As our readers could also be conscious, BMW is making a major push in direction of electrical autos with the launch of its EV-only platform, “Neue Klasse,” later this 12 months. The structure is anticipated to underpin a minimum of eight autos by 2028, together with the iX3 (NA5) and the iX4 (NA7) SUVs.
Apparently, whereas the inner combustion engine (ICE) X3 will stay in manufacturing, the ICE X4 can be discontinued. The coupe-SUV occupies a distinct segment market, and BMW already caters to it with the X2 and the X6. In actual fact, the X2’s updates in 2023 elevated its positioning and pricing, cannibalizing the X4.
Little question, fanatics will argue that the X2 isn’t a direct substitute for the X4/X4 M as a result of the previous is predicated on a front-wheel-drive platform. Nonetheless, 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 know-how and luxurious.
As but, the X4 M, a minimum of, nonetheless retains its distinctive attract and appeal.
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 Finest Engines record for 2023. This powertrain can 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 provides considerably superior dealing with, the X4 M can be fairly agile and dynamic, because of its customary 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 equipment, 21-inch wheels, quad tailpipes, and daring paint choices comparable to Sao Paulo Yellow and Toronto Pink 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 present may additionally 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 Automotive Play, a head-up show (HUD), and superior driver help methods comparable to lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, and entrance collision warning. Nonetheless, different BMW fashions are progressing in direction of iDrive X (tenth technology), and autos such because the 7 Collection possess much more superior autonomous capabilities.
Worth for Cash or Overpriced?
The X4 M’s greatest weak spot is probably its value. At $79,100, it instructions a premium over each the X3 M50 ($64,700) and the M3 ($76,700). In actual fact, a well-equipped X4 M will fall in the identical value vary because the iX xDrive60, which was BMWBLOG’s 2024 EV of the Yr.
That mentioned, X4 M’s opponents from different manufacturers are much more costly. For instance, the Porsche Macan GTS begins at $91,000 and has comparable 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—nevertheless it might price over $100,000.
In the end, the X4 M was not meant to offer worth for cash anyway. As a substitute, 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 position effectively. Those that need extra bang for his or her buck can be higher off with the iX/X5, the X3 M50, or the M3/M4.
