2023 BMW X4

　　

2023 BMW X4 Review

byWill KaufmanSenior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax

　　Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at zzdcar. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.

　　, rating written byWill KaufmanReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Looking for a sporty luxury compact crossover that's also stylish? BMW has a niche vehicle for you: the 2023 BMW X4. The X4 is a slightly longer, lower, wider and swoopier version of the X3. It trades away a bit of rear headroom and cargo space in exchange for its fastback profile. The X3 is certainly more practical, but the X4 does all right in this regard, and it manages to be both comfortable and engaging to drive, too.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 BMW X4 xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$196/mo  for X4 xDrive30i

　　X4 xDrive30i

　　xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $53,400 MSRPM40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $64,650 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The X4 has some competition. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe offers comparable looks and performance with some of the best tech features and build quality you'll find in the segment. If it's performance you want, the Porsche Macan is the standout in the class. But overall we think the X4 is a respectable pick for a coupe-style small luxury SUV. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to learn more about the X4's hits and misses.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.5

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the X4 drive? We tested the xDrive30i. It doesn't sprint off the line with a whole lot of verve, but once you're rolling there's plenty of zip. Our four-cylinder test car didn't break any records on its way to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, but we like the eight-speed transmission's responsiveness.

　　The X4's brakes react quickly and are smooth and easy to use in regular driving, but handling is its biggest strength. With its standard M Sport suspension (the regular suspension is a no-cost option), our X4 test car felt solid and composed through quick corners and curves. The steering loads up well in Sport mode during curves. It's well weighted but still sharp and accurate, inspiring confidence when breezing through twistier sections of road.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the X4? The X4's seats are firm, supportive and great for long stints behind the wheel. Multiple adjustments for the front seats include thigh extenders and inflatable side bolsters, ensuring a good fit for most body types.

　　While the X4's ride is taut, it shrugs off rough roads reasonably well. It's also pretty quiet. There's a touch of wind noise, but the smooth ride, zesty engine and hushed interior make it easy to drive the X4 deceptively fast. It's easy to exceed the speed limit without realizing it.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below