BMW X4 Review 2026
BMW X4 Verdict
Comes with new X40d engine but X20d is the most economical with an official 50mpg+.
Looks aren't universally popular...
Find out more about the BMW X4
Larger, lighter and more powerful, the X4 costs from £42,900. The 2018 BMW X4 is wider (54mm) and longer (81mm) than the outgoing SUV, but weighs 50kg less thanks to the extensive use of aluminium and ultra-high-strength grades of steel. BMW has also streamlined the design and lowered the car’s centre of gravity by 3mm to reduce its brick-like, aerodynamic drag by 10 per cent.
The engine line-up will be diesel dominated, with the performance focused 360PS M40i being the only petrol option. The entry-level 20d will be the most-efficient powertrain, with the 190PS four-cylinder unit returning an official 52.3mpg and 142g/km of CO2. The 30d uses a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with 620Nm of torque. Claimed economy for the 265PS diesel is a respectable 47.9mpg and 156g/km, while the 0-62mph sprint can be completed in 5.8 seconds.
A straight-six diesel will power the range-topping M40d, which will generate 326PS and 680Nm of torque. This means it'll accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds and return an advertised 44.1mpg and 170g/km of CO2. The petrol M40i will be the most-powerful engine, with 0-62mph taking 4.8 seconds while official economy is an optimistic 31.4mpg.
All X4s direct their engine’s power to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive as standard, while Experience Control lets the driver choose from Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro set-ups. High-powered models will also get a Sport+ mode that will provide sharper gear changes and better high-speed traction from the four-wheel drive system.
Semi-autonomous tech will be plentiful, with automatic city braking and active cruise control that will be capable of bringing the car to a halt in heavy traffic before and setting off again automatically. Another new feature, Parking Assistant Plus, will steer the 4.7 metre long X4 into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.
BMW is promising better comfort and luxury, compared to the old X4, with acoustic glass to reduce road noise and leather trim fitted as standard. Three full-size seats provide passengers with an additional 27 millimetres of legroom over the previous model, while boot has capacity has been increased to 525 litres. This can be expanded to a maximum of 1430 litres by folding down the sections of the rear backrest, with its standard 40/20/40 split.
Reviews for BMW X4's top 3 rivals
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Model History
February 2018
BMW X4 revealed
The range is enhanced by the addition of two new M Performance models – the BMW X4 M40i and M40d. Prices start at £42,900 OTR.
| Model | Power (PS) |
Torque (Nm) |
0 – 62mph (Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph) |
Combined (mpg) |
CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
From (OTR) |
| BMW X4 M40i | 360 | 500 | 4.8 | 155 | 31.4 | 209 | TBC |
| BMW X4 20d | 190 | 400 | 8.0 | 132 | 52.3 | 142 | £42,900 |
| BMW X4 30d | 265 | 620 | 5.8 | 149 | 47.9 | 156 | TBC |
| BMW X4 M40d | 326 | 680 | 4.9 | 155 | 44.1 | 170 | £55,315 |
The all-new BMW X4 is 81mm longer than its predecessor, with 54mm added to the wheelbase and 37mm extra width. It is also lower by 3mm. All of these elements come together to give it dynamically stretched proportions that emphasise its perfect 50:50 weight distribution and hint at the enhanced performance potential.
Two optional model variants allow drivers to tailor the appearance of the all-new BMW X4 to reflect their personal tastes. Each comes with standalone design features as well as model-specific 19-inch light-alloy wheels.
The M Sport model has a more dynamic look, clearly stating its eagerness to deliver performance on the road with its aerodynamically optimised front/rear aprons and side skirts, and accents in High-gloss Black. The newly designed M Sport X model radiates an air of off-road-focused sportiness, thanks to styling accents in Frozen Grey (a colour with rally racing connotations), as well as the individually designed air intakes, side skirts and rear underguard. The standard specification of ‘Sport’ marks the entry point to X4 ownership.
In addition, the new X4 can now also be specified with options from the BMW Individual portfolio. Extras designed to give the exterior design an exceptionally exclusive feel include the BMW Individual paint finish Sunstone metallic and 21-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels.
The M Sport model also comes with M-specific sports seats in Vernasca leather, an M leather steering wheel and an anthracite-coloured BMW Individual headliner, complemented by interior trim strips in Aluminium Rhombicle with accent strips in Pearl-effect Chrome. The M Sport X model features all of the M Sport interior content with a unique Aluminium Rhombicle Dark with Pearl-effect Chrome accent trim.
Vernasca leather upholstery is standard on all UK models and is now also available in Tacora Red alongside a new black with red contrast stitching option, both exclusive to the all-new BMW X4.
Three full-size seats are fitted in the rear compartment of the X4, providing passengers with an additional 27 millimetres of legroom over the previous model. The boot has a capacity of 525 litres and the load space can be expanded to a maximum of 1,430 litres by folding down the sections of the rear backrest, with its standard 40:20:40 split.
Finally, there is also the option of Extended Storage, comprising of features such as additional hinged compartments, USB ports and 12V sockets, as well as multifunctional hooks and lashing rails in the boot.
Joining the BMW M Performance model of the M40d will be the petrol-powered six-cylinder in-line engine M40i as well as another straight-six diesel unit - xDrive30d. All model variants direct their engine’s power to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive as standard, resulting in effortless progress over smooth roads and rough terrain alike. Gear selections can be made manually using the shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The BMW M Performance models and the BMW X4 xDrive30d are equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission offering exceptionally fast gear changes as well as a Launch Control function. The standard-fit Driving Experience Control switch lets drivers choose from SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO set-ups, while the BMW X4 M40i, BMW X4 M40d and BMW X4 xDrive30d models also add a SPORT+ mode.
A latest-generation six-cylinder in-line diesel engine gives the all-new BMW X4 xDrive30d vast reserves of pulling power.
The maximum output of 265PS and peak torque of 620Nm propel it to 62mph from rest in 5.8 seconds, with combined fuel consumption of 47.9mpg, equating to CO2 emissions of 156g/km.
The X4 xDrive20d is powered by a 190PS diesel engine whose torque peaks at 400Nm. It accelerates in 8.0 seconds from zero to 62mph and returns an average consumption of 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 142g/km. Prices start at £42,900 OTR.
