Name: BMW X4 (2018 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: BMW X4
Rating: 65.0

Table of contents – BMW X4

Summary

The BMW X4 is effectively the X3 SUV in a less boxy shape – most obviously a strongly raked rear end with a liftback tailgate, plus more sporty touches such as bespoke lights.

Of course, such a shape means less interior room. So while the X4 has five doors and a tailgate like the X3, reviewers point out the tighter rear-seat space – even in the latest Mk2 version, which launched in 2018 and is very slightly longer than its predecessor.

Highlighted are the tighter headroom, a feeling of being more ‘hunkered down’ in the car and far less visibility through the rear screen.

The interior, effectively the same as the X3’s, comes in for much praise. Testers like its quality of technology, the materials and how they are fitted. However some describe the mix of finishes as over-fussy.

Reviews of the BMW X4 reserve most praise for its on-the-road performance, described as both comfortable and with excellent handling, though some describe the ride as a little firm.

As of September 2024, the BMW X4 holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 58%. Although it has an excellent reliability score, it loses out with poor running costs and only middling review scores from the media. Its safety rating from Euro NCAP has also expired due to age.

More BMW ratings, reviews, news and features

BMW X4 highlights

Competent engines
Strong handling
Excellent fit and finish
Good levels of standard safety kit

BMW X4 lowlights

Styling is awkward, even by BMW standards
No entry-level petrol engines or plug-in hybrid
Restricted space in back speats
Looks expensive compared to the similar X3

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: Petrol, diesel
Price: From £54,000 on-road

Launched: Spring 2018
Last updated: Summer 2021
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

“It may not quite match rivals for rear-seat space, but the X4 does deliver a surprisingly dynamic drive – one which you wouldn’t quite expect from a car in this segment.”
Read review

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW X4 offers a little extra style over its X3 sibling, but it’s more expensive and sacrifices practicality.” (Jordan Katsianis)
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The X4 looks sharp, is sporty to drive, and more practical than you might think from the coupe-like profile.”
Read review

Autocar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X4 is an impressive all-rounder with an endearingly sporting touch. It offers responsive car-like dynamics, impressive mechanical refinement, class-competitive quality and a good deal of space, if not the versatility and everyday ease of use delivered by the more upright X3.”
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive20d M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X4 is undoubtedly an engaging car to drive and own but whether you should be considering one will probably hinge on how you perceive its appearance. If you’re a fan, then its extra costs and smaller boot are probably a price worth paying.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: M40d
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X4 M40d is frugal, practical yet aesthetically stylish.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive20d M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“Although it may not be the best-looking SUV around, the BMW X4 certainly has its merits and offers customers another option in a different niche. The driving setup is surprisingly both sporty and comfortable. Just be careful not to add too many expensive options to it.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.2 / 10
“The rakish BMW X4 is great to drive, but style compromises its usefulness”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW X4 possesses many of the great things about the X3 it’s based on – a nice interior, good infotainment and a nice drive.”
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Eurekar+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic M Sport
“You can’t get away from the fact that the BMW X4 is less practical than its boxy brother, the X3, with which it shares much of its parts and engineering. The semi-coupe styling means less luggage room and the lower ground clearance limits its off-road ability. But so what?”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive20d M Sport X
“The second generation of the BMW X4 has taken on a radical new macho image, dramatically putting its much softer predecessor in the shade.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed:
“BMW’s niche-busting X4 is objectively a good car, but compared to an estate, just too compromised.”
Read review

Green Car Guide+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Fashionable body style, great engine, and overall the X4 offers a quality BMW driving experience.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“Larger, lighter and more powerful, the 2018 BMW X4 is wider and longer than the outgoing model, but weighs 50kg less thanks to the extensive use of aluminium and ultra-high-strength grades of steel.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive20d M Sport X
“Once you get over the monstrous appearance (some may like it), the BMW X4 is essentially a slightly sportier X3. That means it gets an upmarket interior, although BMW is persevering with button overload and a variety of clashing materials competing for the driver’s attention.”
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Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The X4 is less practical than the X3 and only marginally better to drive, yet it costs more to buy new.”
Read review

Motors.co.uk+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“As SUVs go for, the X4 represents reasonable value for money.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The BMW X4 is very fashionable, but slightly less rounded than X3.”
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The Sun+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic M40d
“The new BMW X4 is practical, genuinely fun to drive and not as enormous or obnoxious as the larger X6.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: M40d
Score: 8 / 10
“Argue against their presence in the market all you want, but the fact of the matter is that, with the new X4, BMW has created a truly sporty SUV to drive, that manages to blend some decent practicality with rather appealing looks. The coupé-SUV might finally have arrived…”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“Getting noticed is part of the BMW X4’s job and the new X4 sure does that. It’s certainly quick and grippy but it feels humourless.”
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What Car?+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“There are plenty of more practical SUVs, but few are as enjoyable to drive as the BMW X4.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 70%
Safety assist: 58%

Notes on safety rating

The BMW X4 was originally assessed by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2020 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used X4 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

The BMW X4 shares its (now expired) safety rating with the almost-identical X3. Rather than physically crashing several X4s, Euro NCAP would have required BMW to submit specific data to show that the changes made to the X4’s roofline would not affect how it performs in an accident.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2024, the BMW X4 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 17
Average repair cost: £684.08
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The BMW X4 has an excellent reliability score of 80%, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to the current (2018 onwards) X4 as well as to older models.

