Following a significant facelift in 2018, the BMW X4 and its X3 sister remain unaltered for 2023. Although the two vehicles are identical mechanically and even share the same trim levels, the X4’s sloping fastback and aggressive styling stand out as more relaxed than the X3’s good, traditional design. Naturally, this entails paying more for a car with less inside space, so the X3 outsells the X4 six to one. Don’t undervalue the attraction of seeming cool, however.
The upgrade from the previous year improved the in-car technology options, giving this design from about 2018 a little cosmetic revamp, and made several previously optional items (such as the panoramic sunroof and a pair of 12.3-inch monitors) standard. It also added torque for the X4 M and M Competition and a moderate hybrid aid for the M40i trim. Keyless entry is now required this year, and the optional gesture controls for the audio system have been removed. Otherwise, not much has changed. Next year, when these technologies permeate the range, look for a new curved display and the automaker’s iDrive eight software.
Munich didn’t create the first “crossover coupe”; that distinction belongs to the 2001 Infiniti FX, but, beginning with the 2008 X6, Munich played a significant role in popularizing this body design. There is now an X2, and the upcoming (but far more expensive) XM is in a similar spirit. The Audi Q5 Sportback, Infiniti QX55, and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, planned for a facelift later this year, are the X4’s significant competitors. However, the Genesis GV70, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Porsche Macan are distant rivals. Among these specialized SUVs, BMW sold 9,797 X4s in 2022, a significant quantity.
Although the X4 is overtly sportier than the X3, the fact that the entry model is already an athlete by SUV standards helps. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard, unlike the X3, although the powertrains are the same. The X4 M Competition with 503 hp is a wild ride, while the xDrive 30i has 248 hp. The 382-hp M40i strikes the ideal balance between speed and practicality in this lineup. Since the X4 is designed to be extravagant, a somewhat higher proportion of X4s than X3 are Ms, yet all models are fun to drive.
Though the X4 undoubtedly has flair, you pay more for less usefulness in this situation. The X4 M40i costs $4,400 more than the X3 M40i, while the X4 xDrive 30i is $8,000 more expensive than an identical X3. On the M models, the difference is less noticeable but exists. Inside, the X4 has less headroom, legroom, and luggage capacity than the X3, especially in the rear seat. When the back seats are folded, the X4’s cargo space is just 50.5 cubic feet, down from 23.7 cubic feet when they are not. This is less than the X1, which is one size smaller. Although still comfortable, the X4 is unquestionably less helpful than the X3.
Although the more expensive X4 does come with standard all-wheel drive and a few additional amenities that are choices on the X3, both cars have access to BMW’s extensive range of options. Although its German rivals also do this, the manufacturer charges extra for several amenities that are standard on models from competitors like Genesis, notably driver-assist equipment. In addition to standing out more than the X3, the X4 has a more appealing profile and a sportier feel. It’s worth a test drive if you like the styling, don’t need the additional room, and don’t mind spending more money.
Performance:
The X4 has three basic turbocharged powertrains that are also available in the X3, although the X4 comes standard with all-wheel drive while
A 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque powers the basic xDrive 30i model. Although this is the least thrilling X3, it has a 6-second zero-to-60 speed and is fun on curves. There is justification for the more excellent price since the M Sport suspension and variable steering available on the X3 are standard here. Along with the Stelvio and Macan in this class, these cars are among the best-handling SUVs you can purchase.
The 3.0-litre inline-six “B58” series of BMW engines and an M Sport exhaust provide the X4 M40i with a significant increase in power and a throatier exhaust sound. This engine now has a system and produces 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The M40i has a very smooth power delivery and can reach 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds.
The 3.0-liter S58B30 inline-six powering the X4 M also powers the M3 and M4, producing 473 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. The X4 M Competition, which cranks up to 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft, is available if you still want more. Driving any X4 M is a blast; they both effortlessly handle winding roads and amuse the driver. The M excites with sub-4-second zero-to-60 speeds, superhuman grip, and an obnoxious exhaust burble, but it isn’t quiet inside and rides considerably rougher than the other X4s.
