2022 BMW X4 M COMPETITION

NO MATTER IT IS CALLED, BMW X4 M OFFERS DRIVING THRILLS IN A LUXURIOUS PACKAGE

Typically, an “X” in BMW’s branding designates an SUV in the German automaker’s luxury fleet, but not, apparently, when it comes to the new X4 M.

The company refers to the 2022 BMW X4 M as a “Sports Activity Coupe,” which conflicts the way many auto enthusiasts, even those the the reviewing business, look at the coupe.

No. 1, it has a four doors while most consider coupes two-door vehicles. In my memory, only two manufacturers, BMW and its Teutonic colleague Mercedes-Benz, currently have endorsed the concept of a four-door coupe.

No. 2, though no specs really defines a coupe’s size, the 2022 BMW X4 M is pretty hefty for what we usually think of for a coupe. It seats five passengers and is 187.6 inches long, 75.5 inches wide, and 63.8 inches tall. The BMW 3-Series sedan is about 2 inches shorter in length and 7 shorter in height.

No. 3, the 2022 BMW X4 M also comes with a tailgate that lifts to provide access to a spacious cargo area much like a hatchback or crossovcr SUV.

All that said, however, since they are paying the bill I guess BMW can call it whatever it wants, though you are usually going to find it thrown in with luxury SUVs when doing an Internet search.

All quibbling aside, what there is no doubt about is that the 2022 BMW X4 M is one hot vehicle, especially when equipped with the $7,000 Competition package such as the vehicle this review is based on came with.

The 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine iin the 2022 BMW X4 M is rated at 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque while the X4 M Competition model ups that to a whopping 503 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft., moving it from zero-to-60 mph in a lightning quick 3.3 seconds.

An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, and you can program it in a coupe of different modes to suit your driving style via red buttons marked M1 and M2 on the crossbar of the steering wheel.

While the performance is remarkable, the 2022 BMW X4 M Competition does have its downsides. Fuel consumption is at the rate of 15 miles-per-gallon city, 20 highway, and 17 combined and uses approximately 5.9 gallons of premium fuel per 100 miles.

The emphasis on performance also is reflected it handling for the 2022 BMW X4 M Competition. Its firm suspension can make for a stiffer a ride which helps in cornering but at the sacrifice of some passenger comfort despite the luxurious surroundings.

Standard features on the 2022 BMW X4 M Competition “coupe” include a Harmon Karden premium surround sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, full LED lights, keyless entry and push-button start, 3-spoke leather-wrapped M Sport steering wheel, BMW’s iDrive infotainment system with navigation, multi-zone climate control, heated power front seats, and active driving assist safety features like frontal collision warning as well as front and rear parking assist.

As noted, the Competition Package adds $7,000 to the starting MSRP of $73,400, but included in the starting MSRP on my test vehicle were such items as carbon-fiber trim, a wi-fi hotspot, and Connected iDrive services, wireless charging, and roof rails (making it even more SUV-like; just saying).

An Executive Package (heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, head-up display, M Competition package (M Sport Exhaust, M Seat Belts and M Seats, and 21-inch wheels), and M Driver’s Package (which includes a day on the company’s performance driving course) ran the final bottom line to $86,145 including the $995 destination and delivery fee.

What I liked about the 2022 BMW X4  M: The performance is exhilarating. The cabin is very plush as you might expect from BMW. The sport front seats are supportive and comfortable. Several infotainment features work off of hard buttons, which is good. While the overall system is not overly complicated, performing some functions via the touchscreen can be take some work.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 BMW X4 M COMPETITION: The ride is on the harsh side and the slanting profile intrudes on rear head space for taller riders. You also lose considerable vertical cargo space from the that  slanting roofline and even more when the security cover is in place. The term “fuel economy” is an oxymoron when it comes to the 2022 BMW X4 M Competition model.

Would I buy the 2022 BMW X4 M COMPETITION? Certainly not in this greenish yellow color. (Sorry, BMW. You may definite as a shade of yellow, but many others call it “green.”) I’m not into getting cheap thrills by blowing away unsuspecting performance cars at intersections, but if that is your thing, this is the vehicle for it. You have to be serious about taking this vehicle on track to spend $7,000 on the Competition package, however.