2024 BMW X4 M

Overview

If not for its tall seating position and rear doors, the 2024 BMW X4 M could be confused for the brand’s other performance-oriented model with a “4” in its name—the M4 coupe. Under the SUV’s hood is the same twin-turbo straight-six that motivates its sports-car kin, with the engine making up to 503 horsepower. Here’s the thing: the mightiest X4 isn’t based on the two-door M4. Instead, it’s a fastback version of the boxier X3 M, which itself is based on the more mainstream X3 SUV. BMW just added so much performance-enhancing hardware that it seems like an entirely different vehicle, especially the harder-edged Competition model. The X4 M Competition we tested hit 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, and it has razor-sharp handling, even by sports-sedan standards. However, the tradeoff is a ride so stiff that hitting a pothole will basically bounce your eyeballs loose from their sockets. Still, those who live in areas with well-kept roads, the 2024 X4 M is the closest thing to an M4 you can get while still being able to fit child seats in the back or pick up friends from the airport.

What’s New for 2024?

BMW makes no significant changes to the X4 M for 2024. It’s offered with the same powertrain and features as last year’s model.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Competition model’s higher-output engine is attractive, but its unforgiving suspension setup is too stiff for daily driving. Instead, we’d save the money and go with the more compliant and still plenty powerful standard X4 M. We’d also splurge on both the Driving Assistance Plus package, which adds adaptive cruise control and more advanced driver-assistance features. The Executive package is also an intriguing option, as it includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, a head-up display, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charging, and a self-parking feature.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Both models come with a twin-turbocharged inline-six, standard all-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The X4 M’s engine produces 473 horsepower, but the Competition model gets dialed up to 503. When we tested the Competition at our test track, it delivered brutal acceleration, jumping to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. That beats the X4’s main rival, the Mercedes-AMG GLC63, which blasted to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. In fact, the X4 M Competition even out-accelerated BMW’s famed M3 sports sedan, in part due to the added traction that comes from its standard all-wheel-drive system. (The M3 in question was the rear-drive version; all-wheel drive was added as an option in 2022). The standard X4’s driving character is already sharp, and the M division’s retuning of the suspension has provided an even firmer ride and dialed in even more impressive cornering grip.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

When it comes to high-performance SUVs, we don’t expect much in the way of fuel efficiency, and with the X4 M, it’s a case of expectations met—at least, in terms of its government estimates. The X4 M’s EPA fuel-economy ratings are atrocious at 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. The Porsche Macan GTS earns ratings as high as 22 mpg highway, and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio carries a 23 mpg highway rating. Luckily, the X4 M Competition does overachieve in the real world. It surprised us on our 75-mph highway route by delivering an impressive 26 mpg; the Stelvio Quadrifoglio managed just 21 mpg, and the Macan GTS was good for only 22 mpg. For more information about the X4 M’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Upscale and sporty, the X4 M’s cabin is crafted from top-quality materials, its layout is driver-focused, and it’s easy to find just the right seating position. A host of luxury features is standard, including 14-way power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, a power rear liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, interior ambient lighting, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The sloped roofline doesn’t intrude into rear-seat passenger space as much as expected, and most average-height passengers will find the rear seat plenty comfortable. Cargo space is more limited here than in the X3 M, but we still managed to fit eight carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat and a total of 18 with the rear seats folded flat.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All X4 M models come with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with BMW’s iDrive interface. Navigation is standard, and all models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot and a wireless smartphone charging are part of the optional Executive package. In place of analog gauges, every X4 M comes standard with a 12.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge cluster. Audiophiles will be happy that a Harman/Kardon 16-speaker stereo is standard, so there’s no need to pay extra to upgrade.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

BMW offers its Active Driving Assistant package, which includes basic driver-assistance features, as standard, but more advanced technology is optional. For more information about the X4 M’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Like all other new BMWs, every X4 M features a four-year/50,000-mile warranty and a generous three-year/36,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan. Mercedes-AMG offers no such maintenance plan, but the Jaguar F-Pace SVR one-ups the BMW with longer warranty terms and up to five years of free maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs

Source: www.caranddriver.com