Summary
The BMW X4 M is a mid-size SUV/crossover and the performance-enhanced version of the regular second-generation X4 coupé-SUV. First arriving on UK roads in 2019, the X4 M is effectively the X3 M SUV in a less boxy shape, featuring a sloping roofline and a liftback tailgate.
Like the X3 M line-up, the X4 M range consists of three models – the petrol-powered 360hp ‘M40i’ and diesel-engined 340hp ‘M40d’, and the range-topping 510hp ‘M Competition’ trim grade.
Auto Trader explains that BMW’s X4 M aim was simple, “to take the basic X4 model and make it as monstrous to drive as the M4 sports car“, and several UK motoring outlets conclude that the German brand has succeeded. “It’s tremendously fast and grippy through the corners”, says the What Car? team, while Carwow comments that the X4 M is “more agile than an SUV has any right to be.”
That said, reviewers cite the same issues that hindered the X3 M’s review scores. James Brodie of Auto Express argues that the car’s suspension is “rock hard”, while Autocar‘s Matt Saunders says that the car’s powerful engines are “a little flat on character”.
Should you want to opt for the X4 M’s raked rear end styling over the X3 M’s boxy SUV looks, you will have to contend with its more expensive price tag too. As Carwow concludes, the “X3 M Competition is cheaper, more practical and every bit as good to drive.”
As of February 2023, the BMW X4 M holds an Expert Rating of 54%, based on ten reviews published by the UK motoring media.
X4 M highlights
- High-quality interior
- Strong performance
- Intuitive infotainment
X4 M lowlights
- Rather rigid ride comfort
- The X3 M is cheaper and more practical
- Uninspiring engine soundtrack
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol
Price: From £65,735 on-road
Launched: Summer 2019
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.
Auto Express
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW X4 M is an assured all-wheel-drive system that does well to control and allow you to play a little with the weight, precise steering, a likeable, indulgent six-cylinder powertrain but a ride that’s rock hard.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed:
“The BMW X4 M Competition offers the space and practicality of an SUV and the power of a sports car. BMW’s aim was simple: to take the basic X4 model and make it as monstrous to drive as the M4.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: X4 M Competition
Score: 8 / 10
“It reflects a high degree of technical prowess, delivers a devastating turn of speed and is hugely compelling in the right conditions. But it continues to lack for overall ride refinement and ultimately fails to offer the sort of interior space delivered by some performance SUV rivals.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The BMW X4 M doesn’t possess an obvious endearing trait that justifies its shortcomings; it does plenty well enough but nothing to truly stand out. Its engine is effective, if a little flat on character. The chassis is agile at a superficial level but fails to feel particularly composed or inspiring.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Competition
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW X4 M Competition is hugely fast and more agile than an SUV has any right to be. An X3 M Competition is cheaper, more practical and every bit as good to drive, though.”
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“If the BMW X4 M Competition was an item of clothing it would be a pair of Y fronts to the X3 M Competition’s boxer shorts. It takes the roomy and comfortable shape of the X3 and makes it less roomy and less comfortable in the name of, er, style.”
Read review
RAC
Model reviewed:
Score: 6.8 / 10
“If you need lap time but you’ve a labrador in tow, BMW’s X4 M Competition claims to have your back. Think of this car as an M4 SUV – because that’s what it is.”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: Competition
“The BMW X4 M delivers precision, grip and body control, and a lush and luxurious interior.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed:
Score: 5 / 10
“The speed is undeniable. But with all its shouty styling and insanely complicated drive modes, it always seems to be egging you into a driving style that doesn’t really suit it.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: Competition
Score: 6 / 10
“The X4 M Competition is a completely different animal to the regular BMW X4. It’s tremendously fast and grippy through the corners, but if you want a sports SUV that’ll really put a smile on your face, we’d look at the Alfa Stelvio QF or Porsche Macan.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 89%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 78%
The BMW X4 M has not been specifically crash tested, and neither has the X4 coupé-SUV its based on. Both share a safety rating with the near-identical X3 SUV, which was assessed by Euro NCAP back in 2017.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of February 2023, the BMW X4 M has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of February 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the BMW X4 M to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the X4 M, we’ll publish the score here.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW X4 M, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Alfa Romeo Tonale | Audi RS Q3 | BMW X3 M | Cupra Ateca | Jaguar E-Pace | Mini Countryman John Cooper Works | Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 | Porsche Macan S | Volkswagen Tiguan R
More information
More news, reviews and information about the BMW X4 range at The Car Expert
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