The 2020 BMW X4 can be thought as fastback version of the X3 SUV. It comes with a slanted roof which accounts for tighter cabin and low cargo capacity. The X4 is more athletic than the X3 with adjustable suspension and a stiffer chassis. Inside the X4 comfortable with supportive seats and a user-friendly infotainment system.
The X4 is surprisingly quick with a choice of different turbocharged engines. The X4 xDrive30i offers a turbo-4 that makes 240 horsepower and a turbo –6 that puts out 335 hp. It sprints from 0 to 60 in just 4.6 seconds which is quicker than most of the cars on the road. It faces stiff competition from homeland and rivals with Audi SQ5, Mercedes Benz GLA45 AMG, and Porsche Macan Turbo. All of the vehicles are a souped-up variant of standard SUV’s.
2020 BMW X4 SUV Front Angle View
Features
7.0/10
The 2020 BMW X4 is available in two trim levels: the Xdrive30iand the M40i. The X4 xDrive30i carries a base price of $50,450. It features a 248-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.The X4 M40i starts at $60,450. This performance-oriented model comes with a 355-horsepower, turbocharged six-cylinder engine. It also comes standard with satellite radio. Beyond that, it features the same standard and available features as the xDrive30i.
Trim
Xdrive30i
X4 M40i
MSRP
$50,450
$60,000
Key Features
248 hp turbocharged four cylinder
355 hp turbocharged 6 cylinder
19-inch alloy wheels
Adaptive suspension
Automatic adaptive xenon headlights, LED fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors,
Keyless entry and ignition
Power liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, selectable drive modes and cruise control.
Premium Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio.
Dual-zone automatic climate control
M Sports package that includes unique aerodynamic exterior touches, black exterior trim, a sport-tuned suspension, an increased top speed, sporty seats, and a sporty steering wheel.
M Sports package that includes unique aerodynamic exterior touches, black exterior driver memory functions, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Cold Weather package
BMW Assist emergency telematics, BMW's iDrive infotainment system
Rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and a nine-speaker CD player with HD radio and USB-auxiliary input.
We Recommend
The X4 can be had with two engine options which is the only difference between them. Either way, you're getting an all-wheel-drive SUV that's one of the most dynamic performers in the class. The M40i with its 6 cylinder complements the aggressive design and best suited for spirited driving.
Engine and Performance
7.0/10
"BMW's SUVs (or whatever you want to call them) have always differentiated themselves with their 'BMW-ness' (or whatever you want to call it). That is, they do a good job imitating a sports sedan while offering the practicality of an SUV. The X4 shifts even more toward the sports sedan, with both trims offering quick acceleration and spry handling." -- Kelley Blue Book
The xDrive30i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The M40i gets a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder producing 355 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. Both of the engines are awe-inspiring and produces enough grunt for city driving. The six-cylinder engine is well suited for who want more excitement behind the steering wheel and comes with wonderful exhaust note. Just slam the gas pedal and feast you with liberal amounts of torque and aural excitement.
Both of the power plants come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The ZF sourced standard eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and ensures that you always have power on tap when you need it. There are cracks and bubbles during upshifts and downshifts.
Models
BMW X4 M40i
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45
Audi SQ5 Premium Plus
Porsche Macan Turbo
MSRP
$61,445
$54,345
$58,200
$77,200
Engine
3.0L i6 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
3.0L V6 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
3.6L Twin Turbo V6
Transmission
8 Speed automatic
7 Speed manual
8 Speed automatic
7-Speed Automatic
Horsepower
355 hp@ 5500 rpm
375 hp@ 6000 rpm
354 hp@ 5400rpm
400 hp
Torque
365 ft-lbs.@ 1520 rpm
350 ft-lbs@ 2250 rpm
369 ft-lbs@ 1370rpm
406 lb-ft
The Porsche Macan has got the highest amount of hp with its twin-turbo V6 but it comes with a hefty price tag. Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG and Audi SQ5 have similar performance as the BMW X4.
Ride and Handling
Many will like the smooth power from the standard 4-cylinder in the xDrive30i but the rapid surge of acceleration in the M40i’s 6-cylinder is hard to ignore. The smooth-shifting 8 speed automatic is tuned for perfection. Handling responses are sharp regardless of the trim level. All-wheel drive comes standard and the X4 is quiet and comfortable on the road.
2020 BMW X4 SUV Driving View
There are four selectable driving modes (Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+) that alter driving dynamics. The ride is on the softer side in the Comfort setting, stepping up the firmness and throttle response in the Sport mode. The ride is composed, with a moderate amount of body roll. In Comfort, the chassis soaks up the pavement, though the drive route in North and South Carolina provided smooth asphalt. Sport mode drops the ride quality significantly and is hardly worth using unless you plan to carve corners on your commute.
