adult occupants, 84% for children, 70% for pedestrians and 58% for safety assist.

X4 M and Alpina XD4

The X4 M (F98) was the first full M version of the car, introduced in 2019. Its 3.0-litre S58 twin-turbo straight-six makes 353 kW (480 PS) and 600 Nm, good for 0–100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The X4 M Competition raises output to 375 kW (510 PS) and cuts the sprint to 4.0 seconds. Alpina offered its own XD4, shown at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. Its quad-turbo diesel produces 285 kW (388 PS) and 770 Nm, with a top speed of 268 km/h.

X4 dimensions and boot space compared

By our calculation, a G02 M40i with a kerb weight of about 1,940 kg carries 6.8 kg per kW, while an xDrive30d at 1,815 kg carries 9.3 kg per kW. Version-by-version figures for both generations are in the 1cars specs database. The coupé roof costs space compared with the X3. Rear passengers must duck to get in, and tall adults sit with their heads close to the roof lining, although the low rear bench keeps headroom acceptable for most people. The boot is usable, with a wide opening, but it is shallower than the X3's.

Cabin, iDrive and driver aids

The cabin comes almost unchanged from the X3 of the same generation. The F26 had the iDrive system with a 6.5- or 8.8-inch screen, while the G02 moved to iDrive 6 and later versions with Apple CarPlay. Materials are good, although the old 1cars text notes hard plastic in the door pockets of early cars. Options on the F26 included a colour head-up display, Surround View cameras and Driving Assistant Plus with lane-departure warning, collision warning and city braking. Buyers could also order active cruise control with Stop & Go, a Harman Kardon audio system and a tailgate that opens with a foot movement under the bumper. Sports seats with strong side support were standard or optional depending on trim.

How the X4 drives

The X4 has firmer suspension settings and a wider track than the X3, and it feels more agile on a twisting road. Electric power steering with a variable ratio makes it light at parking speeds. Adaptive dampers were an option, and the driving-mode switch changes throttle, steering and gearbox response. The old 1cars text found the ride softer than a Porsche Macan on steel springs in Comfort mode, but very firm in Sport. The xDrive system sends most torque to the rear wheels and copes well with snow. With reduced ground clearance, though, the X4 is a road car rather than an off-roader.

BMW X4 rivals and which version to choose

The X4's main rival has been the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé, with the Porsche Macan as the sportier, more expensive choice. The Range Rover Evoque and, later, the Audi Q5 Sportback compete in the same space.

Buyers who want the best balance of cost and performance should look at a G02 xDrive20d or xDrive30d. Both are efficient on long trips and strong enough for a heavy load. The M40i suits drivers who want speed without the running costs of the X4 M. A buyer who needs rear-seat and boot space will be better served by the X3, which costs less and has the same technology. To set the X4 against a GLC Coupé or an X3 figure by figure, use the comparison tool.