Fuel efficiency: BMW X4
Although the X4 doesn’t mainly focus on fuel efficiency, considering what it is, it does pretty well in this area. It achieves about the same or one mpg less in most tests as the X3, although that car is also very efficient by class standards. The M40i achieves 23 mpg combined (21 cities, 26 motorways), compared to the standard X4 xDrive 30i’s 24 mpg combined (21 cities, 28 highways). The mild-hybrid assistance is undoubtedly helpful in this situation.
Even if fuel economy isn’t a top concern for most X4 enthusiasts, it’s still respectable compared to other cars that most purchasers compare it to. The majority of crossover coupes get comparable or somewhat lower mileage. The Kia EV6 GT and Genesis Electrified GV70 are two completely electric performance SUVs now available and reasonably priced. There aren’t any hybrids in this class.
The X4 M gets the expected harmful gas economy, with a combined rating of 17 mpg (15 cities, 20 highways), but at least the M and M Competition models are about equivalent. Although we witnessed far lower gas economy from the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (15.1 mpg) than the X4 M (16.5) in actual driving, this is technically worse gas mileage than the Macan, the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe, or the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
Safety and driver support technology:
Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have evaluated the 2023 BMW X4. However, we grade them equally since it has the same construction and safety features as the X3s (which have undergone comprehensive testing). The X3 received five stars from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from IIHS last year, while it hasn’t yet been assessed for 2023.
BMW gives the X4 the most important active safety features but charges more for the excellent equipment. The following features—automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, frontal collision warnings, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and rear cross-traffic alerts—are standard equipment.
The $1,700 Driving Assistance Professional option is required for adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane maintenance assistance with side collision avoidance, and traffic jam assistance for restricted access roads. German rivals to the X4 similarly charge extra for these items, but they are becoming more commonplace elsewhere, notably at Genesis.
Comfort and Space: BMW X4
When comparing the X4 to the X3, the two main sacrifices are space and price, and if you’re tall, you’ll notice the difference. The X4 is comfortable for four people but constricts for five, as all occupants lose at least an inch of headroom compared to the X3.
Although the front seats don’t seem cramped, and the forward legroom is somewhat below average for the class, most passengers won’t find it an issue. On a lengthy trip, they are solid and supportive without exhausting you. However, the X4 M’s performance seats, which are more forcefully bolstered, may not be to everyone’s taste.
Things are a bit different in the rear. The X4 has less back legroom than the X3, which is already not the largest in this department. Backseat headroom is 37.5 inches, compared to 38.5 inches in the X3 and 35.5 inches of legroom (vs. 36.4 inches in the X3). Although the Macan seems smaller and has more legroom than the Stelvio, the situation is still not ideal by SUV standards. On the other side, there is still space for big kid seats, and the door apertures are still quite spacious.
Infotainment:
Every X4 has a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for the center screen and the other for the driver’s information, both powered by the well-known iDrive7 software from BMW. Along with iDrive 8, the stylish curved dashboard fitted to other BMW cars like the X1 this year is probably coming in 2024. While we enjoy both of those capabilities, iDrive 7 is a bit simpler to use than its replacement, so the fact that the 2023 X4 is still utilizing it isn’t necessarily wrong.
While iDrive 7 has a steeper learning curve than iDrive 8, it still provides a ton of capability and is straightforward once you get the hang of it. While certain hard buttons for HVAC and other features are gladly kept and the hit-or-miss gesture controls of past years are gone, in different situations, altering something as simple as the audio balance requires navigating through several menus.
If you don’t like iDrive, USB ports, and (wired) Android Auto are included, and (wireless) Apple CarPlay—Nice add-ons like a wireless charging pad, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a head-up display.
Storage & Cargo Space:
The X4 is what BMW refers to as a “Sports Activity Vehicle,” which is accurate in that it has less “utility” than a typical SUV, but this is true of all “crossover coupes.”