Acceleration
The BMW X4 with its four-cylinder engine can sprint to 60 mph from standstill in just 6.0 seconds. The 6 banger is quicker than most of the cars on road and it only takes 4.8 seconds to dash 60 mph from nothing.
Models
BMW X4 M40i
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45
Audi SQ5 Premium Plus
Porsche Macan Turbo
0-60 MPH
4.8 sec
4.3 sec
5.1 sec
4.6 sec
Quarter mile
13.4 sec
14.8 sec
13.1 sec
12.9 sec
Engine
3.0L i6 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
3.0L V6 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
Porsche Macan Turbo
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
7.7
7.3
8.4
8.2
All of the rivals have similar 0 to 60 time but the Audi SQ5 is a little bit slower as compared to rivals.
Braking
The M40i has standard M Sport brakes with a larger master cylinder and blue-painted callipers. With a small pedal travel the brakes feel firm and can be easily modulated, much appreciated in off road driving. The car has minimal body lean on corners and maintains composure while enthusiastic driving.
Model
BMW X4 M40i
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45
Audi SQ5 Premium Plus
Porsche Macan Turbo
Brake Front (in.)
13.7
13.8
13.8
14.2
Brake Rear (in.)
13.5
13
13
14.0
Curb Weight (lbs.)
4323
3457
4398
4244
60-0 MPH (ft.)
109
128
123
127
The GLA 45 AMG has the shortest stopping distance due to its lower curb weight. BMW X4 and other rivals have similar stopping distance.
Fuel Economy
4.0/10
The X4 is able to return 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with its standard engine. Those are better ratings than many class rivals get. The six-cylinder's ratings drop to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Model
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45
Audi SQ5 Premium Plus
BMW X4 M40i
Porsche Macan Turbo
MPG (city)
22
19
20
17
MPG (highway)
28
24
27
23
MPG (combined)
25
21
23
19
Range (city/highway)
326/414
N/A
344/464
328/432
Tank Capacity (gal)
14.8
18.5
17.2
16.4
The BMW X4 is highly fuel efficient than most of the rivals and will be lighter on your pocket. The Audi SQ5 and Porsche Macan Turbo are among the least efficient here.
Interior
8.2/10
"We encountered zero build quality issues. The X4 exhibited the high level of fitment we've come to expect from BMW. Everything about the X4 feels solid and durable."- Edmunds
Seating and Comfort
The cabin of the all-new BMW X4 is roomier with precise build quality and a host of meticulously crafted details. Standard 10.5 inch infotainment screen grows out of the dashboard with controls clearly arranged and set within trim finishers. From digital dials to the placement of the vents to the slight driver-focused dashboard is typical BMW.
2019 BMW X4 Seating
The front seats are highly supportive and comfortable .Boldly contoured side bolsters provide outstanding lateral support even in extreme handling situations. The rear seats are also provide ample amount of comfort but the headroom is compromised due to the raked roof.
Model
BMW X4 M430i
Audi SQ5 Premium Plus
Porsche Macan turbo
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
42.2/56.2/41.2
41.7/57.7/41
39.0/57.5/40.7
38.4/56.0/40.2
Second
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.4/56.4/36.2
39.3/56.5/37.8
37.2/56.0/35.5
35.4/53.2/27.1
Interior Features
The interior of the X4 is well equipped with a decent list of features which include:
Dual-zone climate control
Cruise control
iDrive Infotainment System
Heated seats
All-round parking sensors
Eight-way power front seats with driver memory functions
Nine-speaker CD player with HD radio and USB-auxiliary input
The cold weather package which is available in the M sport package is also an additional feature to look out for
Infotainment System
Most individuals are fans of the iDrive infotainment system. Though some say it can be distracting to use while on the go, most of them agree that the system is intuitive. The controls are easy to master, and it's not hard to reach them from the driver's seat.
2019 BMW X4 Infotainment System
The X4 gains the company's Gesture Control Technology for the center touchscreen, which lets you do things like change the volume, skip a track, or answer a phone call with a few simple hand motions.
GPS- enabled navigation system.
Apple carplay.
Wifi hotspot.
Voice input messaging.
Bluetooth phone and streaming audio.
A nine-speaker CD player with HD radio and USB-auxiliary input.
Harman Kardon music system with satellite radio.
