What's New
The 2021 BMW X4 carries over with a few notable changes. The compact luxury crossover SUV now gets Android Auto, satellite radio, and BMW's Active Driving Assistant suite as standard. The range-topping trim further adds wireless charging and wi-fi capability.
Choosing Your BMW X4
The BMW X4 is available in two trim levels: 30i and M40i. Starting prices range from $52,595 including destination for the base 30i to $62,695 for the M40i.
Engine Choices
The X4 utilizes turbocharged engines that are shared across the brand’s lineup. The 30i is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder motor, while the M40i gets the venerable 3.0-liter turbo-six.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 245 hp | 258 lb-ft | 25 mpg |
2.0L Turbo 6-Cylinder | 382 hp | 368 lb-ft | 23 mpg |
Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and both trims get standard all-wheel drive, which BMW calls "xDrive."
With launch control engaged, BMW says the M40i will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. It takes the 30i 6.0 seconds flat to do the deed.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The X4 is over 2 inches shorter than its more utility-focused platform-mate, the BMW X3. Yet, it retains 8 inches of ground clearance for deep snow or off-road excursions.
The X4 seats five passengers, however, the rear passengers are only afforded 35.5 inches of leg room and 37.2 inches of head room. These figures are about 1 and 2 inches shy of the X3, respectively.
The sloped roofline takes its biggest toll on the rear cargo area, which measures just 18.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 50.5 cubic feet with it folded down.
Safety Features
The X4 includes BMW’s Active Driving Assistant as standard equipment, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Front and rear parking sensors are also standard, while the M40i adds automatic high beams.
Lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control require ordering the Driving Assistance Professional Package ($1,700), which, in turn, requires the Convenience Package ($1,050) for a total price of $2,750. An automated parking system and a surround-view camera are bundled in the Parking Assistance Package ($700).
Connectivity
The X4 is equipped to impress on the technology front. A standard 10.25-inch touchscreen with the brand's iDrive 7.0 infotainment system is supplemented by a 12.3-inch instrument cluster digital display.
The X4 also includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD radio, navigation, two USB ports, and a 12-speaker HiFi audio system. The M40i further gets wi-fi hot spot capability and a wireless charging pad. These two features can be found in the aforementioned Convenience Package on the 30i.
A head-up display and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system are on the options list.
The X4 30i is equipped with niceties such as LED headlights and fog lights, 19-inch wheels, heated and power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a panoramic sunroof, and a power tailgate.
The interior arrives with 10-way power front seats with adjustable side bolsters and thigh extensions, leatherette upholstery, wood trim, and three-zone automatic climate control.
Upgrading from leatherette to leather seating surfaces requires $1,450, while heated front seats are a $500 option and a heated steering wheel goes for another $190. Ventilated seats are only $350 but also require leather seating and the Premium Package.
The Premium Package is $2,800 and includes a head-up display, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, wi-fi capability, keyless entry, and lumbar support for the front seats.
The M40i adds the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, an adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, blue calipers, an aerodynamic body kit, and a hands-free trunk. The interior benefits from 14-way power front seats and a dashboard wrapped in faux leather.
Exclusive options include gloss black exterior trim for $300, 21-inch wheels for $1,900, and a sport rear differential for $1,300 that further enhances the sportiness.
The 2021 BMW X4 30i is a bit underwhelming in terms of features for the price. The Premium Package, leather seating, and Driving Assist Professional Plus must be added to make it feel like a proper luxury vehicle. However, the base X4 is almost $59,000 at this point, which begins to challenge its sense of value.