Test BMW X4 2022, enough renewal?

We have already had the opportunity to test the BMW X4 2022, which is the update of the model that went on sale in 2018 (BMW X4 2018). It is not a new generation of this SUV coupé that is based on the BMW X3, with which it shares the vast majority of elements, both design and technology. We are, therefore, before a restyling.

Its design has been updated, the equipment has been improved and the mechanical range has also been restructured. In fact, an important detail is that in Spain they have decided not to bring the basic version, since it was hardly demanded by customers and now the range begins with the xLine finish, whose aesthetic is more offroad.

Video: this is the new BMW X3 and X4

Above the xLine would be the versions equipped with the M Sport Package, which would be the opposite, that is, they have a more sporty aesthetic. And at the top of the range are the M Performance variants, which are the previous step to the BMW X4 M and BMW X4 M Competition, which are also put up for sale.

By the way, both the BMW X3 and this BMW X4 are manufactured, depending on which market they are intended for, at the factories in Spartanburg (USA) and Rosslyn (South Africa).

Design of the BMW X4 2022

Without a doubt, the aesthetic section is the one that has changed the most in this new BMW X4. The restyling accentuates the off-road character as well as the sporty appearance of this model that BMW considers a Sports Activity Coupé (SAC).

Specifically, the X4, although it has a front end almost identical to that of the X3, mounts a new mesh grille to cover the typical BMW kidneys, which, by the way, are larger than before and are now made with a frame of a single piece. And pay attention to a geek detail: in the central part you will see a black bar, because that is where the front camera is located if the car has that extra.

Another aesthetic novelty that would go unnoticed if I didn’t tell you about it is that the headlights are about ten millimeters narrower, thus ensuring that the car gains personality. Judge that yourself. The fact is that in this X4 they have adaptive LED technology with Matrix function as standard (full LED in the BMW X3). Optionally, BMW laser headlights (BMW Laserlight) are also available.

The front bumper also has a new design, on the side the underbody protection has been redesigned and at the rear the exhaust pipe trims are now larger and flush with the bumper.

In addition, the rear bumper of the BMW X4 is specific, it has trims for the exhaust pipes and, with the M Sport package, it incorporates an anvil-shaped insert and side panels for the air outlets (Air Curtains).

The exterior measurements do not change, but I will write them down so that you are clear about what size the oche is. It measures 4,751 mm long, 1,918 wide and 1,621 high, while the wheelbase is 2,864 mm.

Inside the changes are perhaps more subtle, but it should be noted that it mounts a 10.25″ screen as standard and a 12.3-inch screen available as an option. Always with the new 7.0 operating system, which has online OTA updates. Although in the tested unit has been quite slow to make a call via bluetooth.

The center console is also updated, which is the same one that mounts the BMW 4 Series and unites the iDrive control, the gear lever, the starter button and other driving functions and I especially highlight that it now incorporates sports seats as standard , which add small lateral petals that hold the back very well.

The perceived quality is very high and the settings are more than correct, but it is still true that while driving some creaking sounds of undetectable origin reach my ears: I do not know if from the glove box or the interior mirror housing. Possibly something isolated from this unit, but I don’t want to stop commenting on it either.

BMW X4 2022: mechanical range

The range of engines of the BMW X4 2022 is simpler than that of its brother the X3, since it does not have a plug-in hybrid version, nor does it have the 100% electric model and the diesel variant of access to the range, that is, the sDrive18d it is not marketed in the coupé SUV.

Therefore, the engines available in the X4 2022 are eight in total: three diesel and five gasoline. All of them with 48 V mild hybrid technology, which not only allows them to save fuel and reduce emissions, but also benefit from the DGT ECO label.

In diesel there are the 190 hp X4 xDrive20d, 286 hp X4 xDrive30d and the 340 hp X4 M40d xDrive.

And in gasoline the 184 hp X4 xDrive20i, 252 hp X4 xDrive30i, 360 hp X4 M40i xDrive, plus the two M models: 480 hp X4 M and 510 hp X4 M Competition.

I have had the opportunity to test the X4 xDrive20d, which is the best seller in the range to date. In addition, in its day we were already able to test the 2019 BMW X4 xDrive30i and that way you have more variety.

It is a twin-turbo four-cylinder engine with 400 Nm of torque from just 1,700 rpm. As you can imagine, he pushes quite well from the bottom and is very energetic at all times. In combination with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission (made by ZF), which is a real delight, it achieves good performance: 7.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and 213 km/h top speed.

And best of all, its consumption is quite low for an SUV that weighs 1,840 kg. BMW declares an average cost of 6.5 l/100 km, according to the WLTP cycle and during this test the average was about 7.0 liters, so quite good in real conditions of use.

Behavior of the X4 2022

The first thing to keep in mind when assessing the dynamic response of the BMW X4 is that, unlike the X3, it comes standard with sports suspension. An alternative that is only available on the X3 if you opt for the M Sport finish.

With that and with a really precise touch steering for an SUV, what you find when you face a curved road is a car with an incredibly firm tread. There’s no sign of excess weight or understeer if you don’t get too optimistic with speed on entry into turns.

In addition, the xDrive traction seems to me a plus not only for safety or in slippery conditions, but also to be able to carry out a more dynamic driving. You step on the accelerator in the second part of the corner and you feel the traction go to the rear axle and help you come out with more energy and confidence.

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Price and rivals of the new BMW X4

As you can imagine, it is not a cheap car. The X4 xDrive20i xLine is available from 57,400 euros and the price range of the range extends to 120,400 euros for the X4 M Competition. The version that I have driven in this test of the BMW X4 xDrive20d costs 60,450 euros.

The rivals that the new BMW X4 faces are the same ones that it had to face before and they are not many, because the coupe-style SUV segment is not abundant either. Its main competitors are its fellow Germans, the Audi Q5 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé. We could also put the Porsche Macan and the Jaguar F-Pace in that bag.

Of course, the BMW X4 is a car designed for those who want an SUV, to be fashionable, who give importance to design, but also to good dynamism. None of that is missing in this model, which will make its drivers smile whenever they drive it.