The BMW X4 has been around since 2014, but the performance-oriented X4 M was introduced just last year. The 2021 BMW X4 M continues with no significant changes.
The standard X4 is already something of a niche model — imagine an X3 with a swoopy roofline and less cargo space. The X4 M takes the same basic shape and adds speed … lots of speed.
The BMW X4 M comes in only one trim of the same name. Pricing starts at $74,395 including destination.
The X4 M comes with a single engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder. The powerplant holds a high honor as the most powerful six-cylinder engine BMW has ever made, producing 473 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. If that’s not enough, the Competition Package retunes the ECU and exhaust for an extra 30 horsepower, increasing output to 503 hp.
Every X4 M comes with all-wheel drive. The system is the same as the one in the M5 sedan, which means that power is sent to the rear wheels unless wheel slip is detected. Both versions of the engine are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The X4 M earns an EPA-estimated 14 miles per gallon city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 combined.
The BMW X4 M doesn’t lose any passenger space to its conventional counterpart. Seating capacity maxes out at five, although four will be more comfortable.
Cargo capacity is closer to a hatchback than an SUV. There's 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, or 50.5 with it folded.
As a niche model, the X4 M won’t be crash tested by federal or independent agencies. Buyers have reason to be optimistic, however: every X4 rolls off the line with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, and a telematics system that will notify first responders in the event of a crash.
BMW’s driver assistance technology is some of the best on the market. The system can stop, start, and steer autonomously on certain roads and at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. It’s available as an option alongside adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist in the Driving Assistance Plus Package ($1,700). The available Executive Package ($2,500) includes an automated parking system.
Every BMW X4 M uses a generous 10.25-inch touchscreen running BMW’s latest iDrive 7.0 infotainment software. The system itself is intuitive to use, and includes Apple CarPlay, navigation, real-time traffic alerts, HD radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, wi-fi hot spot capability, and two USB ports. A 12.3-inch driver information display and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are also standard.
The aforementioned Executive Package brings a head-up display, wireless charging, and gesture control functionality. Android Auto isn't available.
The X4 M starts with a luxury feature set to match the luxury price. The exterior wears 20-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, heated and power-folding side mirrors, quad tailpipes, roof rails, rain-sensing windshield, and aerodynamic accents.
Inside, seats are upholstered in Vernasca leather, the front seats are heated and powered, and sound comes courtesy of Harman Kardon. Three-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and keyless entry are standard.
BMW’s driver assistance software, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist come in the Driver Assistance Plus Package for $1,700. Automatic parking and a head-up display are hidden in the Executive Package ($2,500), which also adds gesture control, wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats.
Performance enthusiasts will want the pricey Competition Package ($7,000), which adds 21-inch wheels, M Sport seats and badging, aggressive exterior accents, and a dual-exhaust system in addition to the engine tune.
The bundles hold most of the available options – the only standalone add-ons are ventilated front seats ($350), M sport seats ($950), and carbon-fiber exterior accents ($4,100).
The 2021 BMW X4 M is polished enough (and expensive enough) to start, but the packages are worth a look. We’d add the Driver Assistance software, plus the Competition Package if budget allows.
The Car Connection Top Rankings |
