2024 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport Review

The market for D-segment luxury coupe SUVs has been gradually heating up in Malaysia in recent years. Consumers want the off-road capability and space of an SUV without compromising on the sporty demeanor of a coupe—the 2024 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport perfectly targets this demand. As the mid-cycle facelift of the X4 series, it not only retains its iconic coupe styling but also undergoes targeted upgrades in configuration and driving feel. The core purpose of this test drive is to verify whether this M Sport version can balance daily practicality for family use and the driving pleasure for weekend getaways.

Parked outside the showroom, the X4 xDrive30i M Sport stands out from the standard versions at first glance. The front face features a blacked-out kidney grille paired with sharp-edged LED headlights on both sides. The "Angel Eye" daytime running lights inside the lamp housing are highly recognizable. The M Sport body kit on the lower front bumper includes honeycomb-shaped air intakes, further enhancing its sporty vibe. The car's side profile retains the X4's classic coupe silhouette, with the roofline gracefully sloping downwards from the B-pillar, which is less bulky than traditional SUVs and more practical than a pure coupe. The 20-inch dual five-spoke M alloy wheels are fitted with staggered tires, with 245/45 R20 for the front wheels and 275/40 R20 for the rear, creating a visually sturdy stance. At the rear, changes focus on the taillights and rear bumper, with the redesigned smoked LED taillights featuring an L-shaped lighting signature when illuminated. The rear diffuser-style trim on the bumper and the dual-round exhaust tailpipes further emphasize the M Sport's sporty orientation.

Opening the car door, a sense of luxury and technology fills the interior. The dashboard features a combination of soft-touch materials and Alcantara suede accents, offering a delicate texture. The M Sport multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather, with integrated buttons on both sides for controls like volume adjustment and cruise control, as well as paddle shifters behind for convenient operation. The 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch central touchscreen form a dual-screen setup that serves as the centerpiece of the interior. The instrument cluster supports various display modes such as Sport and Comfort, while the central screen runs the BMW iDrive 8 system and supports voice commands and gesture controls, responding smoothly. In terms of features, the head-up display (HUD) comes as standard and projects information like speed and navigation onto the windshield. The front seats are electrically adjustable, with the driver’s seat offering memory function, moderate cushioning, and ample support. The rear seats fold down in a 40:20:40 split, expanding the trunk capacity from 525 liters to a larger space, making it convenient for storing strollers or suitcases in daily use. For added convenience, the rear seat area is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB ports, while the front center armrest box includes a 220V/230V power outlet to accommodate various charging needs.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, after adjusting the seat and steering wheel and pressing the engine start button, the 2.0T turbocharged engine emits a deep and powerful sound. This engine offers a maximum output of 185 kW (252 PS) and a peak torque of 350 N·m. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. While driving in Comfort mode, the car starts smoothly, throttle response is linear, the 8-speed automatic transmission shifts gears seamlessly with almost no noticeable jerkiness. When the accelerator is pressed firmly for rapid acceleration, the power delivery remains consistent and robust. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.4 seconds feels sufficient in real-world scenarios for overtaking or highway cruising. Switching to Sport mode, throttle sensitivity significantly increases, the transmission deliberately holds lower gears, and the response speed of the paddle shifters improves, making it ideal for enjoying driving fun on empty roads or winding mountain paths.

In terms of chassis, the front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspensions are tuned by M Sport, leaning towards firmness without being overly jarring. When driving over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension quickly filters out excess vibrations, without any looseness. On mountain roads, the suspension demonstrates excellent body support, effectively controlling body roll. Coupled with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system's grip, the stability during cornering is impressive. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play and a relatively heavy feel, in line with the positioning of a sporty SUV.

In terms of fuel consumption, we tested under road conditions that included half city congestion and half highway cruising. The actual fuel consumption is about 9.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official comprehensive fuel consumption of 8.5L/100km. However, considering the impact of the four-wheel-drive system and sport tires, this result is within a normal range for coupe SUVs in the same segment. Noise control performs well. Below 80 km/h, tire and wind noise are not significant. Above 100 km/h, wind noise slightly increases, but the exceptional sound quality of the Harman Kardon 16-speaker sound system largely masks it when the music is on.

Overall, the 2024 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport has very distinct core advantages: First, its unique design— the fastback silhouette balances sportiness and practicality, and the M Sport package enhances its recognizability. Second, its rich features— dual screens, HUD, memory electric seats, Harman Kardon sound system, and other configurations are all standard, making it more cost-effective than competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe or Audi Q5 Sportback. Third, its balanced driving quality— with sufficient power and solid chassis, it is comfortable for daily use while also capable of meeting the needs of occasional spirited driving.

This vehicle is suitable for two types of people: one is young family users who value quality of life, needing the space and off-road capability of an SUV while highlighting individuality in the design. The other is professionals seeking a balance between sportiness and luxury— a car that provides style for daily commutes and enjoyment for weekend getaways.

In summary, the 2024 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport is a "versatile" coupe SUV. It has no obvious shortcomings, and whether in design, configuration, or driving experience, it meets most consumers' expectations for a luxury sports SUV. If you're looking for a sporty luxury car that doesn't compromise on practicality, it is definitely worth considering.