Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW X4 (2014-2018) review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

Style is more of a priority for the BMW X4 than outright practicality

Practicality, comfort and boot space rating

3.7

How we review cars
Find your BMW X4
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The BMW X4 puts polarising looks and sharp handling far higher up its priority list than practicality, so if you’re after a spacious family SUV, look to the X3 instead – though the X4 does at least have five seats.

The shape of the roof seriously impedes rear visibility for the driver, so manoeuvring this sizeable SUV in tight spaces can be tricky, although there is a £330 reversing camera or a £530 surround-view camera on the options list to help out.

Size

The BMW X4 is 4,671mm long, 1,881mm wide and 1,624mm tall, which makes it longer than a Range Rover Evoque but also slimmer and lower. It’s a similar story for most of the X4’s rivals, as BMW has gone for a lower, sportier stance with the X4 than you’d expect from an average SUV. Consequently, the ride height is also lower, which makes it less appropriate for off-roading than a typical 4x4.  

Leg room, head room & passenger space

It goes without saying that there are more spacious and practical mid-size SUVs than the X4 – the X3 on which it’s based being as good an example as any – but there is a reasonable amount of space for those in the back. The X4’s sloping roof doesn’t affect rear headroom too much unless you’re attempting to accommodate an adult on the slightly raised central rear seat.

Boot

At 500 litres, the X4’s boot is 50 litres smaller than the X3’s with all five seats in place. With the split-folding rear bench stowed, it's 200 litres smaller at 1,400 litres.

It’s all a result of that sharply raked rear window and high loading lip, which makes the space less useful than more conventional SUVs. It’s easy enough to find family hatchbacks with bigger boots, too. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

To its credit, the X4’s powerful diesel engines allow it to pull large loads. The 2.0-litre diesel engine can tow up to 2,000kgs, while the larger 3.0-litre models can handle 2,400kgs. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,065 off RRP*Used from £14,748
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,223 off RRP*Used from £15,337
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2
Ford Fiesta facelift - front cornering

Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2

VW’s sales and marketing boss considers Ford tech share “very successful” – and won’t rule out future projects
News
30 Apr 2025