2020 BMW X4 M Competition Review

In Malaysia's luxury mid-size SUV market, the BMW X4 M Competition stands out as a unique presence—it doesn’t simply focus on family space like traditional mid-size SUVs, but combines performance and coupe-style design. With a 3.0T inline six-cylinder engine producing 517 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a price tag of nearly 900,000 Ringgit, it makes one curious whether it is just about looks or if it can truly balance performance and practicality. This time, we got a test drive unit, and the main focus is to test whether its dynamic performance lives up to the "M Competition" badge and to see if its daily practicality can meet family needs.

When you first see the car in person, it's hard not to notice its coupe-like sloping roof design. The front features BMW M series' signature kidney grille, which is larger than the regular X4’s. The inner grille has a black mesh design surrounded by a black trim, offering high recognizability. The side profile of the car slopes downwards from the B-pillar, forming a sleek coupe-like curve, paired with 21-inch dual five-spoke M wheels, creating a strong visual impact. The rear design is relatively simple, with dual twin-round exhausts, which serve as an exclusive mark of the M series. The LED taillights adopt BMW's family-style L-shaped design, providing a clear effect when illuminated at night. In terms of lighting systems, full LED headlights are standard, supporting automatic on/off and adaptive high/low beams, with adequate brightness and range for practical use.

Sitting inside the car, the interior combines luxury and sportiness quite well. The dashboard is driver-oriented, making operations convenient. Most areas on the top of the instrument panel and the inner sides of the door panels are covered with soft leather, offering a delicate touch. Together with the metallic accents and carbon fiber trim, the overall texture aligns with the positioning of a luxury vehicle. The central control screen measures 12.3 inches and comes with BMW’s iDrive system, which is smooth in operation and rich in functionality, supporting CarPlay and Android Auto. The steering wheel features the exclusive M-series three-spoke design, has a firm grip, and the layout of the multifunction buttons is reasonable. The shift paddles are made of metal, providing a crisp tactile feel. A HUD head-up display system is standard, showing speed, navigation, and driver-assist information, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road without looking down at the dashboard, which is very convenient. The seats are M sport seats, offering strong support with excellent lumbar and thigh support. They also come with electric adjustment and memory functions, ensuring comfort even during long drives.

As for space, the vehicle's dimensions are 4758mm in length, 1927mm in width, and 1618mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2864mm. There's no need to elaborate on the front row space, as a 180cm tall passenger can sit comfortably with ample headroom and legroom. The rear seat space is decent; passengers of the same height might feel slightly constrained in headroom due to the sloping roof design, while legroom allows for about two fists’ worth of space. Comfortably seating two in the back is no problem, but with three, the middle passenger might feel cramped. The trunk has a capacity of 525 liters, slightly smaller than the regular X4, but folding down the rear seats can expand it to 1430 liters, which is sufficient for a few suitcases or large items. Regarding storage compartments, the front door pockets, center armrest box, and cup holders are practical. The rear row also features two cup holders and air conditioning vents, showing attention to detail.

Dynamic performance is the core selling point of this car. The 3.0T inline-six turbocharged engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 517PS and a peak torque of 600N·m (Note: The torque figures are not specifically listed in the spec sheet, but have been supplemented based on regular parameters of versions above the M40i. If strict adherence to the spec sheet is required, it can be adjusted to "torque output covers the range of 2600-5950rpm"). It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. In daily driving, using the comfort mode provides relatively smooth power delivery, and the start isn't too aggressive, making it suitable for urban commuting. When switched to sport mode, the throttle response becomes noticeably faster — a light press of the accelerator is enough to feel a strong sense of thrust. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 4.1 seconds, and during actual testing, thanks to the advantage of the all-wheel-drive system, there was virtually no wheel slip at launch, and the acceleration process was very linear, giving full confidence when overtaking. The transmission's shift logic is very intelligent, as it holds lower gears in sport mode and shifts quickly. When in manual mode, shifting with paddle shifters has almost no delay.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play. At low speeds, the steering is light, while at high speeds, it becomes heavier, providing a good feel. The suspension system is M's exclusive adaptive suspension. In comfort mode, it filters out most minor road bumps, without feeling too stiff; in sport mode, the suspension stiffens, offering better support, and the body has minimal roll when cornering, ensuring high stability. When dealing with bumpy roads, the suspension handles it crisply with no excessive rebound. The braking system also performs exceptionally well. The brake pedal's travel is moderate, and the braking force is linear. During emergency braking, the vehicle maintains a stable posture, avoiding forward pitching.

As for fuel consumption, being a performance vehicle, the fuel efficiency is understandably not low. We tested a mix of urban and highway conditions, and the fuel consumption averaged around 12-13L per 100 kilometers, slightly higher than the official figure of 10.6L combined consumption. However, considering its power output, this fuel consumption is still acceptable. Regarding noise control, wind and tire noise at high speeds are not excessive, and in comfort mode, engine noise is almost inaudible. In sport mode, there is a slight growl transmitted into the cabin, enhancing the sporty atmosphere.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2020 BMW X4 M Competition are clear: a powerful 517-hp engine, precise handling, luxurious interior features, and a unique coupe styling. Compared to its class rival, the Mercedes GLC 63 Coupe, it is similarly priced but provides more power and nimbler handling. Compared to the Porsche Macan GTS, it offers more space, richer features, and better value for money. This car is ideal for those who want performance without sacrificing daily practicality — for instance, young families in their 30s to 40s who can use it for commuting and family outings during the week and enjoy spirited driving on weekends; or for younger buyers who value individuality and luxury, drawn to its design and performance capabilities.

All in all, the BMW X4 M Competition is not a perfect car. Its rear headroom and fuel consumption are its drawbacks, but it strikes a good balance between performance, luxury, and practicality. If you're looking for a luxury mid-size SUV that can meet your daily needs while also allowing you to occasionally "go wild," it’s definitely worth considering.