Name: BMW X4 Review
Item: BMW X4
Author: Gumtree.com

After a BMW but not sure whether you want an SUV or a coupé? Try taking a look at the X4, BMW’s bid to straddle both models in one car. Essentially, the German manufacturer took the popular X3, stretched it and slung it a bit lower, creating a car with a sportier look. This isn’t really an SUV for off-roading, even though all X4s are four-wheel drive. Instead, it’s an exciting, in-your-face option that only got more so as it evolved and BMW’s signature kidney grilles grew ever larger. It’s not all mouth and no trousers either – on the road, the X4 has the chops to back up its butch styling.

Check out the BMW X4 model page to learn more and explore available cars.

What we think about the BMW X4

The BMW X4 is an SUV and also a coupé, with a style all of its own and performance to go with it.

Pros

Powerful engines

Excellent handling

Fast acceleration

Cons

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Less practical than the X3

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High list price

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Ride can feel a bit bouncy

The BMW X4 was launched in 2014 and was available in entry-level SE trim, mid-range xLine and top-of-the-range M Sport. The second generation arrived in 2018 and brought a more aggressive look with the enlarged grilles, plus a completely redesigned back end featuring the new taillights also used on the 8-Series and the 3-Series. The basic SE trim was dropped in favour of a hierarchy moving from Sport up through M Sport to M Sport X. There are also the M40d and M40i variants.

Driving performance of the Bmw X4

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

For such a chunky car, its acceleration is impressive, and the four-cylinder 20d diesel engine will take you from 0 to 60 in just 8.0 seconds. Step up to the six-cylinder 35d and you can take that down to 5.2 seconds, outrunning pretty much any other diesel SUV. With the 30d, the high-performance eight-speed gearbox helps it feel even faster, moving through the gears swiftly and smoothly. The X4 also corners impressively, even if it does lean a little. The suspension favours comfort over agility, with a bouncy feel at times. The big Pirelli tyres grip the road nicely, helping make this car a lot of fun to drive.

Safety and reliability of the Bmw X4

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

The BMW X4 was awarded the full five stars by Euro NCAP in 2017. It’s fitted with airbags everywhere, along with Isofix child seat anchor points in the rear and traction and stability control. By around 2018, the X4 was beginning to fall behind its rivals when it came to advanced safety features, but modern versions are kitted out with all the latest systems such as automated emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist. Despite the BMW brand’s desirability, its reputation for reliability isn’t the strongest.

Under the bonnet of the Bmw X4

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

First generation X4s came with a choice of various diesel engines and one petrol. The diesel range ran from the four-cylinder 20d, with a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearboxes, up to the six-cylinder 35d, which was auto only. Top of the range was the X4 M40i, with its 355 brake horsepower, 3.0-litre petrol engine. The current version offers a choice of 190 bhp or 286 bhp diesel engines on all base models. The cheaper, less meatier one will make more sense for most drivers. It delivers strong acceleration and is quieter than Mercedes’ equivalent.

What you'll find in the Bmw X4

Our Design Rating8 / 10

Some people will love the way BMW has created a mash-up vehicle with bags of attitude, while others will find it needlessly ostentatious. But that’s surely better than a blandly designed car that tries to be all things to all people. The lower body has the bulk of an SUV, then up top there’s a curved coupé roofline. The back end flares out over the wheels, and the lines and the sculpted rear end carries arrowed lights. You might love it or you might hate it, but you can’t deny the X4 stands out.

Comfort and interiors in the Bmw X4

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

It might not surprise you to hear that that sloping roofline means the X4 is less roomy than its cousin, the X3. However, there’s a decent-sized boot, and plenty of legroom in the back. The interior finish is as you’d expect from BMW, with the cabin decked out in high-quality materials and well-damped switches on the dash. Soft leather is standard, available in six colours, and there’s contrast stitching and ambient lighting too.

What features you'll find in the Bmw X4

Our Features Rating7 / 10

The X4 comes with plenty of kit, with bi-xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive dampers as standard even on the entry-level models. There’s also independent climate control for the back seats to help keep kids comfortable on long journeys. The second generation X4 brought a modernisation of the cockpit, with a 6.5-inch screen controlling the satnav and DAB radio on the cheaper trims, expanding to a 10.25-inch screen on the the M Sport. This model also increased the size of the wheels to 19 inches, and dotted M badges around the vehicle.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Bmw X4

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

For such a chunky, sporty car, the fuel economy might pleasantly surprise you. The entry-level xDrive20d can deliver a claimed 47.9 mpg, while even the speedy M40d does 43.5 mpg. The M40i petrol is the thirstiest, at a claimed 30.7 mpg, but a few years ago this figure would have stacked up well against a regular saloon car.

Running costs of the Bmw X4

Our Cost Rating6 / 10

It’s a good thing you saved that money on the fuel economy, because the X4 is pretty pricey to run in other respects. The various versions sit in insurance groups 32 to 46, and servicing costs tend to be as high as for other premium brands. Setting up a service contract could be a wise move. If the car you’re buying is less than five years old, it may still be covered under the original servicing agreement.

Our verdict of the Bmw X4

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The BMW X4 is an on-road SUV with some sporty attitude. It's luxurious, great fun to drive, and more practical than you might expect.

BMW X4 Review