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2018 BMW X4 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
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BMW X4 highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

Pros

  • Choice of powerful yet relatively frugal engines
  • Manages to combine sharp handling with a comfortable ride
  • Luxurious premium interior

Cons

  • Swooping roofline means rear seat space is compromised
  • Cargo space is disappointing due to the coupe body styling
  • Rear seat visibility isn't the best

Mileage (EPA estimate)

18 city, 25 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

The 2018 BMW X4 is fashionable and fun

Fashion usually has a price and, in regards to cars, that price is typically paid in convenience and practicality. Case in point: the 2018 BMW X4, a sleek and sporty adaptation of the more conventional X3. In addition to its coupe-like roofline that tapers gracefully to the rear, the X4 also rides lower than the X3 for improved handling. The drawback to that unique silhouette is a reduction of rear-seat headroom and legroom. The X4's cargo capacity also takes a hit as it's significantly smaller than the X3's.

For 2018, the X4 returns mostly unchanged from the previous year. The Cold Weather and Technology option packages have been discontinued and their features added to other packages or as stand-alone options.

While the X4's reduced convenience could be a cause for concern, it's not uncommon in the small class of vehicles it competes against. These include the Porsche Macan and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. Considering how much the X3 shares with the X4, it may be a worthy alternative too.

All BMW X4 years

What is new for the 2018 BMW X4?

  • X4 trims have been upgraded with Overhead Airbags as standard equipment this year.
  • DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The M40I trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.

2018 BMW X4 trims

Curious how BMW X4 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

XDrive28i:

  • 240-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Cruise Control
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seats
  • Rear Defroster
  • View our BMW X4 XDrive28i inventory

M40I:

  • Includes all features available on the XDrive28i
  • 355-hp, 343-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • Leather Seats
  • Smart Key
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • View our BMW X4 M40I inventory

BMW X4 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 BMW X4

What We Like

Plenty of power: The X4's base four-cylinder engine is good for 240 horsepower and gets this SUV up to 60 mph in only 6 seconds. The six-cylinder will get you there even quicker with its 355-hp output and is the best choice for drivers looking to have some fun behind the wheel. Equally impressive is how easy the X4 is to drive if you're just leisurely commuting.

Classy interior: Despite its entry-level positioning in BMW's lineup, the X4's interior is just as refined and luxurious as its more expensive siblings. In fact, it may be difficult for some drivers to tell the difference from the inside. The quality of materials is excellent throughout the cabin, and build quality is noteworthy for its sturdiness.

Agile for an SUV: Most SUVs aren't very fun to drive, but the BMW X4 proves that it's not impossible to add some sporty performance to the formula. It exhibits some noticeable body roll when taking a turn, but it's well managed. It's helped by a lower ride height and shorter wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) compared to the X3.

What Needs Improvement

Trades space for style: While the X4 stands out for its unusual tapering roofline, that style comes at the expense of practicality. Compared to the more conventional X3, you'll lose almost 2 inches of rear headroom and legroom. The X4's 17.7-cubic-foot cargo capacity is also quite a bit less than the X3's 28.7 cubic feet of space. The X4 will likely hold most everything you need, though.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2018 BMW X4 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the BMW X4 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks BMW X4 16th out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW X4

BMW X4 features and specs

M40I 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Navigation System
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

3.0L

Horsepower

355

Torque (ft-lbs)

343

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

17.7

Wheelbase

110.6"

Overall length

184.3"

Width

74.1"

Height

63.9"

Leg room

F 40.4"/R 34.8"

Head room

F 40"/R 37.4"

Front tires

P245/45WR19

Rear tires

P275/40WR19

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

350/3500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 BMW X4 FAQ

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