The BMW X4 comes in two basic trims, each with their own engine. The xDrive30i is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which makes 248 horsepower. It sends power to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims a 0-60 time of just 6 seconds for the xDrive30i, making the vehicle pretty quick even by today's standards. The X4 M40i gets an extra couple of cylinders and is powered by a 3.0L straight 6-cylinder engine, making 355 horsepower. Power is again sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed transmission. BMW claims a 0-60 time of just 4.6 seconds for the bigger engined X4, meaning it accelerates faster than about 90 percent of cars on the road these days.
BMW uses their standard "xLine" and "M Performance" trim designations for the xDrive30i and M40i respectively, meaning that in addition to having different engines, the two trim models look somewhat distinct as well. The xDrive30i gets unique 19-inch wheels, front and rear underguard elements and silver metallic side skirts. The M40i, on the other hand, gets unique front and rear aprons with exterior accents painted in a high-gloss black color. Though the M40i also rides on 19-inch wheels, the design is unique and the wheels hide bigger brakes for more stopping power. The M40i also gets a unique sport exhaust that allows the user to switch between loud and quiet modes.

Inside, the two trims are further differentiated by their interior styling and features. The xDrive30i comes with dark oakwood interior accent strips, chrome instrument bezels and high-gloss black highlights. In contrast, the M40i comes with aluminum accent strips, a sportier steering wheel and grippier seats.

The BMW X4 now comes standard with a navigation system, which is displayed on a large 10.25-inch screen in the X4's center console. After various complaints about their iDrive system, BMW has resorted to offering multiple interaction systems. iDrive is still present, but the monitor is also a touchscreen and offers voice command support for good measure. BMW took it one step further and now offers a cutting-edge gesture-recognition system that allows the driver to control the infotainment system with simple hand gestures waived into the air via a 3D sensor in the center console.

Driver assistance options on the BMW X4 are pretty numerous and include an active cruise control system that extends to stop-and-go traffic, meaning the car will essentially take care of the gas and brakes even down to bumper-to-bumper traffic. Options also include a blind spot detection system, a lane departure warning system, a frontal collision warning system, rear cross traffic alert system and a speed limit information system.

Coupe-like Styling

Available All-wheel Drive

Strong Acceleration

Driving Dynamics

The BMW X4 has been redesigned for 2019. While the last generation was a modern- styled crossover with strong performance, it compromised practicality and interior room. The new X4 offers more interior space than the previous generation, while also improving driving dynamics. By widening the track, BMW has managed to give the X4 both more interior space and a lower center of gravity. To further passenger and driver perception that the X4 is a great place to be during a long road trip, BMW has raised the bar on interior features. The X4 gains a much larger moonroof that stretches all the way to the back seats as well as a standard 10-inch touchscreen.

Upon first glance, the X4 occupies a strange place in BMW's lineup. It's nominally a mid-sized SUV, but it's far more conscious of its styling than most of those entries because the X4 offers more of a luxurious feel than the normal SUV variety. The big differentiator, though, is in how the X4 drives. It's compromised some of its off-roading ability in the name of on-road performance. Though it still has enough ride height to not get hung up too badly during light off-roading duty, the X4 is clearly a machine meant for the road. It handles leaps and bounds better than most SUVs in its class, while providing strong, real-world acceleration and passing power.