2023 BMW X4 M Performance

BMW saw fit to make the X4 M even quicker than it was before, not that it was slow previously. The quicker 0-60 time comes courtesy of increased torque outputs. The 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine produces 473 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque as standard, or 503 hp/479 lb-ft if you go for the Competition model. That's a 13 lb-ft increase on the base model and a substantial 37 lb-ft jump for the Competition. As usual, all that power is transferred to the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, biasing power rearward. The standard X4 M will now complete the 0 to 60 sprint in 3.9 seconds, down from 4.1 seconds previously. For the Competition, the sprint time drops from four seconds to just 3.7. It's quicker than competitors like the pricier Porsche Macan GTS, which needs 4.1 seconds when equipped with the Sport Chrono package. Both the Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 Coupe are quicker on paper, but we'd chalk that up to BMW being conservative on its numbers. The X4 M will eventually hit an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, or 177 mph, with the optional M Driver's package equipped.

The 3.0-liter turbocharged S58 six-cylinder engine has impressed us through all the years we've had access to it, and it was been retuned by BMW to generate more torque this year. The standard model makes 473 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, up from 442 lb-ft previously. For the X4 M Competition, outputs are 503 hp and 479 lb-ft. Changes made to the six-pot in 2022 include the use of the forged lightweight crankshaft from the M3 and M4. A fairly high red line of 7,200 rpm - at least for a turbocharged engine - means that you can enjoy the best of both worlds in the X4 M, as we discovered on our test drive.

This engine provides plenty of torque low-down in the rev range, but the acceleration doesn't die off when you reach the redline. Whether you prefer to be wafted down the road by a wave of low-down torque or are in the mood to thrash the six-pot, it'll respond to both desires with aplomb. As an added bonus, the S58 engine barely sounds turbocharged, reminding us of the raspy note from the E46 M3's naturally aspirated S54 engine.

The engine is still linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and launch control. Sport Mode eliminates what little turbo lag there is lower in the revs, and the X4 M's ability to get up to speed on the highway or pass slower traffic is deeply impressive. BMW offers three modes for the transmission alone, letting drivers choose between smooth shifts or razor-quick changes. The transmission approaches dual-clutch levels of shifting speeds, yet is smooth and unobtrusive when left to do its own thing.

Despite the extra performance delivered by the BMW X4 M in Competition spec, it returns the same gas mileage figures as the standard model. That said, it's no economy champ. The EPA estimates returns 15/20/17 mpg city/highway/combined. We only averaged 14.2 mpg during a week of driving. The 17.2-gallon gas tank will enable a range of around 292 miles in mixed driving conditions, but that'll drop to around 258 miles if you mostly do city driving.