Used BMW X4 2014 - 2018 review

The BMW X4 is a prime example of BMW’s obsession with niche-filling. It’s a large SUV but it’s also a coupé, apparently.

It takes the existing and popular BMW X3 (an upright, spacious and straight-down-the-middle SUV), stretches it slightly, lowers it a tad and seats its passengers lower until it arrives at this car, which has an undeniably sportier look. It is, in short, the same job BMW did to the BMW X5 to create the BMW X6.

Underneath, the company has kept things relatively simple, with all X4s being four-wheel drive. Engine options are fairly limited, too, with a choice of diesels but only one petrol unit. The oil-burners start off with the four-cylinder 20d, available in six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic forms, and they end with the auto-only six-cylinder 30d and 35d. Topping the range in much the same way as the M model does in the X6 line-up is the X4 M40i, which uses a 355bhp, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine.

Three trim levels were offered: SE, xLine and M Sport. All are well equipped, with entry-level SE featuring dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a DAB tuner, the iDrive infotainment system with sat-nav, DAB radio and Bluetooth, heated seats and all-round parking sensors. Upgrade to xLine and you get bigger alloy wheels, chrome detailing, a sports automatic gearbox and front sports seats. M Sport trim gets 19in wheels, sports suspension and an aerodynamic bodykit, while the M40i model gets numerous M Division revisions along with the heavily reworked 3.0-litre petrol engine.

On the road, the 20d offers surprisingly decent acceleration, with 0-62mph taking just 8.0sec. The 30d is impressively quick and, because it pulls strongly and doesn’t run out of puff at higher revs, it is effortlessly flexible. This sensation of speed is enhanced by its brilliant eight-speed automatic gearbox. It rarely gets caught out during sudden bursts of acceleration and it moves through the gears swiftly, but smoothly, at all other times. The 35d does the 0-62mph sprint in a mega-quick 5.2sec; few diesel SUVs can keep up with it in a straight line. None of the engines is particularly refined, however. There’s a gravelly baritone to the 30d’s motor, especially when it’s worked hard, while the 20d produces a lot of clatter.

In corners, the X4 is surprisingly good. It grips strongly and feels reassuring through its meaty steering. It handles well, turning in eagerly and staying flat. The ride is impressive, too, especially if fitted with BMW’s optional electronic damper control, which is worth seeking out. Comfort mode takes the sting out of bumps and potholes around town, while Sport improves body control in corners.

Inside, the driving position is good, but visibility can be a problem. The dashboard and all the surrounding layouts are familiar BMW, with clear, logical dials and controls. The iDrive rotary controller is a lovely thing to use – it's one of the best – and there are well-damped switches and high-quality materials on offer.

Space is fine up front and for two in the back, with loads of leg and head room, but a third rear passenger in the middle will feel a bit hemmed in. Boot space is sizeable, but a fraction down on the volume offered in the X3, such is the price of style.

Around £16,000 is the entry point to X4 ownership; a little less for a higher-mileage example from 2015/16 and just over for a car with average mileage for the year. Up the ante to between £18,000 and £20,000 and you’ll have your pick of good low to average-mileage cars, in a choice of trims, made between 2015 and 2016. These will all have a full service history and, in the majority of cases, can be bought from a franchised dealer. Spend between £20,000 and £22,000 on a 2017 car with a higher mileage, and £22,000 to £25,000 for one with a normal mileage. Expect to spend upwards of £25k on a 2018 car.

Not surprisingly, the 20d is the most economical on paper. Its claimed average fuel consumption is 52.3mpg when in Sport trim, with corresponding CO2 emissions of 142g/km. Tax for cars registered before 1 April 2017 will vary but all variants will be in the higher brackets. Cars registered after that date will pay a flat rate of annual tax, currently at £140 per year, but they’ll also attract a supplementary payment because they cost more than £40,000 new.

If you’re looking at an X4 that’s less than five years old, it might still be covered under an original BMW servicing agreement. Failing that, you’re looking at about £150 at a BMW main dealer for a minor service or £350 for a major one.

The servicing schedule itself is variable, but reckon on at least every two years or 18,000 miles. You’ll be able to take advantage of a number of servicing plans, too, allowing you to spread the cost of servicing and pay by direct debit.

We’d keep it simple with the X4 and try to seek out the 20d. It’s punchy enough and reasonably economical, if a little gruff. Our favourite trim is SE, which is the entry level but nonetheless reasonably equipped, with most of the kit you’ll need (if not quite want).

Our favourite BMW X4 20d SE

The Porsche Macan is great to drive, with the closest feel to a sports car of all SUVs. It has prodigious performance, excellent handling and a high-quality interior. What it doesn’t have is rear space – that's a bit of a compromise if you have a family.

The sportier versions of the Range Rover Evoque match the X4 for style and speed. They don’t drive as well as the X4, though, and there is a question mark over reliability. Despite those downfalls, demand for these cars is strong and their used prices are relatively high.

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