BMW X4

Not much is known about the interior features and techs of the 2022 BMW X4 but apart from the reworked exterior design and a mildly refreshed interior, we expect the SUV will retain almost all the features from the previous model year. The SUV is offered in two trim levels only along with five additional packages to further enhance the SUV in every possible way. Some of the features of base xDrive30i include a sport-tuned suspension, power-adjustable front seats, panoramic sunroof, and simulated leather upholstery among other features. Some of the enhancement packages include the Driver Assistance Professional package, M Sport package, Executive package, and Dynamic Handling package.

Which trim should you buy?

We would suggest you the base xDrive30i trim along with the Executive package for the best possible experience. However, if you desire to have more performance the M40i is the one you should go with.

The BMW X4 impresses with its fuel-efficiency ratings considering its performance figures and the heft it moves around with. The SUV returns a maximum of 23mpg within the urban limits and an impressive 29 mpg out on the highways. The combined mileage is rated at a decent 25mpg. With an average-sized gas tank of 17.2 gallons, the X4 offers a decent overall driving range.

Among the competition, the Audi Q5 and the BMW X4 deliver similar fuel economy numbers but the former with a bigger gas tank offers the best driving range among all the rivals here. The Porsche Macan is the least fuel-efficient one and makes up for it to some extent with a sizable gas tank of 19.8 gallons to deliver a decent overall driving range. The Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe also offers almost similar EPA ratings to the X4 but delivers a slightly lower overall driving range.

For the 2022 model year, the BMW X4 will come with a slightly reworked center console yet the cabin remains majorly unchanged. The new center console design looks more elegant than before and all the controls and the infotainment screen are slightly oriented towards the driver for better usability while driving. In the basic form, the interior of the vehicle is draped in Simulated leather upholstery with plenty of soft-touch surfaces. 

Upgrading to the Executive Package will get you upgraded leather upholstery and interior ambient lighting while the Premium package will let you have a heated steering wheel, a heating function for the front seats along with a keyless entry system. Being a coupe version of the regular X3 SUV, the X4 gets a compromised rear headroom and legroom and sacrifices the cargo capacity as well. Apart from the 18.5 cu-ft of standard space, it can be increased to a maximum of 51 cu-ft by folding the rear seats completely.

The Audi Q5 Sportback is the most spacious one here despite the sloping roof design but gets the same cargo capacity as the Beemer. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is the most cramped and compact one here in terms of interior dimensions but offers a bigger 19.4 cu-ft of trunk space. The Porsche Macan’s interior dimensions are not available as always but it is quite spacious and plush, staying at par with the competition.

Some of the standout interior features include:

• Power-adjustable front seats
• Digital instrument cluster
• Power-operated liftgate
• Panoramic sunroof
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Auto-dimming IRVM

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2022 BMW M4 will come equipped with a new infotainment system with a bigger 12.3-inch screen as compared to last year’s 10.3-inch unit. Gesture controls remain as an option for this year too.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard along with a 12-speaker sound system and HD radio. The iDrive interface is very smooth and refined, giving a brilliant experience while browsing through the menu items. Also, the bigger screen for this year will enhance the experience further.

Some important infotainment features are:

• 12-speaker audio system
• HD Radio with "multicast" FM station reception with SiriusXM
• 12.3" iDrive infotainment system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Bluetooth
• Wireless charging(optional)

As mentioned earlier, the 2022 BMW X4 will receive some exterior design upgrades and it will include a new front grille design, upgraded bumper designs, tweaked exterior lighting elements, and a different design for the wheels as well. The overall design language of the SUV is smooth with flowing lines running from front to back. The front fascia houses some sharp and sporty design elements along with sculpted lines along the hood to give the vehicle its much-needed aggressive appeal. The SUV also comes with a commendable ground clearance of 8.0-inches and it helps to facilitate some moderate off-roading.

The Audi Q5 Sportback gets the most beautifully executed coupe design here with a compact footprint and the best ground clearance on offer. The Porsche Macan has the shortest wheelbase and is shorter than the X4 too in length as well. However, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe takes the crown in terms of exterior appeal and street presence with its radical design language and aggressive front fascia design.

Some exterior features include:

• Clearcoat Paint
• Dual glass-pane Sunroof
• Full-LED exterior lighting
• 19-inch wheels
• Power folding and heated ORVMs
• Adaptive headlights(optional)

After the BMW X4 entered into its second-generation model in 2018, it uses the brand’s CLAR platform which utilizes high-strength steel and aluminum for a significant weight reduction yet an increased structural strength of the SUV.

Some of the active and passive safety techs installed in the vehicle include standard forward-collision warning with an automatic crash mitigation system, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

Some standout safety features include:

• Active Protection System
• Forward Collision Warning with automatic emergency braking
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist

BMW X4 vs Porsche Macan

The Porsche Macan is essentially a detuned version of the bigger Porsche Cayenne hence it lacks most of the goodies you’d expect from a Porsche vehicle.

Its performance levels are weaker than the X4 and it also lacks the interior comfort levels and the number of features offered as well. Its fuel economy ratings are also considerably lower than the X4 hence the Beemer triumphs over the Macan easily.

BMW X4 vs Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback is one worthy competitor of the X4. The Q5 has a more spacious cabin, a better overall design, and a more compact form factor enabling it to be more easily maneuverable within the urban limits.

It is as fuel-efficient as the X4 yet offers a better driving range than the latter. However, the Q5 lacks in the handling department slightly owing to the stiffer springs on the X4, making it more of a cruising vehicle.

BMW X4 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is almost evenly matched with the X4 in terms of performance, fuel economy, and practicality.

But, the Merc loses out on the interior dimension department but is quicker than the X4 from 0-60. Moreover, the GLC Coupe takes full marks in the exterior design aspect with its aggressive front fascia and a nicely executed coupe design.

In a word, yes you should buy the X4 if a sporty performance and sporty handling are all you care about. On the plus side, you’ll get the vehicle in an AWD layout as standard like the Audi Q5 Sportback so you won’t need to spend extra just to get an AWD system. Yes, the X4 lacks rear passenger space and cargo capacity but it makes up for it with its sheer driving pleasure and lively handling.