Name: BMW X4 M (2019 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: BMW X4 M
Rating: 46.0

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. 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 others say that the car’s powerful engines lack 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 December 2024, the BMW X4 M holds a poor New Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of just 46%. It scores top marks for reliability, but is not as good anywhere else. Its safety score is only average (and its Euro NCAP safety rating has now expired due to age), while its CO₂ emissions and running costs are high.

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 tests 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

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

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

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 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 family, including the X4 M, shares its safety rating with the near-identical X3 SUV, which was assessed by Euro NCAP back in 2017 and awarded a five-star rating. 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.

However, this rating expired in January 2024 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 M to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the BMW X4 M has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 35
Average repair cost: £1015.37
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

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

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

The BMW X4 family (including the X4 M) has a poor reliability score of 53%, 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 an eye-watering £3,700. Other repairs, for suspension, electrics and braking, have been very cheap.

If you own a BMW X4 M or are interested in buying a used X4 of any variety, 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	245 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	£755	E
Year 2	£1,679	D
Year 3	£2,591	D
Year 4	£2,811	D
Year 5	£3,679	D
Overall	£11,515	D

The BMW X4 M is an expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel economy, which is your main cost each month, is poor. Your annual bills for servicing, insurance and road tax are going to be high as well.