2023 BMW X4 M Review: Furious Family Fun
The BMW X4 M is a cross-between crossover, in the sense that the maddeningly quick sports SUV is based on the popular X3 but takes on coupe body styling, and borrows its engine from the BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe. The result is extraordinary and exemplifies the term 'luxury performance SUV'; it looks stylish thanks to a sloping roofline and has enough power to make most passengers queasy. Under the hood, the turbocharged inline-six produces a potent 473 horsepower, upped to 503 hp when the Competition package is specced, with the latter allowing a sprint to 60 mph in the early three-second range. While the exterior looks aren't everyone's cup of tea, and it's not as practical as the X3 M, it's a fierce performer that has to face off against the likes of the Porsche Macan in GTS guise and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe. Yes, the X4 M is an enigma; but in this case, it's a good thing.
What's the Price of the 2023 BMW X4 M?
The price of the BMW X4 M starts at an MSRP of $77,900, excluding a $995 destination charge in the US. To unlock over 500 hp, the Competition Package will add $7,000 to the bill. With all the extras and including the destination charge, the X4 M will cost you more than $90k.
2023 BMW X4 M Handling and Driving Impressions
The X4 M is based on the X3, one of the best-driving compact SUVs on the market. In X4 M guise, BMW tightens things up significantly, resulting in a car that defies logic. The X4 M will cling to corners like its life depends on it and carry speed through bends at levels previously reserved for supercars. This, however, comes at a cost. The suspension setup is harsh, especially when driving in one of its hardcore sports modes. BMW allows the driver to set the suspension and chassis in Comfort, Sport, or Sport Plus modes, while the engine can be placed in Efficient, Sport, and Sport Plus settings. These settings all make a notable difference, but even in its softest setting, the X4 M is not as compliant as most of its rivals. We didn't like the numb steering feel, which gives little in the way of driver feedback, but this seems to be characteristic of BMW products of this era. Still, the X4 M is an impressive car to drive fast, but for the daily grind, there are better options out there.
Verdict: Is The 2023 BMW X4 M A Good SUV?
BMW has clearly cracked the handling code with the X3 and X4; these compact SUVs drive and handle brilliantly while offering impressive practicality and daily comfort. Stepping up to the M models polarize what this platform is all about. It sharpens up the X4 to a point where one might as well buy an M3 or M4 because it drives and handles with such aggression but, unfortunately, suffers from a stiff ride due to the hardcore chassis tuning. As far as practicality goes, the X3 M offers more space. The exterior styling is also a bit of an opinion splitter, and we wish the interior were more memorable. But if you're truly after a super SUV in this corner of the market, you'll have to make peace with the stiff nature of the 2023 BMW X4 M or go for competitors that are a little more toned down but still fun, such as the Jaguar F-Pace SVR. Most BMW X4 M reviews will say the same thing, however: this SUV is a hoot.
What 2023 BMW X4 M Model Should I Buy?
The BMW X4 M comes in two flavors; standard and Competition. Since we can't think of any crossover race classes, it's tough to imagine anyone needing the $7,000 Competition Package (unless money is not an object). Yes, it dials up the output to 503 hp, but the base car has plenty with 473 hp. You are better off spending that $7,000 on comfort features, such as the upgraded Merino leather and M sport seats for $1,950, the Driving Assistance Professional Package for $1,700, the Executive Package for $2,250, and ventilated seats for $500. From there, we'd spec Toronto Red. As described, our ideal X4 M rings in at around $85k (compared to $86,145 for our Competition tester).