2023 BMW X4

BMW X4 2023 Review

Following on from the success of the BMW X6 and its pioneering SUV coupe design, BMW decided that they would introduce the same bodystyle in a smaller size and at a lower price point in the range. We’re talking about the BMW X4, which is essentially to the X3 what the X6 is to the X5. The first generation BMW X4 was launched in 2014 and offered with a variety of powertrains, including a mildly BMW M variant.

The second generation model made its global debut just four years later, with its local debut in 2019. A CKD variant was introduced later that year, with a mild equipment update in April of 2020 that brought its price up by a marginal amount. It is currently available here in just a singular variant, with the exception being a full on BMW M model that we won’t be talking about here.

For those unfamiliar with the concept of a coupe SUV, it is essentially taking an established SUV model – in this case, the BMW X3 – and applying a coupe roofline to it. If you’re wondering what the point of this is, it really is a polarizing concept that has seen surprisingly high uptakes in markets around the world. Some have described it as the styling cues of a coupe with the practicality of an SUV.

BMW X4 2023 Specifications

For Malaysia, the sole variant on offer is known as the BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport. To break this name down, it means that it’s the X4 (naturally), with the xDrive all-wheel drive system that is common to most of the X models, and a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine known as the B48. In the state of tune for the 30i variants, the engine produces a healthy 248 hp and 350 Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 6.3 seconds.

That engine is paired with the ZF 8HP – an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission that is commonly found throughout BMW’s model range. This transmission is known for its smooth, quick shifts that can rival dual-clutch units found in cars from other manufacturers, while being superior and more resilient in stop-and-go situations as the torque converter allows the car to creep forward.

As part of the package, the BMW X4 also gets items like adaptive suspension and variable sport steering, as well as the Driving Experience Control that essentially lets you choose between a variety of modes that adjust the throttle mapping, steering feel, and suspension feel. Unlike certain M variants, however, the xDrive system cannot be decoupled to allow the car to function solely as a rear-wheel drive vehicle.

In terms of dimensions, the BMW X4 is pretty similar to that of the BMW X3 – and they both sit on the CLAR platform that underpins cars like the BMW 7 Series, 5 Series, and 3 Series. The wheelbase is 2,864 mm – identical to the X3 – with a length of 4,752 mm and a width between 1,918 mm and 1,938 mm depending on variant. The height is a bit lower at 1,621 mm, compared to the X3’s 1,676 mm.

BMW X4 2023 Exterior

From the outside, the BMW X4 looks like a 4 Series Gran Coupe that had the lower half of the boyd raised and reinforced for that SUV-esque ground clearance. The styling elements at the front are also reminiscent of that of the X3, while the rear end looks more like the BMW 4 Series. For the time being, the BMW X4 doesn’t have the massive front grille of BMW’s most recent offerings, though you could expect these to come with a mid-life facelift.

At each corner of the BMW X4 are 20-inch wheels, though the front pair are eight inches wide while the rear pair are 9.5 inches wide. The design in particular are M light double-spoke style 699 M units for a sportier look, and along with the M Aerodynamics package this is what defines M sport variants compared to regular models. There is also a panoramic glass roof that can be opened up for a more spacious feeling cabin. Adaptive LED headlights up front give the BMW X4 a distinctive look from far.

BMW X4 2023 Interior

It’s no surprise that the inside of a BMW X4 looks similar to that of the BMW X3, but that isn’t something to fret about. It’s a common BMW interior layout, with a large screen sitting front and centre of the dashboard and climate control switchgear just below it. The centre console is home to the monostatic gear lever common to BMW models these days, with some switches placed around for controlling the infotainment system and the electronic handbrake. There is also ambient lighting to create a more pleasant environment when the sun goes down.

BMW X4 2023 Safety Features

2020 brought pricing changes to the BMW X4 because there was the decision to include some more advanced safety features – in particular items like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane change warning, cross traffic warning for the rear, and rear collision prevention. This is on top of the common items like electronic stability control, traction control, ABS with EBD, cornering brake control, and dynamic brake control – the latter two being more commonly found on BMW’s larger and heftier vehicles.

BMW X4 2023 Strengths & Weakness

We’ll be the first to admit that the styling of the BMW X4 isn’t for everyone, but its strong points lie in the fact that it is based strongly on the BMW X3 – which is already a fantastic vehicle in terms of dynamics and comfort. Understanding that most owners of either the X3 or the X4 will be heading off the beaten path is also part of the reason why the X4 is a popular model – it is more eye catching and unique than your regular SUV.

The weakness of the X4 is shared with the X6 – compromised rear headroom and luggage space thanks to that tapering roofline. It’s something that’s unavoidable when a car adopts a coupe roofline, and even four door coupes cannot avoid this issue entirely. Style before substance – though the X4 has buckets of both.

BMW X4 2023 Price

This specific variant is the X4 xDrive30i M Sport is priced at RM 417,800, and the price is inclusive of the current SST exemptions but not including the extended warranty and service package which tacks on another RM 15,740.

BMW X4 2023 Features

It has long been known that BMW Malaysia is quite liberal with their list of features in their vehicles across the range, and the BMW X4 is no different. Items like three-zone automatic climate control, electric seat adjustment at the front, automatic wipers and lights, a 12.3-inch display for the instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touch screen display for the infotainment, and a whopping 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system setup are all items you will enjoy with the purchase of your X4.

BMW X4 2023 Fuel Consumption

The current manufacturer quoted fuel consumption figures for the BMW X4 in its local variant is 7.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres travelled, which translates roughly to 12.8 kilometres per litre of fuel. This may vary quite heavily depending on how you drive as the turbocharged engine is capable of gulping down fuel if you’re more liberal with the accelerator pedal.