2022 BMW X4

BMW X4 MORE ABOUT APPEARANCE 

THAN PRACTICALITY OF TYPICAL SUV

Three years into its second generation, the BMW X4 is a sexier version of the  boxier BMW X3 compact SUV introduced back in 2004, though the X4’s sportier coupe-like profile does come with quirks that impede on the mission of your usual Sports Utility Vehicle.

In fact, the German automaker doesn’t label either model “SUV.” It refers to the 2022 BMW X4 as a “Sports Activity Coupe” and the X3 as a “Sports Activity Vehicle” in its releases, though the “X4” (and X3 for that matter) nomenclature fits comfortably into the more commonly called SUV segment.

Both the X3 and X4 offer the choice of 4- or 6-cylinder engines mated to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and delivering zero-to-60 mph times from 6.0 to 4.4 seconds, respectively, according to company clockers.

Both have two-row seating for five-passenger capacity, but the big difference is in the cargo capacity. The X4’s sloping roofline limits it to 23.7 cubic feet with second-row seats in place while the X3 offers up to 28.7 with all seats in place. 

Taller second-row occupants might also notice a skosh less headroom with 37.2 inches available in the X4 to 38.5 in the X3. The same goes for legroom in the second row with 35.5 in the X4 to 36.4 in the X3.

But enough about the X3.

The 2022 BMW X4 comes into two versions with both getting all-wheel-drive as standard. The 2022 BMW X4 xDrive 30i gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque while the 2022 BMX X xDrive M40i has a turbo 6-cylinder that reaches a healthier 382/369, respectively.

This review is based on the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive 30i, which offers fuel economy figures of 21miles-per-gallon city, 28 highway, and 24 combined using recommend premium fuel. You can jack up performance as well by shifting into Sport mode or using the paddle shifters for manual gear selection.

If there is another disadvantage with the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i it is that the starting MSRP of $51,900 (before the $995 freight charge is added) is on the high side of the luxury SUV segment. The M40i starts at $62,400 (again, not including destination and delivery), and that’s before extras are added on.

By comparison, the rear-wheel-drive 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i starts at $43,700 with xDrive30i with all-wheel drive checking in $45,700. 

Standard equipment on the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power front seats with settings for two drivers, multi-zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, lane-departure and frontal collision, warning, front and rear park distance control, and LED headlights.

Included in the base MSRP for my test 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i were niceties that included blind-spot detection, but many other features came at an additional cost that ran the final bottom line to $58,740 including the destination charge.

They included a Dynamic Handling Package that added M Sport Brakes, an M Sport Package that added special design touches and 20-inch wheels over standard 19s, and a Premium Package that included a head-up display, heated front seats, lumbar support, and gesture control for infotainment features.

The dark graphic metallic exterior color, which, depending on the light, sometimes takes on a blue hue, also added $650, but navigation is among standard systems.

What I liked about the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive 30i: The coupe-like exterior styling is very appealing and the refreshed interior is roomy up front. Throttle response from the twin-turbo 4-cylinder makes for a very sporty drive. Technological features are plentiful and user-friendly. You have the option of using the touchscreen or hard buttons in many cases.

What I didn’t like about the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive 30i: The sloping roofline intrudes on second-row headroom as well as cargo capacity, which is 10 cubic feet less than its X3 stablemate. You also have to take care not to bump your head when getting into the seats both front and back. Second-row legroom also is tight. MSRP is at the high end of the segment.

Would I buy the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive 30i? There are lots of good choices when it comes to compact luxury SUVs, and the X4 is among them, especially if you aren’t that concerned about serious hauling. The X3 is the better choice if you need more room to haul stuff and costs less, too.