2023 BMW X4

Overview

If you like the road manners of the X3 but find its boxy body a little too basic, its swoopier sibling—the 2023 BMW X4—wears an eye-catching fastback design that’s designed to appeal to sophisticates. The X3, and other squareback SUVs for that matter, offer more practicality, but the X4 is more about style. It’s like the pair of Gucci sneakers you wear to walk the dog: The blisters they cause are worth the pain because they look damn good. Reduced rear-seat headroom and a less accommodating cargo area are the X4’s main compromises, as the rest of the car is identical to the generally excellent X3. A turbocharged four-cylinder and all-wheel drive are both standard, while an optional turbocharged inline-six ratchets up the fun. Inside, the X4’s cabin is less flashy but it’s nonetheless chic and premium. Plus, BMW bakes in plenty of tech features. If fashion and performance are equally important to you, consider the even spicier X4 M, which we review separately.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

1

Porsche Macan

STARTING AT: $58,950

2

Genesis GV70

STARTING AT: $44,275

3

BMW X3

STARTING AT: $47,195

4

Volvo XC60

STARTING AT: $44,545

5

BMW X4

STARTING AT: $55,195

6

Audi Q5

STARTING AT: $45,395

What's New for 2023?

Keyless entry is now standard and gesture controls for the infotainment system are no longer part of the optional Premium package. Otherwise, the X4 carries over to the 2023 model year unchanged.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The M40i’s turbocharged inline-six is impressive, but the 30i’s base turbo four-cylinder provides plenty of power. We’d choose that model for its better fuel-economy numbers, and we’d add the Premium package to get niceties such as heated seats and a head-up display.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The base BMW X4 xDrive30i gets its motivation from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. At the track, this model made the sprint to 60 mph in a respectable 6.2 seconds. If you're in the mood for something more high-octane, the X4 M40i is an ideal fit. This model is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that produces a beefy 382 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. BMW's X4 M40i hustles to 60 mph in a scant 4.2 seconds, according to our track tests, and its engine note is as impressive as its acceleration. Launch control is standard. Both trims come with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. Regardless of which X4 you choose, you'll be treated to an SUV that matches keen handling with a ride quality that's easy to live with.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that the X4 xDrive30i achieves mileage of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, but in our tests, we observed highway fuel economy of 33 mpg. With the X4 M40i, estimated EPA fuel economy stands at 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. We were able to achieve real-world fuel economy of 28 mpg on the highway during our time with that model. For more information about the X4's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Clean modernity is the name of the game within the X4's premium cabin. The center stack looks a bit like the shield of a superhero, and it sits beneath a stylish floating touchscreen. The X4's 35.5 inches of rear legroom is less than you'll get with its more pragmatic relative, the X3 (36.4 inches). Also, the X4 forces you to make some compromises when it comes to cargo space. This model provides just 19 cubic feet of cargo capacity with all seats in place and 51 cubic feet with the rear seats lowered. The X3 fares much better in this area, providing 29 cubic feet of room for your belongings behind the second row and 63 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The base-model X4 comes with HD radio and a 12-speaker sound system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard, which allow you to seamlessly connect the vehicle with your device. An integrated navigation system is also standard, and the infotainment system comes with a 12.3-inch display screen.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

BMW offers several driver-assistance features, but its most impressive technology is relegated to option packages. For more information about the X4's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The X4's warranty is great when compared with the coverage offered by less expensive mainstream models, but it's merely average when viewed next to the protection provided by its rivals in the luxury segment. Complimentary scheduled maintenance is provided. Not all models in this segment offer this perk, so that's a feather in the X4's cap.

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

More Features and Specs