BMW X4 Review

In Malaysia's luxury mid-size Coupe SUV market, consumers often seek a balance between sporty design and everyday practicality. The arrival of the 2024 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport accurately meets this demand. Compared to the 2022 model, the new car not only reduces the price (from RM 417,800 to RM 394,800) but also upgrades its power parameters and configuration details. This "more for less" adjustment has made it the focal point of its segment. In this test drive, we focused on verifying whether the power enhancements are practically usable, whether the configuration changes affect daily experience, and whether its core advantages as a Coupe SUV remain intact.

At first glance, the iconic coupe-style sloping roofline of the 2024 X4 remains the visual highlight — the roofline smoothly descends from the B-pillar to the rear, complemented by the large air intake on the front bumper and side skirts of the M Sport package, exuding a sportier feel than traditional SUVs. At the front, the kidney grille does not adopt an exaggerated active shutter design, but the combination of black interior trim and chrome surround, coupled with the "angel eye" LED daytime running lights, offers high recognition. The body dimensions remain nearly identical to the previous generation, measuring 4751mm in length, 1918mm in width, and 1621mm in height, with a wheelbase maintained at 2864mm. However, the rear of the car has seen more significant changes: a diffuser element has been added to the lower part of the rear bumper, paired with dual round exhausts, further enhancing the sense of performance. The lighting system features LED sources across the range, and the inclusion of automatic headlights and front fog lights improves practicality in different weather conditions.

Stepping inside, the interior layout continues BMW's classic driver-oriented design, with the center console tilted approximately 15 degrees towards the driver for easy operation. The M Sport steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather, offering a solid grip and integrating multimedia controls, voice assistant buttons, and more. The metal paddle shifters behind the wheel enhance operational texture. The central control screen is upgraded from 10.25 inches in the 2022 model to 12.3 inches, with smooth touch response and support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The fully digital instrument panel is also 12.3 inches, allowing for different display modes such as sport and comfort. It works in tandem with the standard HUD (Head-Up Display), enabling drivers to access key information like speed and navigation without having to look down. In terms of materials, the upper part of the center console and the inner sides of the door panels are covered with soft-touch materials, accentuated by silver trims, achieving a luxurious feel that matches its positioning. As for features, keyless entry, electrically adjustable front seats (with memory function for the driver), dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and rear air vents are all standard, while the retained 220V/230V power socket is convenient for outdoor appliance use.

In terms of space performance, the front seats provide adequate support, and a passenger with a height of 175cm still has a headroom clearance of one fist and two fingers after adjusting to a comfortable sitting posture. The rear seats are slightly more constrained in terms of headroom due to the coupe-style roofline — a passenger of the same height sitting straight would have a headroom clearance of only three fingers, but there is a legroom of two fists, making daily travel comfortable and free from crowding. The trunk has a capacity of 525L, with rear seats that support a 40:20:40 folding ratio. When folded down, it expands to a larger storage space, allowing the accommodation of large items like baby strollers or golf bags with ease. For storage details, the front door pockets can hold two 500ml water bottles, the center armrest box has moderate depth, and the front cup holders are equipped with limiting devices, making it sufficient for storing small daily items.

In terms of powertrain, the 2024 X4 is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the maximum power increased from 245PS in the 2022 model to 252PS, while the peak torque remains at 350N·m. It is paired with an 8AT transmission and an xDrive all-wheel-drive system. In actual driving, the comfort mode provides smooth starts and linear throttle response, making it suitable for city commuting. Switching to sports mode significantly enhances throttle sensitivity, and the turbocharger responds quickly when the throttle is pressed deeply. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 6.4 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the 2022 model. During highway overtaking, only a light press on the throttle is needed to complete the maneuver, with ample power reserves. The transmission features a clear shift logic, with proactive upshifting and quick downshifting based on speed and throttle depth. When paired with shift paddles, it allows for manual gear control, enhancing driving fun.

In terms of handling, the steering is precise with minimal play. At low speeds, the steering is light; at high speeds, it progressively becomes heavier, instilling a sufficient sense of confidence. The chassis uses a front MacPherson + rear multi-link independent suspension. It is tuned with a sporty bias while also ensuring comfort. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension quickly filters most of the jolts, with no significant rebound transmitted to the cabin. During corners, body roll is well-controlled, and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system promptly distributes torque between the front and rear wheels to ensure tire grip. Even when cornering at relatively high speeds, it maintains stability. The fuel consumption performance is average, with an official combined fuel consumption of 8.5L/100km. Actual city driving consumes around 9.2L/100km, whereas highway conditions can reduce it to 7.8L/100km. The 65L fuel tank capacity provides a driving range of approximately 700km, meeting the needs of long-distance travel.

In terms of driving comfort, the vehicle's noise control is commendable—below a speed of 80 km/h, tire and wind noise are not noticeable. Beyond 100 km/h, slight wind noise may enter through the A-pillars but does not affect in-car conversations. The seats are moderately firm and soft, offering sufficient lumbar support for long drives. The angle of the rear seats is reasonably inclined, ensuring that prolonged sitting remains comfortable. However, it should be noted that the 2024 model has removed the ACC adaptive cruise control found in the 2022 model, retaining only the basic cruise control system, which might be a minor drawback for users who frequently drive on highways.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2024 BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport are threefold: first, the slight increase in power leads to better responsiveness in daily driving; second, the upgraded size of the central control screen enhances both its sense of technology and practicality; third, the guide price has been reduced by RM 23,000, making it significantly more cost-effective compared to the previous generation. Compared with competitors in the same class, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe 300 4MATIC, the X4 has advantages in terms of power parameters and price. However, the GLC Coupe slightly edges ahead in rear headroom space. This car is suitable for two types of consumers: one group being young users who emphasize sporty design and driving pleasure, and another group being small families who need to balance daily utility with weekend getaways—it caters to the pursuit of a distinctive exterior appearance while accommodating most practical scenarios.

Overall, the 2024 X4 xDrive30i M Sport is a "well-balanced contender." It does not sacrifice too much practicality for sportiness, nor does it give up BMW's driving DNA for family use. If you're looking for a luxury mid-size SUV that can showcase personality while meeting daily demands, it will be a great choice.