BMW X4 M 2020 Review

In the Malaysian D-segment luxury SUV market, sport coupe SUVs are increasingly becoming the new choice for mid-to-high-end consumers seeking individuality, thanks to their combination of aesthetics and performance. As a representative of the BMW M series coupe SUVs, the 2020 BMW X4 M Competition targets users with high performance demands who still value daily practicality, offering 517PS of peak power, an all-wheel-drive system, and exclusive sports tuning. This test drive aims to validate whether its dynamic performance lives up to the "M Competition" label, while also assessing its balance of space and comfort as a family-oriented SUV.

The exterior design of the 2020 BMW X4 M Competition continues the hallmark fastback styling of BMW's coupe SUVs, featuring smooth and aggressive lines. The front end sports a large kidney grille complemented by a blacked-out honeycomb mesh design, with the "M" badge on top of the grille marking its identity; on both sides are sharp-shaped LED headlamps with BMW's classic angel eye daytime running lights inside for high recognizability when illuminated. The side profile features a waistline running from the front fender to the rear, and 21-inch dual-color multi-spoke wheels paired with 255/40 ZR21 front and 265/40 ZR21 rear wide tires further enhance the sporty stance; the lower door skirts and flared wheel arches give the vehicle a lower visual center of gravity. At the rear, the fastback lines transition naturally into the spoiler, while the quad-round exhaust pipes, a signature of the M series, emphasize its performance nature. The taillights adopt a darkened treatment, echoing the design of the front headlights, creating a unified and sporty style overall.

Once inside, the interior predominantly features a black color scheme with red stitching and carbon fiber trim, creating a strong performance-oriented ambiance. The center console has a clean layout, with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster seamlessly connected to a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, supported by BMW's iDrive system for smooth operation and a wealth of functions. The multifunctional steering wheel is a tri-spoke design exclusive to the M series, offering a thick and solid grip, and integrates buttons for media controls and a voice assistant on both sides, with metal paddle shifters located behind. A standard HUD (Heads-Up Display) shows key information, such as speed and navigation, enhancing driving convenience. The seats are wrapped in genuine leather; the front seats are power adjustable with lumbar support and feature side bolsters providing excellent support during aggressive driving. The padding of the rear seats is on the firm side, but legroom is adequate, meeting the needs of daily family use. In terms of features, a Harman Kardon 16-speaker audio system, 360-degree surround-view camera system, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and other features are included as standard, aligning with the positioning of a D-segment luxury SUV.

In terms of space, the vehicle's dimensions measure 4758mm×1927mm×1618mm, with a wheelbase of 2864mm, ensuring adequate space for both front and rear passengers. The front passengers have approximately a one-fist-two-finger headroom, while rear passengers, affected by the fastback design, are left with only about one fist of headroom for a person standing 175cm tall, although there are around two fists of legroom, making it an average performer in space. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 525 liters and supports split-folding rear seats to further expand the space, sufficient for daily shopping or short trips. Interior storage is ample, with door pockets, a center armrest box, and other compartments that can accommodate small daily items, making it quite practical.

In terms of power, the 2020 BMW X4 M Competition is equipped with a 3.0L inline-six turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 517PS at 6250rpm and a peak torque of 600N·m between 2600-5950rpm. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. During actual driving, the power response is quick in the initial phase; with a light press on the accelerator, you can feel a noticeable thrust. Switching to Sport+ mode makes the gear shifting logic more aggressive, significantly enhancing the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 4.1 seconds, and in actual testing, it easily achieves under 4.3 seconds in Sport mode, showcasing strong acceleration performance. When overtaking and pressing the accelerator deeply, the transmission swiftly downshifts to deliver ongoing power output, and its acceleration capabilities in the high-speed range remain impressive.

The handling and chassis performance are equally outstanding. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and in Sport mode, the steering gets heavier, offering a clear road feedback. The chassis features a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension. The suspension is tuned on the firmer side, effectively suppressing body roll during cornering and ensuring driving stability. When dealing with bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most minor vibrations; however, larger speed bumps or potholes transmit noticeable shocks to the cabin, reflecting its sportier tuning. In daily driving, the all-wheel-drive system primarily operates with rear-wheel drive, but when the vehicle experiences slippage, it swiftly distributes power to the front wheels, improving traction. During cornering, the all-wheel-drive system effectively suppresses understeer, making the vehicle more agile to handle.

As for fuel consumption, the official combined figure is 10.6L/100km, while during actual test drives, city road consumption is about 13-14L/100km, and highway fuel consumption is about 9-10L/100km, which aligns with the fuel efficiency level of a high-performance SUV. In terms of driving comfort, the front seats provide excellent support and wrapping, making long drives less fatiguing. The rear seats are slightly firmer, making long-distance seating comfort moderate. Noise control performs well, with wind and tire noise at acceptable levels during highway driving. Engine noise is not obvious in normal mode, but in Sport mode, a certain amount of engine sound comes through, enhancing the driving atmosphere.

The core advantages of the 2020 BMW X4 M Competition lie in its robust power performance, precise handling, and rich luxury features. Compared to its counterpart, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 Coupe, it offers better acceleration performance, sportier handling tuning, and more generous standard features such as the HUD and a 360-degree panoramic camera. As a high-performance coupe SUV, it not only meets the user's pursuit of speed and handling but also retains the practicality of an SUV. It is suitable for consumers who prioritize driving pleasure and have certain family usage needs, especially young families or performance enthusiasts who appreciate unique designs and pursue luxurious quality.

Overall, the 2020 BMW X4 M Competition is a luxurious coupe SUV that combines performance with practicality. Its 517PS power output and precise handling are impressive, while its rich features and adequate space can also meet daily needs. If you're looking for a luxury SUV that can perform wildly on the track and commute in the city, the X4 M Competition would be an excellent choice.