With SUVs and crossovers having become the trend that they now are, the only thing left is to find new ways to make them stand out. These days, you can do that with an electric drivetrain, or cram in an old-school, go-fast gas engine to create a vehicle like the X4 M.
New for 2020, the X4 M is the first true high-performance M version of this sleek compact crossover BMW likes to call a coupe despite its four doors.
Power comes from a 3.0L turbo inline six-cylinder engine that makes 473 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque in standard trim, and 503 hp in Competition form. The Competition version doesn’t get any more torque, but its peak stretches an extra 350 rpm to 5,950 to improve the engine’s high-rev performance.
Both standard and Competition engines come mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW xDrive AWD system. There’s also an active M differential that can shuttle power to whichever rear wheel needs it in order to speed the X4 M through a corner.
Before you assume there’s no market for an M SUV, consider what came before BMW did up the X4 for track duty. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe is a vehicle in the same vein, with its form-before-function styling. Benz also sells an AMG 63 version of its standard GLC, with which the BMW X3 M (covered in a separate buyer’s guide entry) competes. Other upright SUVs with big power include the Jaguar F-Pace SVR and the Porsche Macan Turbo.
Also, don’t forget this isn’t BMW’s first high-po SUV rodeo. The company has sold the X5 M for a decade, and there’s an M version of the controversial-looking X6, too.
The X4 M’s standard features start with 20-inch wheels for the base model and 21s for Competition trim. The list continues with dynamic control, tire pressure monitoring, steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, electric tailgate, power seats with driver memory, cargo through-loading, sport seats, leatherette dashboard trim, ambient lighting, aluminum carbon trim with pearl chrome highlights, front and rear park distance sensors, automatic high beams, automatic climate control, adaptive LED headlights, navigation, Apple CarPlay, rear cross traffic alert with city braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear collision prevention, BMW’s driving assistant and navigation.
As of this writing, BMW had not published fuel consumption figures for the 2020 X4 M.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed