Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW X4 (2014-2018) review - Reliability and Safety

Promising results in our Driver Power survey and plenty of safety equipment work in the X4’s favour

Reliability and Safety rating

3.8

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

Seeing as the X4 is based on the X3, you can expect it to perform as well as its sibling for reliability. All of the running gear is identical, so it’s tried and tested, and technology such as the standard fit sat-nav system should be reliable, too. 

The X3 finished a highly respectable 24th out of 200 cars in our most recent Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, although it was the fifth-placed SUV behind some more mainstream models. Owners gave it good scores across the board, especially praising its performance and ease of driving.

Advertisement - Article continues below

BMW itself ranked 14th out of 32 in the manufacturers table, leaving it comfortably within the top half. While that may be a respectable score in its own right, the firm actually finished behind most other mainstream premium manufacturers. Audi was one place ahead in 13th and Mercedes, Jaguar, Porsche and Lexus were all further up the table – only Land Rover finished lower, at fourth from bottom. 

The X3 has a five-star Euro NCAP rating, and the X4 should be no different as it features the same range of safety kit, including xenon lights, tyre pressure monitor and six airbags.

Warranty

BMW’s warranty covers new cars for three years and there’s no mileage limit. That’s about average for the premium car sector, as most rival manufacturers offer a similar level of cover. The exception is Audi, which is behind the pack with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty. 

Servicing

BMW’s service intervals are variable, so the regularity depends entirely on your mileage and usage. The firm offers a bulk deal called Service Inclusive that covers the first five years or 50,000 miles of regular maintenance for a fixed cost, though the exact price depends on the precise model of car. An additional pack called Service Inclusive Plus extends the cover to brake discs, pads and the clutch.  

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025