Used BMW X4 2018 - present review

BMW loves a niche, and the X4 is cold hard evidence of that. It's based on the more conventional X3 of the large SUV class, but adds a swoopy, coupé-inspired roofline and even sportier handling. In other words, think of the X4 as an X6-lite.

There are only a limited number of petrol engines on offer new with the X4 and most used examples of the X4 are powered by diesel. Even the 187bhp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel in the 20d is smooth and doesn’t send any unwanted vibrations through to the interior. The 261bhp 3.0-litre 30d is even stronger still, while both the 322bhp 3.0-litre M40d and 345bhp 3.0-litre M40i petrol are for the power hungry.

Firmer suspension and wheels spread wider apart compared to the normal X3 help the X4 to handle better, and it can be hustled to a greater degree down a challenging stretch of road with little drama. Body lean really isn’t something you worry about or notice unless you’re really pressing on. You do pay for this with a somewhat busy ride, though, the car shimmying over scruffy road surfaces.

You also have to accept some limitations on practicality due to the lower roofline of the X4 over a normal X3. In fact, the latest X4 isn’t even as tall as the model it replaced, so it’s not a surprise to find that taller passengers in the back seat will struggle for head room, plus the central tunnel gets in the way of carrying three abreast. Those up front will be fine, and will appreciate all the storage compartments dotted around to hide all their belongings in.

Perhaps one of the best feature of the interior is the iDrive infotainment system which is easy to use thanks to a rotary controller and various, well positioned short-cut keys. Equipment levels are generous because entry-level Sport versions have 18in alloys, sat nav, a reversing camera and parking sensors, leather seats and LED headlights. M Sport adds 19in alloys, an upgraded 10.25in infotainment screen that comes as part of the professional media package, along with a digital instrument cluster; top-of-the-range M Sport X has a panoramic glass roof and plenty of grey exterior highlights.

If you're interested in buying a used BMW X4, or any of the other small cars mentioned here, check out our used car buying deals here.

Prices for a used BMW X4 at the time of writing start at around £30,000 for a 2018 version. For a 2019 or 2020 car, expect to pay around £33,000, with prices rising to around £42,000 for a nearly new 2021 example.

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MPG

Aside from the expense of buying it, the X4 has pretty attractive running costs for an SUV. The most frugal four-cylinder 20d consumes the least fuel out of the X4 range at a combined WLTP figure of 44.8mpg. If you fancy a bit more performance, going for the 30d won’t have you paying too dearly for the privilege at 40.9mpg, or even the M40d at 39.8mpg.

There’s only one petrol X4 at present and it’s the high performance M40i, which inevitably has a fair thirst for petrol. It drinks it at the rate of 26.9mpg.

Road tax

Road tax costs will be high because every version was over £40,000 when new, so you’ll have to pay both the flat rate fee as well as the extra duty applied to expensive cars. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here for further information.

Insurance and servicing

With model variants ranging from mildly quick to notably powerful, insurance costs will depend on what example you go for. BMW does offer fixed price servicing on both new and used cars, so it would be worth checking whether or not the car has a paid-up plan in place. The monthly price you pay on a service plan varies depends upon the BMW model you have.

While Sport trim provides all the equipment most people will need, it would seem that most used X4s can be found in pricier M Sport guise. That does at least mean you get a bigger infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster. M Sport X is only worth it if you really like grey body cladding and the prospect of a panoramic glass roof.

Unless you really enjoy paying for petrol, it’s the 20d diesel that makes the most sense for this model's blend of performance and economy.

Our favourite BMW X4: 20d M Sport

If you don’t want your SUV to look boxy, the Mercedes GLC Coupé has a similarly raked rear end to the X4 and is a similar size. It won’t handle as sharply as the BMW does and its four-cylinder diesel isn't anywhere near as refined, though.

The Porsche Macan doesn’t have coupé-inspired styling, but it is a well-rounded shape and it is mighty impressive to drive on the road. You’ll have to pay for the privilege, though – there's no four-cylinder diesel available and Porsche used values remain strong, but we think it’s still worth it.

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