The biggest concern for X4 owners is the engine. Although there have been very few warranty claims, the average repair bill is nearly £3,000. Other repairs, for suspension, electrics and braking, have been very cheap.

If you own a BMW X4 or are interested in buying a used X4, you’d do well to make sure that any used car warranty you buy has adequate cover for engine failures and faults.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	26 mpg	E	25 – 26 mpg	E – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	244 g/km	D	244 – 260 g/km	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	48	D	46 – 48	D – D

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£738	E
Year 2	£1,644	D
Year 3	£2,541	D
Year 4	£2,762	D
Year 5	£3,613	D
Overall	£11,298	D

The BMW X4 has quite high running costs, according to running cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Its petrol engine is very thirsty and has higher emissions than the market average, and its service and maintenance costs are higher than average over the course of five years of ownership.

We don’t currently have equivalent data for diesel X4 models. Check back again soon.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the BMW X4

Dec 2023

Oct 2023

Aug 2022

Mar 2022

Jan 2021

Apr 2020

Oct 2019

Aug 2018

Apr 2018

Date: December 2023
Recall number: R/2023/355
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2023 to 09/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 46
Defect: On affected vehicles the three screws connecting the electric motor to the steering gear are potentially not fastened correctly.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the steering gear will be replaced.

Date: December 2023
Recall number: R/2023/354
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2023 only
Number of vehicles affected: 26
Defect: On affected vehicles ingress of transmission fluid may occur to the integrated transmission control unit within the mechatronic module.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the transmission mechatronic module will be replaced.

Date: October 2023
Recall number: R/2024/156
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2023 only
Number of vehicles affected: 33
Defect: On affected vehicles risk of potential flooding could have occurred leading to salt water ingress whilst parked in port awaiting shipping.
Remedy: The affected vehicles will be thoroughly checked cleaned and reworked as required.

Date: August 2022
Recall number: R/2022/255
Model types: All (including other BMW models)
Build dates: 10/2017 to 10/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 322,745
Defect: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Remedy: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.

Date: August 2022
Recall number: R/2022/206
Model types: All (including other BMW models)
Build dates: 09/2018 only
Number of vehicles affected: 319,399
Defect: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.

Date: March 2022
Recall number: R/2022/084
Model types: All
Build dates: 04/2018 to 03/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 6,401
Defect: During a service visit the affected vehicles have been updated with software that could misinterpret certain input parameters for the engine management system.
Remedy: The control units will be reprogrammed with an improved version of software.

Date: January 2021
Recall number: R/2021/015
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2020 to 11/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 388
Defect: The battery cables on the 48V starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during the production process.
Remedy: Check the screw connection of the 48V positive / negative battery cables on the starter generator and rework if necessary.

Date: April 2020
Recall number: R/2020/120
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2020 to 02/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 326
Defect: The cable lengths for the electric connection of the hall sensor integrated inside the seatbelt buckle could be too short.
Remedy: The front seat belt buckles will be checked and replaced if they are found to be faulty.

Date: October 2019
Recall number: R/2019/377
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2019 to 09/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 13
Defect: The swivel bearing/s on the front axle of the affected vehicles may not have been produced to specification.
Remedy: The swivel bearing/s on the affected vehicles will be replaced.

Date: August 2018
Recall number: R/2018/220
Model types: All
Build dates: 04/2018 to 06/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 1,032
Defect: The fault affects the brake system in particular the brake calipers on the rear axle. Because of a faulty coating hydrogen gas (approximately 10 ml) could be created in the coating of the piston of the brake caliper. This will be completely outgassed during the first 2 months after the production process causing longer brake pedal travel. Under certain circumstances the relevant brake pressure cannot be build up in the rear brake circuit. As a result the brake force of the system may be reduced by up to 30%. The driver may feel a soft brake pedal and a reduction of the brake performance. In certain cases the rear brake circuit could fail leading to increased risk of an accident.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the brake system will be bled.

Date: April 2018
Recall number: R/2018/099
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2017 to 01/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 1,752
Defect: The sealing cap of the pressure-limiting valve in the fuel tank delivery module may be damaged. This concern could lead to a reduction in fuel transfer from the left side to the right side of the fuel tank. Therefore it is possible for the engine to stall even though the fuel gauge would show fuel present.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the fuel pressure of the delivery module and the distance of the cap on the pressure-limiting valve. Where necessary the delivery module will be replaced.

As of September 2024, there have been 11 DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the BMW X4 addressing various different issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local BMW dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used X4, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.