2018 BMW X4 SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2018 model has two engine options unique to each of the two trims. Both powertrains have an eight-speed automatic transmission and sends power through all-wheel drive. The base xDrive28i trim has a 2.0 liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 240 horsepower and 260 lb. ft. of torque. The m40i trim has a 3.0 liter turbocharged inline-6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 343 lb. ft. of torque. With the most potent engine under the hood, there is no time wasted to bring the X4 up to speed. 0-60 mph took 4.4 seconds, common among fastback SUVs packing more horses. The delivery of power is smooth, with the transmission and the rear-biased all-wheel drive working together in harmony. The handling was immediate, and body roll is minimal when going around the corner. The firm suspension masked the weight of the SUV, allowing it to be more agile. The steering is precise and turns the vehicle at will, but the effort needed to turn is on the lighter side. The brakes performed decently, with a consistent and linear force when applied. Stopping the X4 from 60 mph took 120 feet, a slightly below average performance among the competition. The pedal is firm but not unresponsive, making it easy to use in most driving situations.

Technology

The base xDrive28i trim comes standard with adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, automatic wipers, power-folding heated side mirrors with auto dim, power liftgate, automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, driver seat memory settings, Bluetooth, HD radio, USB port, infotainment system with CD player and nine-speaker sound system. The m40i trim builds on the previous trim and adds keyless ignition and entry, satellite radio and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Lighting package for the m40i adds adaptive LED headlights and automatic high beams. The Cold Weather package includes heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, and headlight washers. The Driver Assistance, Driver Assistance Plus and Parking Assist packages add advanced safety and driver aids. Options for all trims include Apple CarPlay, wireless charging pad, navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Safety

The 2018 model has not undergone crash testing by the NHTSA nor the IIHS. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, anti-theft alarm system and front and rear parking sensors. Advanced safety and driver aids are add-ons for all trims and they include blind spot monitoring, speed limit information, heads-up display, 360-degree camera, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automated parking, and a 360-degree camera. BMW’s proprietary telematics system is standard for the X4, which allows a smartphone to access the vehicle. The BMW Assist comes with emergency request (SOS button) and enhance automatic collision warning while the BMW Remote Services offer stolen vehicle recovery and remote door access.

Appearance

The 2018 model has a 184.3-inch length, 74.8-inch width, 63.9-inch height, and a 110.6-inch wheelbase. There are no major visual changes from last year’s model. In terms of size, the X4 is like a little sibling to the X6, having similar proportions and the distinctive sloping roofline. The base X4 has two options for the body styling, which are the xLine Design and M Sport Design. The M Sport Design for the xDrive28i is visually identical to the m40i trim, with a sportier front and rear bumper. All trims start with 19-inch wheels and can go up to 20-inch wheels.

Comfort

Being a smaller SUV, the ride height isn’t as high and entering the cabin seemed like stepping in rather than stepping up. The doors open wide enough and despite the lower height, taller passengers didn’t have to tuck their head when getting in. Legroom and headroom however is on the tighter side, especially with the rear seats having less room than its bigger SUV siblings. There are seats for up to five people inside the cabin. Fortunately the comfort of the seats remain the same with bigger SUV offerings from BMW. There is good comfort to be had and the adjustability allows for maximizing the most out of the seat. Given how the handling is on the sportier side with the M-tuned suspension, the ride quality is compromised for a comfortable experience. That meant imperfections on the pavement were clearly transmitted to the body and can be unsettling at times. Noise from outside is hardly audible inside, apart from the exhaust and intake sound from the engine when revving.

Cargo

Behind the second row of seats is 17.7 cu. ft. of space, and when the seats are folded down, space for cargo expands to 49.7 cu. ft.