Under the hood of the X4 M, BMW has fitted a 3L twin-turbo 6-cylinder mill that is twinned to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The power and torque get uniformly distributed on all the wheels via the M-tuned xDrive AWD system. The base engine generates an impressive 473 horsepower and 442 foot-pounds of torque that help it with a laudable performance on almost any surface. It can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in just 3.9 seconds and helps it reach a quarter-mile by 12.4 seconds.
The Competition’s engine is also mated to the same 8-speed transmission and M-tuned xDrive AWD system. However, its engine is tweaked to generate a higher power that results in better performance output. The power and torque output of the engine is 503 horsepower and 442 foot-pounds respectively. The higher power helps it accelerate from 0-60 MPH at 3.3 seconds and cover a quarter-mile by 11.6 seconds. The SUV tops out at 172 MPH, which is not the best in the segment.
Models
|
2020 BMW X4 M
|
2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
|
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe SUV
|
2020 Porsche Macan Turbo
|
MSRP
|
$73,400
|
$80,500
|
$76,500
|
$83,600
|
Engine
|
3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline Six-Cylinder
|
2.9L Twin-Turbo V6
|
4.0L Bi-Turbo V8
|
2.9L Twin-Turbo V6
|
Drivetrain
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
Transmission
|
8-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
9-speed automatic
|
7-speed automatic
|
Power
|
473 hp @ 5,600 RPM
|
505 hp @ 6,500 RPM
|
469 hp @ 5,500 RPM
|
434 hp @ 5,700 RPM
|
Torque
|
442 lb-ft @ 2,600 RPM
|
443 lb-ft @ 2,500 RPM
|
479 lb-ft @ 1,750 RPM
|
405 lb-ft @ 1,800 RPM
|
0-60 MPH (seconds)
|
3.9
|
3.9
|
4.1
|
4.3
|
Quarter-Mile (seconds)
|
12.4
|
12.3
|
12.6
|
12.7
|
Top Speed (MPH)
|
172
|
175
|
172
|
167
|
The engine behavior is generally smooth and lag-free. The power output is visible as soon as the gas pedal is pressed. The engine responds well and takes a blink of an eye to catch a swift momentum. An electronic throttle control removes the mechanical bridge between the pedal and the throttle that makes acceleration even faster and reactive. The gearbox offers smooth gear shifting and is responsive. The regular X4 M is impressive in performance, but the higher trim feels even better, and in the tracks, it’s absolutely a beast.
The BMW X4 M is the most affordable among all the vehicles here and offers the best value when it comes to performance. Despite being $7,000 cheaper than the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, it offers a similar performance to the Stelvio. The Porsche, on the other hand, is the most expensive and offers the least power and performance. If you’re on a budget, the regular X4 M is the one to go for. If you can spend 7 grand more, the Competition makes more sense than all the others.
How does the 2020 BMW X4 M handle?
BMW’s M-Team has gone an extra mile to make the X4 handle like the sleeker M4 that is widely known for its capability on the tracks. Ever questioned how an SUV performs on the track? Well, if yes, the X4 M will convince you with the excellent potential it shows on tracks. Apart from the tracks, it shows excellent behavior in daily life. The chassis comes fitted with M-Sport suspensions that offer excellent stability in the corners and while taking a sharp turn.
The system offers 3 modes and a Dynamic Damper Control system. By default, the Comfort mode comes on that offers excellent cabin comfort. When you drive the vehicle on the tracks, the Sport and Sport+ modes come in handy and they bring specific adjustments in the suspension for better stability but at the cost of a firmer ride. The hefty power generated by the engine gets divided among all the wheels utilizing the M-tuned xDrive AWD system. The M Sport Differential further makes it more capable by dividing the power evenly on all the wheels.
Braking Performance
The braking potential of the BMW X4 M is excellent. Compared to the regular X4, the X4 M comes with bigger brake rotors that help it with a smooth, efficient, and responsive braking capability. The X4 M comes installed with M Compound ventilated disc brakes on all the wheels. The front wheels come fitted with 15.6-inch discs twinned with 4-piston calipers, while the rear gets a couple of 14.6-inch discs twinned with a single-piston floating caliper. Further equipped with P255/40ZR21 and P265/40ZR21 at the front and back, the braking is phenomenal. The Bimmer with the help of the capable braking system and good quality tires comes to stop from 0-60 MPH at 112 feet. Considering the hefty curb weight, the braking is impressive.
Models
|
2020 BMW X4 M
|
2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
|
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe SUV
|
2020 Porsche Macan Turbo
|
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
|
15.6
|
14.2
|
15.4
|
15.4
|
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
|
14.6
|
13.8
|
14.2
|
14
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
4,590
|
4,313
|
4,521
|
4,430
|
60-0 MPH (feet)
|
112
|
115
|
114
|
N/A
|
The BMW X4 M possesses an excellent braking capability because of the M Braking system that comprises ventilated disc brakes and 4 piston calipers. Despite being the heaviest in curb weight, it offers the shortest braking distance. Following the Bimmer, the AMG offers the second-best braking system. The wheels are twinned with AMG high-performance brakes that work well to stop the car at the shortest distance possible.