The room behind the back seats is 18.5 cubic feet, ten cubic feet less than the X3 and much less than the industry standard for SUVs of this size. You can obtain 50.5 cubic feet when those seats are folded down, which is 12.2 cubic feet less than the X3’s total space and equal to the volume of a 2023 Subaru Impreza’s trunk. Even yet, the X4 has far less luggage room than the X3 in real-world use, which requires stacking everything up to the roof (something most people never do).
However, the X4 performs better than you may anticipate compared to comparable cars. Even less luggage room is available in the Macan and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe, while the Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers an equal amount of space behind its back seats. The Infiniti QX55 (26.9 and 54.1) and Audi’s Q5 Sportback (24.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 51.9 overall) do somewhat better. They are all beaten by the GV70 (28.9 and 56.9).
Design: BMW X4
The X4 and X3 are similar from the wheel arches down. Still, their top portions give the two SUVs dramatically distinct appearances, demonstrating how big of a difference a modified greenhouse can make. Though, like many BMWs, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the X4 is noticeably more unique and sportier. The X4 is, at the very least, not nearly as contentious as the larger iX, XM, or 4 Series vehicles.
While the fastback’s overall appearance may seem strange from some angles, there is no mistaking it for anything else. Unfortunately, the wildest paint colors (and they become pretty brilliant on the X4 M) come at an additional expense.
Although aesthetically uninspiring, the interior is neat and subdued in contrast to the busy exterior. The X4 upholds BMW’s legacy of practical luxury, and although it may seem unassuming in photographs, the materials and craftsmanship are of the highest caliber.
Is the BMW X4 2023 worth it?
The X4 is worthwhile if you value style more than practicality and rear room. But it was designed to be a niche vehicle. You’ll spend more for the outside appeal while receiving less passenger and load capacity, the two main reasons people choose SUVs. The starting price of the xDrive 30i is $55,195 (plus a $995 destination charge), which is $8,000 more than the X3 sDrive30i’s rear-drive price and $6,000 more than the X3 xDrive30i’s AWD price.
The X4 M40i, which begins at $66,395 ($3,000 more than last year), is the best option as it’s all about appearance and sportiness. The X4 M is faster, but the M40i is smoother and quieter to use daily without significant performance compromises. It’s a little slower to 60 mph than the X4 M and is still an excellent handling vehicle. Additionally, choosing the M40i over the X4 M frees up money for items like the $1,700 Driver Assistance package.
The retail price for the X4 M is a cool $78,595 (up $4,000 from 2022 and $3,500 over the X3 M), while adding the M Competition adds another $5,500 (a reduction of $1,500 from the previous year). The X4 M Competition was the fastest BMW SUV before the completely electric iX and plug-in hybrid XM. While it’s still thrilling fun, many amenities, like heated seats, are extra. They are included in the $2,250 Executive Package and several other enticing features.
How Much Does the BMW X4 Cost to Insure?
Although it costs more to insure than competitors’ cars, the X4 is competitive. Our statistics show that a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record may anticipate an average yearly premium for the X4 M40i of $2,862. Owners of the X4 M may anticipate paying an extra $450. It would cost $2,707 for a comparable Genesis GV70 Sports Prestige, $2,911 for an Audi SQ5 Sportback, $2,838 for an Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sprint, and $2,864 for a Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe.
Our Finding
The BMW X4, the automaker’s quickest “crossover coupe,” had a significant makeover last year and will remain primarily unaltered in 2023. The X4’s slanted fastback roof and sportier aesthetics are undoubtedly more relaxed and more unique than the more traditional X3, but they are still in the eye of the beholder. The X4 is mechanically similar to the more conventional X3, which is BMW’s best-selling car in North America. You sacrifice functionality, give up rear and cargo rooms and pay more for those aesthetics, but that’s the price of fashion. All X4s are capable drivers, but the snarling, fast M40i or X4 M are the finest options for this car.
