Used BMW X4 (Mk2, 2018-date) buyer's guide: X3's sporty sibling is easy to live with

Verdict

In a rational world the BMW X4 makes no sense when the X3 is more practical, comes with a wider choice of powertrains and is much more readily available. But for many buyers a car is bought for emotional reasons as much as practical ones, so it’s no surprise that the X4 has done well for BMW. This is a sensibly sized family car that’s more fun to drive than an X3, thanks to its recalibrated suspension, plus the cabin is easy to live with and enjoyable to spend time in, as you’d expect. We liked the X4 so much that when we pitted one against a Mercedes GLC Coupé, the BMW that was victorious – but we did also say that on balance we’d pick the regular X3 over the coupé, because it’s a better all-rounder.

BMW has never been afraid to push the boundaries when it comes to design, engineering or creating new niches. It was one of the first car makers to embrace the luxury SUV with the original X5 of 2000 – admittedly years after the original Range Rover and Jeep Wagoneer – but it showed where the market was going. 

Then, just as we all got comfortable with the concept of a full-sized SUV being a brilliant driver’s car, BMW did it again with the introduction of a coupé edition called the X6. That was in 2008, and when that car sold much better than expected, a smaller, more accessible edition was called for. That was the X4, introduced in 2014, with the Mk2 covered here following four years later.

History

The X4 Mk2 arrived in February 2018, in 187bhp xDrive20d form, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, above which sat the 261bhp xDrive30d, with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder powerplant. There were also two high-performance turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engines: the 355bhp M40i petrol and the 321bhp M40d diesel. For those who wanted even more, the X4 M Competition arrived in September 2019 with a 503bhp 3.0-litre straight-six. 

A facelift in September 2021 introduced updated infotainment, upgraded interiors and extra standard equipment. There was also more power for the xDrive30d (now 282bhp) as well as the M40d (now 335bhp). The platform-sharing X3 Mk3 was updated at the same time and a plug-in hybrid model was added to its range – but this wasn’t an option for the X4.

Which ones should I buy?

The petrol engine in the M40i and X4 M is superb, but the diesels make the most sense financially and the extra low-down muscle makes them effortless to drive, especially in six-cylinder form. If you can stretch to one of these, you’ll love the torque, particularly if it’s an M40d. 

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There are three trim levels to pick from, starting with the Sport, which has 18-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights, three-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors plus a rear camera, heated front seats, an 8.8-inch touchscreen and an electric tailgate. The M Sport has 19-inch rims, sport front seats, a bodykit and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the range-topping M Sport X adds a panoramic glass roof and high-beam assist for the headlights.

Alternatives to the BMW X4

Given that the two cars are much the same under the skin, the BMW X4’s closest rival is arguably the X3, which offers greater practicality into the bargain. If a coupé-like silhouette is key, we’d suggest you take a closer look at the Mercedes GLC. Like the BMW, it isn’t a cheap car to buy or run, but it’s a very desirable option, thanks to its hi-tech cabin, excellent build quality and strong performance. Or how about the Audi Q5 Sportback? It comes with some great powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option, plus the interior is as user friendly as you’d expect. 

The Renault Rafale is a newcomer that sits in the same segment as the X4, but it can’t match the BMW’s premium feel; the same is true for the Citroen C5 X, which doesn’t have the degree of substance to back up the smart looks.

What to look for

Fuel tank

Sport editions come with a 68-litre fuel tank, but the M Sport and M Sport X have a 59-litre capacity.

Extras

The options list is long and includes wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras.

Tyres

M Sport models are fitted with run-flat tyres, but the Sport features conventional rubber. A space-saver spare will fit under the boot floor.

Towing

An integrated electric towbar was offered as an option. All X4s, whether petrol or diesel, have a braked towing capacity of 2,000kg.

Interior

Taken from the X3, the X4’s dash is a model of clarity, as you’d expect. The M40i and M40d have digital instrumentation. There’s a good balance of touchscreen and buttons or dials to control all the various operations, while the infotainment set-up is one of the best that you’ll find.

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The choice of materials is excellent and so is the design, while front-seat space and comfort are also impressive. There’s decent room in the back seats as well, although the car’s sloping roofline means headroom is compromised and so, potentially, is boot space. This comes in at 1,430 litres with the back seats folded down, or 525 litres if they’re in use.

Running costs

As with all BMWs, the X4 comes with Condition-Based Servicing, which is a variable maintenance programme that tells the driver when work is required, based on oil levels, wear rates of individual components and how hard the vehicle is driven. 

With normal use, an oil service is due every 16,000 miles or so. Due to parts only being replaced when necessary, there are no fixed prices for the services. But as a rule of thumb, you’ll have to pay £245-£270 (depending on engine) for an oil and filter change. 

If the air and fuel filters are also replaced, the cost jumps to £440-£480, while fresh brake fluid is required after three years and then every other year, at £62. Lifetime coolant is used and all X4 engines are chain-driven, so there are no cambelts to replace.

Recalls

BMW has recalled the X4 Mk2 14 times. The first one was as early as April 2018, for cars built up to January 2018 that could suffer from fuel-starvation problems. Three actions were issued in late 2023 due to glitches with the transmission, electric power steering and salt-water ingress while the cars were being shipped. 

In between these various recalls, there were also campaigns because of rear-brake problems, front wheelbearings failing prematurely, faulty seatbelt buckles and damaged steering links. Other potential issues include chafed wiring in the engine bay, software errors, and engine fires caused by problems with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve. There were three recalls issued for this last issue, between February 2021 and the most recent one in August 2022.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The X4 has never appeared in our Driver Power New Car surveys, but the X3 has. The X3 Mk3 made its debut in 2020 in 49th place out of 75 entries; it dropped to 61st in 2021, then 71st the following year, disappeared in 2023 but jumped to 36th place this year. Top-20 places were few and far between, but owners like the ergonomics, performance and engines, if not the running costs or ride quality.

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