The X4 M40i is rated at 18/25/21 mpg.

(Read more about how we rate cars.). Inside, even base X4 trims get wood accents and an interior that’s decidedly upmarket.

This year, BMW has shuffled up its optional packages for the X4, but the same basic idea remains. It’s uproariously fun to drive although we stop short of saying it’s a sports car. The tighter proportions work to its favor from a design standpoint, giving it a lithe look that compares favorably to the more ponderous-looking X6. Actually, it’s probably best to just stick to X4. The rear seats are deeply contoured to prioritize two passengers—we wouldn’t advise three for long, if ever. Balanced handling and agility. Before buying, check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what others are paying for their new X4s.


3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 355 horsepower @ 5,800-6,000 rpm 343 lb-ft of torque @ 1,350-5,250 rpm EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg. (Read more about how we rate cars.).

The BMW X4’s styling has generated controversy, but the coupe-like body over the high-riding SUV chassis works better here than on the larger X6.

We give it points above average for its engine and smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic that’s more than willing—it’s almost tuned to perfection.

We think even nicer than the somewhat amorphous Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

The EPA rates the 2018 BMW X4 xDrive28i (aka the base version) at 20 mpg city, 28 highway, 23 combined. Also standard on all BMW models is a rearview camera, something that’s been conspicuously optional on BMW models until now. Opting for the X4 M40i brings the uprated engine, deeper sport seats, leather upholstery, keyless ignition, adaptive dampers, and parking sensors. Whether you choose the base model with its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, or the X4 M40i and its 355-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, both paired to a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic, you’ll likely be surprised with the X4’s acceleration. Might as well embrace the trend while it’s around. It adds a few exterior appearance items, but also sportier front seats, a grippier steering wheel, and better looking wheels. It’s a luxury sport crossover SUV coupe—add any other names you like.

All-wheel drive is standard on all X4s and splits power 40/60, front to rear. Where the old car was already quick, this one’s even faster, and that much better of making good on the promise of its exciting bodywork.

Both drive all four wheels full-time through an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the 6-cylinder is obviously the star of the show when it comes to acceleration, that 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is no slouch, either, and its 240 horses are suspiciously strong. (Read more about how we rate cars.). The other story? The packages largely follow the X4 xDrive28i, except the M Sport appearance package is standard on the X4 M40i. Parking sensors and a surround-view camera system cost $700. Like the X4, the 2018 BMW X3 is a sporty luxury compact SUV, but there are a few differences that make the X3 a superior pick. The X4’s chief rival manages roughly the same mileage figures.

(Read more about how we rate cars.). Find out why the 2018 BMW X4 …

Tossing the M40i around feels less like skiing (carving through corners) and more like tubing (you’re along for the ride). Yet even those who aren’t familiar with BMW’s way of doing things will get used to the interior quickly, thanks to its sound ergonomics and ever-improving iDrive infotainment system. BMW also throws in a standard emergency responder notification system if a serious collision that may include injuries is detected.

The X4 shaves a precious 2 inches of head room from the old X3, even more with a sunroof.

The X4 is based on the outgoing X3 and shaves just a few inches off of rear leg room, but the bigger compromise comes in rear-seat head room. Maybe it’s the sloping roofline cribbed from the larger X6.

We’d prefer that blind-spot monitors were standard equipment on a car with such limited vision for the driver.

Looking for a different year of the BMW X4? This emotional play appeals to those who prioritize form over function, and who will pay a premium for it. The base engine is a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, while the upgrade engine in the X4 M40i is an inline-6 that puts out 355 horsepower. The base engine is a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, while the upgrade engine in the X4 M40i is an inline-6 that puts out 355 horsepower.

The 4-cylinder sprints to 60 mph in about six seconds, while the M40i does it in less than five.

Its specs are on par with the Porsche Macan with which it competes, but the BMW’s mill is more familiar to us. The X4 is a true athlete with its near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and standard Adaptive M Suspension on the X4 M40i, which offers improved driving dynamics for a sportier feel. The cargo area holds 17.7 cubic feet of gear with the second row in place, or 49.4 cubes with the seats folded. First, unlike several other BMW models, the X4 comes handsomely equipped at the outset. We like its power delivery, its rorty behavior when called upon, and its willingness to calm down too.
We rate the X4 at 6.8 overall, which reflects our opinion of its trendy looks and performance potential. But the X4’s customers are likely more interested in style and performance than passenger room and cargo hauling, even though the standard power tailgate offers a hands-free feature to open it with a wave of your foot under the bumper. M40i The 355 horsepower in the X4 M40i almost seems like overkill, considering how satisfying the older 300-horsepower 6-cylinder was.

Both engines require premium fuel, but luckily fuel economy is pretty good, with the 4-cylinder getting in the high 20s on the highway. Both available engines for the 2018 BMW X4 are turbocharged. The X4 comes in two standard flavors, both will all-wheel drive. In back, the rear-seat’s headroom may surprise, as will its 3-across accommodation, although don’t expect as much legroom as the X3.

As for cramming five within the X4, we wouldn’t advise that. It still offers a nod to practicality, thanks to its cargo space and standard all-wheel drive. We give the X4 points above average for its front seats. It’s even cheaper by a few thousand dollars. A 2018 BMW X4 xDrive28i with the M Sport package and adaptive dampers hits all the highwater-marks for us and costs thousands less than the M40i to start.

The X4 comes well-equipped from the factory.

The X4 is less versatile than the X3, with less vertical space for taller objects but beauty is pain, right?