2021 BMW X4 M – A First Drive
A Cross-over with Pinnacle Performance
The X4 M is BMW’s attempt at throwing everything they can to make its mid-size crossover go fast. It’s powered by one of its crowned S58 turbocharged inline-six making 473 horsepower. Upgrading to the Competition trim pushes 503 horsepower that translates to a 0-60 time of a staggering 3.3 seconds. At such a high performance-tier leaves only a select few in its competition pool particularly against the Mercedes AMG GLC 63S and Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV in the 500 horsepower club.
With its initial debut just last year (2020), this iteration gets minor standard features with Android Auto, Apple Carplay and SiriusXM Satellite radio. The rest of the looks and mechanics remain unchanged.
Base X4-M model comes priced in at $74,425 with the upgraded X4 M Competition at $81,495. Our tester model comes equipped with an upgraded Ultimate package that comes with M-Carbon Precision suspension struts, ventilated front seats, front and rear seat heating, driver assistant plus with adaptive cruise control, wireless charging and M-Badging cosmetics.
Powertrain
Both X4 M and X4 M Competition trims get a S58 inline-six Twin-Power Mono-Scroll turbocharged engine with M-performance xDrive (all-wheel drive) and one of the industry’s best ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Base X4 M model gets 473 horsepower while the Competition trim gets a tuned engine variant producing 32 horsepower more arriving at a total of 503. With the added traction capability of the all-wheel drive system, the Competition trim is capable of pushing a 0-60 time within an impressive 3.3 seconds.
Also equipped on the X4 M are M-Sport suspensions that delivers a firm and ultra-crisp road handling.
Interior and Tech Featuers
The X4 M interior is strictly performance focused with stiff seats, a massive steering wheel grip, aluminum paddle shifters and basic, but high quality race-oriented leather upholstery. There’s even a dedicated steering-wheel mounted M sport switch that’s heavily dyed in red.
Still, the cabin space houses practical elements of a cross-over SUV including a 14-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate controls, power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof.
BMW’s cross-over lineup favors form over function with a steeper rear sloping silhouette, favoring a more aggressive look while compromising rear seating headroom and cargo capacity. Smaller to medium size passengers will still fit snuggly in the rear seats though. Additional cargo space is easily accessible thanks to its nifty 60/40 rear folding seats.
Both models get a 10.3″ infotainment touchscreen running on BMW’s i-Drive software. The X4 M models come standard with navigation, Android Auto and Apple carplay for seamless smartphone connectivity. Up front on the driver’s seat is also an all-digital 12.3″ digital cluster display with an available digital heads-up display available for purchase upgrade. A 16-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system keeps onboard occupants entertained with a boomy and crisp audio.
Test Drive and Final Thoughts
Road practice on the X4 M is a pure thriller with crisp acceleration and sharp handling. Power is quick and readily disposable with high fidelity at the punch of the throttle. The deep and rich exhaust tone and rapid-fire shifts from the 8-Speed ZF transmission are also accolades noted during our week’s test drive.
Despite its cross-over form factor, the X4 M is a pure performance machine with a stiff ride and transparent road acoustics. While it still offers most of the practicality of a crossover, the X4 M may be a bit much for everyday use with a lack of comfort there-of. Also be prepared to spend at the fuel pumps as the X4 M fuel economy EPA is rated at saddening 16 mpg city and highway combined.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2021 BMW X4 M
- Model : X4 M Competition
- Vehicle Type : Mid-Size Crossover
- Seating Capacity :2+3
- Engine : S58 turbocharged V6
- Transmission : 8-Speed Automatic
- Price as tested: $81,600
Pros
- Rare and unique high-performance cross-over
- Exceptional power and handling capability
- Great driver’s experience with rich exhaust tone
- High quality driver-focused interior cabin
Cons
- Fuel economy EPA falls significantly short of its competitors with a disappointing 16 mpg on a city and highway combined drive cycle.
- The pure performance machine may be too much for ever day use