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2020 BMW X4 M

Starting at $74,395

8/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2020 bmw x4 m competition front
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
8/10 C/D RATING

Select a year

  • Highs Massive power, huge acceleration thrills, sharp cornering capabilities.
  • Lows Very firm ride, less cargo space than the X3 M, fastback styling might not be for everyone.
  • Verdict Whatever you think of its looks, it's impossible to deny the X4 M's mind-bending performance.
By Drew Dorian

Overview

Underneath their tall, fastback bodies, the X4 M and X4 M Competition pack serious muscle. These hot rods are all-new additions to BMW's performance SUV lineup this year, which also includes the mechanically-similar X3 M. Their coupe-shaped bodies reduce overall cargo capacity, but the added style makes them stand out in traffic. The fire-breathing inline-six that lives under their hoods will ignite the interests of lead-footed drivers, and their taut, sport-tuned suspensions will erase all doubts about the performance capabilities of these road rockets.

What's New for 2020?

The X4 M is all-new for 2020 and based on the standard X4 and squareback X3 SUVs. They are fortified for high-performance action with stunningly powerful engines, firm suspensions, and sticky high-performance tires.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Competition model's higher-output engine is worth every penny, so it's the model we'd suggest here. We'd also splurge on both the Driving Assistance Plus package which adds adaptive cruise control and more advanced driver-assistance features; the Executive package is also an intriguing add as it includes an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, a head-up display, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a self-parking feature.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Both models come with a turbocharged inline-six, standard all-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The X4 M's engine produces 473 horsepower, but the Competition model gets dialed up to 503. When we tested the Competition at our test track, it delivered brutal acceleration, jumping to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. That beats the X4's main rival, the Mercedes-AMG GLC63, which blasted from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. In fact, the X4 M Competition even out-accelerated BMW's famed M3 sports sedan in part due to the added traction that comes from its standard all-wheel drive system. (The M3 powers only its rear wheels.) The standard X4's driving character is already sharp, and the M division's retuning of the suspension has provided an even-firmer ride and dialed-in even more impressive cornering grip.

2020 bmw x4 m competitionView Photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

When it comes to high-performance SUVs, we don't expect much in the way of fuel efficiency, but the X4 M's EPA fuel economy ratings are atrocious at 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. The V-8–powered GLC63 Coupe earns ratings as high as 22 mpg highway, and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio carries a 23 mpg highway rating. Luckily, the X4 M Competition does much better than expected in the real world. It surprised us on our 200-mile highway fuel economy route by delivering an impressive 26 mpg; the Stelvio Quadrifoglio managed just 21 mpg and the GLC63 Coupe was good for only 20 mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Upscale and sporty, the X4 M's cabin is crafted from top-quality materials, its layout is driver-focused, and it's easy to find just the right seating position. A host of luxury features are standard, including 14-way power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, a power rear liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, interior ambient lighting, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The sloped roofline doesn't intrude into rear-seat passenger space as much as expected, and most average-height passengers will find the rear seat plenty comfortable. Cargo space is more limited here than in the X3 M, but we still managed to fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat and a total of 18 with the rear seats folded flat.

2020 bmw x4 m interiorView Photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver

Infotainment and Connectivity

All X4 M models come with a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest iteration of BMW's iDrive interface. Navigation is standard and all models also come with Apple CarPlay; Android Auto will be available sometime in mid-2020. An onboard Wi-Fi hotspot and a wireless smartphone charging pad are part of the optional Executive package. In lieu of analog gauges, the X4 M and X4 M Competition come standard with a 12.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display. Audiophiles will be happy that a Harman/Kardon 16-speaker stereo is standard, so there's no need to pay extra to upgrade.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The standard X4 hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and neither has the high-performance M variant. For what it's worth, the squareback X3 earned five stars from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. BMW offers its Active Driving Assistant package as standard, which includes basic driver-assistance features, but more advanced technology is optional. Key safety features include:

  • Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Standard lane-departure warning
  • Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Like all other new BMWs, the X4 M and X4 M Competition come with a four-year/50,000 mile warranty and a generous three-year/36,000 complimentary scheduled maintenance plan. Mercedes-AMG offers no such maintenance plan, but the Jaguar F-Pace SVR one-ups the BMW with longer warranty terms and up to five years of free maintenance.

  • Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
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Specifications

Specifications

2020 BMW X4 M Competition

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED
$86,495 (base price: $81,395)

ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
183 cu in, 2993 cc
Power
503 hp @ 7300 rpm
Torque
442 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): strut/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 15.6-in vented, cross-drilled disc/14.6-in vented, cross-drilled disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, F: 255/40R-21 (103Y) ★ R: 265/40R-21 (105Y) ★

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.8 in
Length: 187.5 in
Width: 75.9 in
Height: 63.8 in
Passenger volume: 96 cu ft
Cargo volume: 19 cu ft
Curb weight: 4539 lb

C/D
TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.2 sec
60 mph: 3.3 sec
100 mph: 8.0 sec
150 mph: 21.5 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.7 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.1 sec
¼-mile: 11.6 sec @ 119 mph
Top speed (governor limited, mfr's claim): 161 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 147 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.97 g

C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 26 mpg
Highway range: 440 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 16/14/19 mpg

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