As our readers could also be conscious, BMW is making a big push in direction of electrical automobiles with the launch of its EV-only platform, “Neue Klasse,” later this yr. The structure is anticipated to underpin not less than eight automobiles by 2028, together with the iX3 (NA5) and the iX4 (NA7) SUVs.
Curiously, whereas the interior combustion engine (ICE) X3 will stay in manufacturing, the ICE X4 might be discontinued. The coupe-SUV occupies a distinct segment market, and BMW already caters to it with the X2 and the X6. In truth, the X2’s updates in 2023 elevated its positioning and pricing, cannibalizing the X4.
Little question, fans will argue that the X2 isn’t a direct substitute for the X4/X4 M as a result of the previous relies on a front-wheel-drive platform. Nevertheless, the X2 M35i nonetheless has more-than-adequate efficiency for day by day driving, boasting an output of 312 horsepower and a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of simply 5.2 seconds. It additionally will get improved expertise and luxurious.
As but, the X4 M, not less than, nonetheless retains its distinctive attract and allure.
Efficiency—similar to the M4?
Certainly, the X4 M options the identical S58 inline-six twin-turbo engine that was named to Ward’s 10 Greatest Engines checklist for 2023. This powertrain can also be discovered within the M2, the M3/M4, and the X3 M.
To that finish, the usual X4 M’s S58 produces 473 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque, facilitating a 0 to 60 mph dash in 3.9 seconds. In the meantime, the X4 M Competitors’s S58 generates 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of three.7 seconds.
Notably, these figures are similar to the M4’s, the place the Competitors Coupe delivers 503 horsepower and accelerates to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Whereas the M4 undoubtedly affords considerably superior dealing with, the X4 M can also be fairly agile and dynamic, because of its normal all-wheel drive, sports activities differential, adaptive suspension, and high-performance brakes.
Stand-out Design, however Inferior Tech?
Being a coupe-SUV, the X4 M has a commanding street presence, additional accentuated by its aerodynamic package, 21-inch wheels, quad tailpipes, and daring paint choices similar to Sao Paulo Yellow and Toronto Crimson Metallic ($650 possibility). In our opinion, it has a noticeably higher visible attraction than the X3 M50, although this comes at the price of legroom and headroom.
In addition to, X4 M prospects at the moment may also discover the tech barely outdated.
To be clear, drivers nonetheless profit from a 12.3-inch infotainment system with iDrive 7, wi-fi Android Auto/Apple Automobile Play, a head-up show (HUD), and superior driver help techniques similar to lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, and entrance collision warning. Nevertheless, different BMW fashions are progressing in direction of iDrive X (tenth technology), and automobiles such because the 7 Sequence possess way more superior autonomous capabilities.
Worth for Cash or Overpriced?
The X4 M’s largest weak point is maybe its worth. At $79,100, it instructions a premium over each the X3 M50 ($64,700) and the M3 ($76,700). In truth, a well-equipped X4 M will fall in the identical worth vary because the iX xDrive60, which was BMWBLOG’s 2024 EV of the 12 months.
That stated, X4 M’s opponents from different manufacturers are much more costly. For instance, the Porsche Macan GTS begins at $91,000 and has related specs—434 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. In the meantime, the Mercedes-Benz GLC63 S E Coupe could also be considerably extra highly effective than the X4 M—owing to a plug-in hybrid system that generates 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque—however it may value over $100,000.
Finally, the X4 M was not meant to offer worth for cash anyway. As an alternative, it’s a assertion automobile—with a flashy design and segment-leading driving dynamics. And even on the finish of its lifecycle, it fulfills that function nicely. Those that need extra bang for his or her buck might be higher off with the iX/X5, the X3 M50, or the M3/M4.
