Overview

What's New for 2022

The BMW X4 M is a five-passenger compact luxury SUV available in one trim level: X4 M Standard. It offers an enticing range of features, and attractive options are available.

X4 M Standard

The X4 M Standard starts at $74,395. It comes with 20-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires, an M rear spoiler, roof rails, M quad tailpipes, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, daytime running lights, integrated turn signal mirrors, heated power-folding side mirrors, and a power liftgate. The cabin includes leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats with 14-way power adjustability, driver's seat memory settings, keyless ignition, proximity keyless entry, multi-zone automatic climate control, carbon-fiber interior trim, and adjustable ambient lighting.

Satellite radio and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system are standard. You also get tech amenities such as Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, in-car Wi-Fi, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and a navigation system. Finally, all X4 M SUVs come with blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.

We imagine this trim's feature lineup will meet the needs of most buyers. But if you require more amenities, you can choose options such as ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and sport seats.

Additionally, a couple of special packages bundle popular features.

The Competition package ($7,000) adds 30 more horsepower than the standard powertrain. In addition, this package includes 21-inch bi-color wheels, an M Sport exhaust system, high-gloss black exterior elements, and unique M Sport seats and seatbelts.

You can also enhance your X4 M with the Executive package ($2,250). It includes a head-up display, a feature that allows you to control the infotainment system with hand gestures, a heated steering wheel, rear heated seats, and an amenity that assists during perpendicular and parallel parking maneuvers.

The X4 M has two available engines. The standard engine is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, and it produces 473 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. You can get a more potent powertrain via the Competition package. That package boosts engine output to 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.

This BMW is one of the most muscular picks in its class. With the Competition package, the X4 M has more horsepower than the Audi SQ5 and the top Porsche Macan trim. And the X4 M Competition matches the output of the new-for-2022 high-performance Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 S. However, with 505 hp, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio has a slight edge over the X4 M.

BMW claims the X4 M sprints from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. And with the Competition package, that figure drops to 3.7 seconds, making the X4 M one of the quickest small SUVs you can buy. For comparison, Porsche claims the top Macan trim sprints from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.

All X4 M SUVs feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. And all-wheel drive is standard on all models.

If you're looking for thrilling driving dynamics, the X4 M delivers. Acceleration is brisk enough to pull you back in your seat, and handling is keen and responsive. The downside is that this sportiness compromises ride quality; the X4 M feels harsh in everyday driving. The Genesis GV70 and Macan provide smoother handling.

The X4 M seats five. The front row is reasonably spacious. But this SUV's sloping roofline means it has less rear-seat headroom than its X3 M sibling. Taller passengers may have to slouch a bit in the second row.

There's also a shortage of rear legroom. The X4 M gives second-row passengers just 35.5 inches to stretch their legs. That's less than the 36.4 inches offered by the X3 M. It's also less than you'll find in the Genesis GV70.

This SUV's interior design is home to sporty carbon-fiber accents. And the M-badged door sills and driver footrest are stylish reminders of this vehicle's lineage.

The X4 M has 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place and 50.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It's less roomy than the X3 M, which has 28.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.7 cubic feet behind the first. But the X4 M has more room behind the rear seat than the Porsche Macan (17.2 cubic feet).

Crisp graphics give the X4 M's infotainment system a modern look. A touchscreen and an easy-to-use control knob allow you to interface with this system.

BMW equips the X4 M with appealing audio and tech features. The list includes navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

You'll find a head-up display on the options list, as well as a feature that allows you to control the infotainment system with basic hand gestures.

The X4 M's standard 12.3-inch touchscreen is larger than the standard unit in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Porsche Macan.

The 2022 BMW X4 M hasn't been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). And it hasn't been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Note that these organizations typically don't test high-performance variants such as the X4 M.

All X4 M SUVs come with forward-collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. And on the options list, you'll find a surround-view camera.

The X4 M is less fuel-efficient than the Genesis GV70. And the Porsche Macan has smoother handling that's a better fit for daily commutes. Still, if you can overlook those weaknesses, the X4 M will impress you with its outstanding performance — it's one of the quickest, nimblest small SUVs you can buy.

BMW X4 M vs. Genesis GV70

BMW X4 M vs. Porsche Macan