BMW X4 2022 Review

In the Malaysian luxury mid-size SUV market, coupe-style designs are gradually becoming the new choice for young families and urban elites — people who want the practicality of an SUV without compromising on the bulkiness of traditional models. The 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport perfectly meets this demand. With a sporty exterior, an all-wheel-drive system, and premium features as its core selling points, it retains BMW's driving DNA while also catering to everyday commuting comfort. The core focus of our test drive this time is to evaluate its comprehensive performance on urban roads, highway cruising, and light suburban terrains, to see if this "coupe SUV" can truly balance "having the best of both worlds."

At first glance, it's hard not to be captivated by the coupe silhouette of the X4. Measuring 4752mm in length, 1918mm in width, 1621mm in height, and with a wheelbase of 2864mm, the body is lower than that of traditional SUVs, and the sloping roofline from the B-pillar enhances its dynamic visual appeal. The front features the iconic kidney grille, paired with the exclusive M Sport package front bumper. The large air intake and side air ducts emphasize its sporty vibe; the sharp-shaped LED headlights and clearly structured lenses create high recognition when lit. On the side, the 20-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels (245/45 R20 tires for both front and rear) fill the wheel arches, while the chrome trim at the bottom of the doors adds a touch of refinement. The rear design is equally compact, with L-shaped LED tail lights echoing the front, a small ducktail spoiler, and a dual-exhaust layout further reinforcing its sporty positioning — overall, the X4's exterior adheres to BMW's family design language while breaking away from the monotony of traditional SUVs with its coupe-style aesthetics.

Opening the car door, the interior exudes a strong sense of luxury and technology. The dashboard is oriented towards the driver, with a 10.25-inch touch control center screen seamlessly connected to a fully digital instrument cluster. The operation logic is clear, supporting gesture control and voice recognition. In terms of materials, the upper part of the dashboard uses soft plastic, while the inner side of the door panels and seats are upholstered in leather, complemented by silver trim accents, delivering the texture expected of a luxury brand. In terms of features, standard configurations include a HUD display, Harman Kardon 16-speaker sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and independent rear air vents, ensuring practicality. Front seats support electric adjustments, and the driver’s seat comes with a memory function, allowing you to quickly find a comfortable position during long drives; the rear seats adopt a 40:20:40 split-fold design, which expands the trunk capacity from 525L to a larger space when folded flat, easily accommodating items like baby strollers and golf bags. It's worth noting that interior storage space is well-designed, with a central armrest box, door storage compartments, and front cup holders providing ample capacity for daily needs; the wireless charging pad and 220V power outlet also meet the charging requirements of electronic devices.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, the combination of the 2.0T turbocharged engine (245PS maximum horsepower, 350N·m peak torque) with an 8-speed automatic transmission delivers highly responsive power. Shifting into D, a light press on the accelerator produces a noticeable push-back sensation. With an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.6 seconds, it handles city overtaking or highway cruising with ease. The differences under various driving modes are clear: in Comfort mode, shifts are smooth and suitable for daily commuting; in Sport mode, the transmission delays upshifts, the steering wheel becomes heavier, and power delivery becomes more aggressive, satisfying occasional performance desires. In terms of the chassis, the front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link independent suspension tuning lean towards sportiness, yet they are not overly stiff — the suspension quickly absorbs most bumps when crossing speed bumps or uneven roads, ensuring rear passengers won’t feel significant discomfort. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and the all-wheel-drive system provides plenty of grip, keeping the car stable even on slippery roads.

The fuel consumption performance meets expectations. In our comprehensive test of urban congested roads (about 30%) and highways (about 70%), the actual fuel consumption was about 8.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official 7.8L/100km. However, considering its power output and all-wheel drive system, this result is quite impressive. Regarding noise control, wind and tire noise are kept within a reasonable range during high-speed driving, and the Harman Kardon audio system's soundproofing further isolates external disturbances. Additionally, the ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active braking system perform steadily on the highway, significantly reducing long-distance driving fatigue.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport are quite evident: the unique appearance brought by its coupe-like design, a balanced blend of power and handling, and rich standard configurations (such as HUD, Harman Kardon audio system, and full LCD instrument panel). Compared to competitors in the same class such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe or Audi Q5 Sportback, the X4 offers a better balance between price (RM 417,800) and features—for instance, the standard 16-speaker audio system and HUD, which might be optional in competing models. It caters to two types of buyers: first, urban elites who value aesthetics and driving experience, as it showcases individuality during daily commutes and provides driving pleasure for short weekend trips; second, young families who prioritize practicality, as its rear-row space and trunk capacity can meet family travel needs, while the all-wheel-drive system can handle Malaysia's occasional wet and slippery roads or light off-road conditions.

In conclusion, the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport is not an "all-rounder" vehicle, but it precisely targets consumers who "want the practicality of an SUV but also love the sporty feel of a coupe"—it embodies BMW's driving DNA while also balancing luxury and comfort, making it a highly competitive choice in the luxury midsize coupe SUV market.