2023 BMW X4 M40i review

Reviewed by Dan FrioDan Frio

Overview

If you want the utility of a midsize SUV but can't bear the typical boxy look, the 2023 BMW X4 offers an alternative. The X4 adapts the current four-door coupe idea (a sedan with a sleek, sloping roofline intended to mimic a coupe) to the taller profile of an SUV. The result harks back to sporty fastback styles of the 1960s and 1970s, but with versatility that today's SUV buyers need.

The compromise for the distinctive look is less rear headroom and cargo space than a comparable SUV, in this case, the BMW X3. But the X4 shares just about everything else with the X3: Robust power, quick and responsive handling, luxurious interior, and state-of-the-art tech.

The X4 is almost 2 inches longer than its most direct competitor, the Audi Q5. It's also longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe, Porsche Macan, and Genesis GV70. The Land Rover Range Rover Velar is longer and larger and worth consideration if overall cabin space is a priority. But for eye-catching style, exciting performance, and most of what you need in an SUV, the X4 is a top choice.

Pros

Sporty and distinctive fastback-style look. Dynamic handling and performance. Good fuel economy.

Cons

Sleek design compromises cargo space. Backseat is tight for adults.

Verdict

The BMW X4 sacrifices some SUV versatility for a distinctive, tall, fastback design. The sloping roofline eats away at rear headroom and cargo space, but otherwise, the X4 is a compelling alternative to the [BMW X3](/bmw/x3/), sharing the same high-quality cabin, user-friendly tech, and fuel-efficient engines.

What's New for 2023

After a round of updates last year, including a redesigned front end, larger infotainment display, and mild-hybrid engine assist, the X4 sees minor changes for 2023.

Trims and Pricing

The 2023 BMW X4 is available in two trims: 30i and M40i. A high-performance BMW X4 M version is covered in a separate review. The M40i is the popular model, and it's our favorite as well. We'll explain why.

30i

The X4 xDrive30i starts at $54,395 (including a $995 destination fee) and comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, all-season run-flat tires, a sunroof, LED headlights, heated and power-folding side mirrors, a hands-free tailgate release, and touch lock/unlock keyless entry.

The cabin is outfitted with synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats with adjustable seatbacks.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen display anchors the infotainment system, which can also be controlled via a dial array in the center console. Other features include navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connection, and a 12-speaker audio system.

The X4 also comes standard with active driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot and lane-departure warning, a rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors.

BMW offers multiple packages and stand-alone options allowing you to tailor your X4 to taste. These include leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, gloss black exterior trim, and a dashcam and data recorder.

M40i

The X4 M40i ($65,645) takes performance to another level with the addition of a six-cylinder engine. Other upgrades include special 19-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive suspension, and high-performance brakes with blue calipers. The M40i costs significantly more than the 30i, but its power and performance are impressive. If that's not a priority, the 30i will do just fine. But we think the M40i's engine, handling, and braking upgrades are worth the extra cost.

The M40i offers most of the same options as the base trim, although more advanced driver safety features are only available for the M40i, bundled in the Driver Assistance Professional package. They include adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous steering and lane-keeping, front cross-traffic alert, and evasive maneuver stability.

The Parking Assistance package, available for both trims, includes a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, and a semi-autonomous parking system. The adaptive suspension and performance brakes that come standard on the M40i are optional for the 30i.

Engine and Performance

The 2023 BMW X4 xDrive30i comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (248 horsepower; 258 pound-feet of torque) that BMW says speeds from zero to 60 mph in 6 seconds — swift acceleration for a small turbo engine. The M40i upgrades to a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (382 hp, 369 lb-ft) that BMW says makes the 0-60 dash in just 4.4 seconds. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

With its quick engine response and agile handling, the base xDrive30i feels sportier than its main rival, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe. The Benz delivers all the class and luxury you'd expect from the brand, but the X4 is slightly more invigorating when the road starts to bend. However, the base engine in a newer competitor, the Genesis GV70, generates 300 hp, giving it impressive low-end punch and passing power. It makes a compelling choice in between the two BMW trims. Despite the X4's sporting prowess, the ride is comfortable and compliant, especially with the M40i's adaptive suspension, and the cabin remains quiet on the highway.

Fuel Economy

The 2023 BMW X4 xDrive30i delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg during city driving and 28 mpg on the highway, making it competitive with key rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe, Genesis GV70, and Porsche Macan.

The more potent X4 M40i doesn't sacrifice performance either, with an EPA-rated 21/26 mpg city/highway. The six-cylinder's mild-hybrid assist helps here, allowing an auxiliary electric motor to handle basic tasks such as engine start, accessory power, and initial low-speed acceleration, all of which help the gas engine operate more efficiently.

Interior

One of the highlights of the 2023 BMW X4 is a beautifully finished interior, with comfortable and well-bolstered front seats, excellent driving position and visibility, and driver instruments and information displayed on a large, crisp digital screen. The second-row seats are split 40/20/40, adding versatility, and seatbacks recline individually. Rear headroom is snug, though.

The BMW X4 has 18.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row, which is right in line with the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe. With the second-row seats folded down, the X4 offers 50.5 cubic feet of space. That's a generous amount but less than the longer Land Rover Range Rover Velar, which offers 70.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The BMW X4's infotainment system is easy to use, with the option of touchscreen inputs or the dial controller located in the console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa functionality are included.

The My BMW app (available for both iOS and Android operating systems) enables remote access functions, such as vehicle location, locking and unlocking the doors, and recording the vehicle's surroundings. Destination addresses can be sent from your smartphone to the vehicle's navigation system. The X4's 12-speaker audio system puts out decent power and clarity, but discerning listeners will want to upgrade to the optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon system.

Safety

The 2023 BMW X4 has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This isn't uncommon for low-volume specialty vehicles.

The X4 offers several standard active safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot and lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package includes adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous steering and lane-keeping, front cross-traffic alert, and evasive maneuver stability. There's even a system to guide your BMW to the shoulder and stop it in case of a medical emergency. These more advanced features are only optional for the M40i, however.

The optional Parking Assistance package, available for both trims, includes a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, and a semi-autonomous parking system.

BMW X4 vs. the Competition

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