2018 BMW X4 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byMark Takahashi
Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
- Powerful yet efficient engine choices
- Interior quality well represents the luxury class
- Ride quality is smooth yet handling is sporty
Cons
- Limited rear-seat space
- Cargo capacity is much smaller than rivals
- Rearward visibility is compromised
What’s new
The BMW X4 returns unchanged for 2018.
Vehicle overview
How much are you willing to sacrifice for fashion? This is an important question to answer as it will largely dictate how much appeal the 2018 BMW X4 is going to have for you. The X4 is a lot like the larger BMW X6. Both have a distinct sloping rear roofline for a coupelike profile, plus plenty of aggressive styling flourishes to up the sporty quotient. Compared to the X3 on which it is based, the X4 certainly looks cooler. But let's not forget what the "U" in SUV stands for — utility. That fastback rear hatch significantly cuts into cargo capacity as well as rear-passenger space.
If style is a priority for your small luxury crossover SUV, the 2018 BMW X4 is certainly a strong contender. But for everybody else, we suggest checking out more capable alternatives, some of which are within BMW's own model lineup.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2018 BMW X4 is a sleek SUV with a distinctive sloping rear roofline that gives it a sporty appearance. Unfortunately, the sacrifices in cargo and rear-passenger space are significant. You'll probably like the X4. Just know that it's form over function.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 BMW X4 xDrive28i (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current X4 has received some revisions, including an update to BMW's iDrive infotainment system. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's X4.
Scorecard
| Overall |
Driving
With either engine, the X4 delivers quick acceleration for the class. The M40i is for the few who seek a high-performing overkill SUV with superb handling capabilities. The xDrive28i isn't as great in the corners but does have a more comfortable ride quality.
Comfort
Front-seat comfort is adequate, with the M Sport seats gaining an edge for support. Rear seats are mounted low yet still lack enough headroom for taller passengers. This is one of the prices you pay for that sloping rear roofline.
Interior
The materials quality matches that of the rest of the BMW lineup, which is to say it's really quite good. Combined with the upmarket design, it feels right for the price. Controls are logically placed and easy to use.
Utility
There's only 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, or 49.4 cubic feet with them folded down. This is smaller than in some hatchbacks, which could spell trouble for bulkier items. Interior storage could be better, too, especially with the shallow center armrest bin.
Technology
BMW's iDrive system continues to evolve in the right direction. Yes, it takes some time to fully acclimate to, but it can become second nature with ease. The advanced safety features are well tuned to avoid false alarms yet effective when you need them to be.
Which X4 does Edmunds recommend?
The 2018 BMW X4 xDrive28i is already a potent little performer and will satisfy the majority of drivers. Almost all of the features from the range-topping M40i are available as options, so you won't be missing much other than the overabundance of power.
BMW's suite of advanced safety features is among the best in the industry, so for either the xDrive28i or the M40i, we'd recommend adding the Driving Assistance package. Otherwise, we caution against adding much else since options are expensive and quickly send the price into another bracket.
2018 BMW X4 models
The 2018 BMW X4 is a compact luxury SUV with a sloping rear roofline, much like the larger but equally sleek BMW X6. It is available in two trim levels: the xDrive28i and M40i. The xDrive 28i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (240 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque) while the M40i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (355 hp, 343 lb-ft). Both come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