Cargo volume
With its sloping roofline, the BMW X4 significantly cuts down the cargo space for sporty pretense. With the rear seats in use, you have 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough room for the family golden retriever and a bag or two. Fold down the rear seats, and you have just over 50 cubic feet of space.
Model
BMW X4 M40i
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45
Audi SQ5 Premium Plus
BMW X4 M40i
Porsche Macan Turbo
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
18.5
17.2
26.8
18.5
17.7
With rear seats down
50
43.6
60.4
50.5
53.0
The cargo capacity is really affected due to the slanting roof and most of the rivals offers large space.
The 2020 BMW X4 should appeal to style-conscious buyers who like the elevated height of an SUV but don't particularly need all the space for either passengers or cargo. If you're like most who aren't willing to sacrifice utility for appearances, BMW's more traditional X3 SUV is a better bet- Edmunds
Dimension and Height
The X4 with its coupe-like roofline and chiseled curves, this Sports Activity Coupe demands every bit of the attention on road. Short overhangs and muscular, flared wheel housings accentuate the character of a vehicle that seeks routes off the beaten path. The X4 is basically a BMW X3 with a fastback roof past the B-pillar. The new X4 is slightly larger than before, growing 3 inches in length (2.1 inches in the wheelbase) and 1.4 inches in width, though it's roughly the same height as before.
2019 BMW X4 SUV
Model
Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45
Audi SQ5 Premium Plus
BMW X4 M40i
Porsche Macan Turbo
Curb weight (lbs.)
3457
4398
4323
4244
Length(in)
175.4
183.9
187.5
185.0
Width(in)
71.0
74.5
76.3
76.1
Height(in)
58.0
65.3
63.8
63.4
Ground clearance (in)
4.9
8.2
8.0
7.8
Wheelbase (in)
106.3
111.2
112.7
110.5
Track width (in) F/R
61.7/61.8
63.9/63.6
63.1/64.8
Porsche Macan Turbo
The BMW X4 cast the biggest shadow as it is the longest among all the rivals. The GLA45 AMG have got the smallest dimensions.
Exterior Features
The coupe variant of the boxier X3 sports splitters and diffusers with following features:
The BMW X4 comes with a host of standard safety features which can see what driver cannot:
DSC+ Electronic Stability Control
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
BMW Assist eCall Emergency Sos
Front And Rear Parking Sensors
Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Rear Child Safety Locks
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3
Back-Up Camera
Competition
7.0/10
Mercedes Benz GLA45 AMG
The 2020 GLA250 slotting beneath the GLC is the most affordable SUV in the German automaker’s lineup. It is much like a taller hatchback with SUV-like utility and higher seating position. The AMG powered engine offers thrilling performance and yet fuel efficiency is up to the mark. Coupe like roofline of the GLA45 AMG accounts for low cargo capacity and interior space. The overall performance of X4 has an edge over the GLA 45 AMG.
2020 Mercedes Benz GLA45 AMG
Audi SQ5
If you want an understated design but engaging driving dynamics as the X4 then the Audi SQ5 may be the best option for you. It is the sporty variant of the Audi Q5 with best in class interior and spacious seats. The X4 may be ahead in terms of performance but the Q5 is close behind. Audi’s premium cabin and better value gives it an edge over the X4.
2019 Audi SQ5
Porsche Macan
The Porsche Macan Turbo offers several powerful turbocharged engines though it will burn a hole in your pocket with monthly fuel bills. The Macan is not fun to drive as the BMW X4. Porsche’s interior is nice and elegant with long list of standard tech features. Both of the cars feels short on cargo space and rear headroom. The X4 scores better marks in most of the areas and proves to be a better choice.
2020 Porsche Macan
Final Verdict
The BMW X4 has got great driving dynamics if you don’t mind sacrificing some interior space for a coupe-like design. The engine never feels short on power and it earns a respectable fuel economy. It rides smoothly and the handling is better than most of the rivals. Really, though, the X4 is a styling choice. And to get it, you have to pay more and give up some practicality when contrasted to the X3. That sloping roofline cuts into beloved rear-seat headroom and steals cargo space and rearward visibility.
FAQ's about BMW X4
Is the BMW x4 all-wheel drive?
The X4 has an all-wheel-drive system that will run in front-wheel-drive at a cruise to save fuel, but send power to the rear wheels under heavy acceleration or when slip is detected.
Are BMW 43 expensive to maintain?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a BMW X4 is $1,085, compared to an average of $944 for luxury compact SUVs and $631 for all vehicle models.
Is Mercedes better than BMW?
To conclude, Mercedes Benz is a better owner's car while BMW is a better driver's car.
