If you like the road manners of the X3 but find its boxy body a little too basic, its swoopier sibling—the 2023 BMW X4—wears an eye-catching fastback design that’s designed to appeal to sophisticates. The X3, and other squareback SUVs for that matter, offer more practicality, but the X4 is more about style. It’s like the pair of Gucci sneakers you wear to walk the dog: The blisters they cause are worth the pain because they look damn good. Reduced rear-seat headroom and a less accommodating cargo area are the X4’s main compromises, as the rest of the car is identical to the generally excellent X3. A turbocharged four-cylinder and all-wheel drive are both standard, while an optional turbocharged inline-six ratchets up the fun. Inside, the X4’s cabin is less flashy but it’s nonetheless chic and premium. Plus, BMW bakes in plenty of tech features. If fashion and performance are equally important to you, consider the even spicier X4 M, which we review separately.The base BMW X4 xDrive30i gets its motivation from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. At the track, this model made the sprint to 60 mph in a respectable 6.2 seconds. If you're in the mood for something more high-octane, the X4 M40i is an ideal fit. This model is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that produces a beefy 382 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. BMW's X4 M40i hustles to 60 mph in a scant 4.2 seconds, according to our track tests, and its engine note is as impressive as its acceleration. Launch control is standard. Both trims come with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. Regardless of which X4 you choose, you'll be treated to an SUV that matches keen handling with a ride quality that's easy to live with. |
