Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
Powerful yet efficient engine choices
Interior quality well represents the luxury class
Ride quality is smooth yet handling is sporty
Cons
Limited rear-seat space
Cargo capacity is much smaller than rivals
Rearward visibility is compromised
What’s new
The BMW X4 returns unchanged for 2018.
Vehicle overview
How much are you willing to sacrifice for fashion? This is an important question to answer as it will largely dictate how much appeal the 2018 BMW X4 is going to have for you. The X4 is a lot like the larger BMW X6. Both have a distinct sloping rear roofline for a coupelike profile, plus plenty of aggressive styling flourishes to up the sporty quotient. Compared to the X3 on which it is based, the X4 certainly looks cooler. But let's not forget what the "U" in SUV stands for — utility. That fastback rear hatch significantly cuts into cargo capacity as well as rear-passenger space.
Vehicle DetailsExperience the perfect blend of performance, luxury, and style with the 2018 BMW X4 M40i. This exceptional vehicle showcases BMW's comm...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (18 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5UXXW7C5XJ0W63914 Stock: U15883 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 03-19-2025
If style is a priority for your small luxury crossover SUV, the 2018 BMW X4 is certainly a strong contender. But for everybody else, we suggest checking out more capable alternatives, some of which are within BMW's own model lineup.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2018 BMW X4 is a sleek SUV with a distinctive sloping rear roofline that gives it a sporty appearance. Unfortunately, the sacrifices in cargo and rear-passenger space are significant. You'll probably like the X4. Just know that it's form over function.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 BMW X4 xDrive28i (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current X4 has received some revisions, including an update to BMW's iDrive infotainment system. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's X4.
Scorecard
Overall
Driving
With either engine, the X4 delivers quick acceleration for the class. The M40i is for the few who seek a high-performing overkill SUV with superb handling capabilities. The xDrive28i isn't as great in the corners but does have a more comfortable ride quality.
Acceleration
The 240-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder gets the X4 to 60 mph in 6 seconds, which is darn quick. The eight-speed automatic has sport and manual shift options, the latter controlled by the shift lever or wheel-mounted paddles.
Braking
The pedal feel is reassuringly firm yet easy to modulate for around-town duty. It stopped from 60 mph in 122 feet, which is average. Brake drying, standby, hill-hold, hill descent control and fade compensation are standard.
Steering
The steering doesn't exhibit the kind of precision we normally associate with BMWs. Still pretty accurate and it turns in corners quickly. But the X4, at just over 4,100 pounds, feels heavy through corners.
Handling
Considerable body roll around turns, a bit more than we expected considering our test car had the M Sport package. Still, the xDrive all-wheel-drive system puts the power down effectively to all four tires.
Drivability
Dynamically the X4 is not as light on its feet as other BMW SUVs, but it should still deliver enough sport for most. Great stability at speed on the highway. All-wheel-drive components hamper low-speed maneuvering a bit.
Off-road
The X4 is a somewhat capable off-roader, with standard all-wheel drive. Hill descent control helps, too, along with just over 8 inches of ground clearance.
Comfort
Front-seat comfort is adequate, with the M Sport seats gaining an edge for support. Rear seats are mounted low yet still lack enough headroom for taller passengers. This is one of the prices you pay for that sloping rear roofline.
Seat comfort
We like the M Sport package's front seats. They are highly adjustable and offer appropriate lumbar and lateral support for most body types. Some may find the large bolstering intrusive.
Ride comfort
The optional M Sport suspension gives a sporty-firm ride, which isn't helped by the stiff sidewalls of the 19-inch Goodyear Eagle LS-2 run-flat tires.
Noise & vibration
Sound isolation is excellent. Hardly any noise of any kind reaches the cabin, whether tire, wind or road. The only exception is the growl from the turbo four-cylinder when the tachometer gets near redline.
Interior
The materials quality matches that of the rest of the BMW lineup, which is to say it's really quite good. Combined with the upmarket design, it feels right for the price. Controls are logically placed and easy to use.
Ease of use
All primary and secondary controls are within easy reach of the driver. A manual tilt-and-telescoping wheel helps with the driving position. Those new to BMW will need a course in iDrive, though it has become a much more intuitive system.
Getting in/getting out
The X4's step-in height is reasonable even for shorter drivers, and the roof is high enough to give a tall driver suitable head clearance when stepping in. The doors open wide and aren't too heavy.
Roominess
The X4 is built to technically seat five, but three people across the back seat will be tight unless they are kids. Up-front accommodations can be called "comfortably snug."
Visibility
2.5
Forward visibility is average for a small SUV and enhanced at night thanks to standard xenon adaptive headlights. Rearward sightlines are similar to the larger X5, about the norm for this segment. A rearview camera is available.
Quality
We encountered zero build quality issues. The X4 exhibited the high level of fitment we've come to expect from BMW. Everything about the X4 feels solid and durable.
Utility
There's only 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, or 49.4 cubic feet with them folded down. This is smaller than in some hatchbacks, which could spell trouble for bulkier items. Interior storage could be better, too, especially with the shallow center armrest bin.
Small-item storage
The door pockets are wide. Usable space in the center armrest bin is minimal.
Cargo space
The X4 delivers hatchback versatility, with a 40/20/40-split folding second row. The cargo area holds two full-size suitcases or four golf bags behind the second row.
Technology
BMW's iDrive system continues to evolve in the right direction. Yes, it takes some time to fully acclimate to, but it can become second nature with ease. The advanced safety features are well tuned to avoid false alarms yet effective when you need them to be.
Which X4 does Edmunds recommend?
The 2018 BMW X4 xDrive28i is already a potent little performer and will satisfy the majority of drivers. Almost all of the features from the range-topping M40i are available as options, so you won't be missing much other than the overabundance of power.
BMW's suite of advanced safety features is among the best in the industry, so for either the xDrive28i or the M40i, we'd recommend adding the Driving Assistance package. Otherwise, we caution against adding much else since options are expensive and quickly send the price into another bracket.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2018 BMW X4 models
The 2018 BMW X4 is a compact luxury SUV with a sloping rear roofline, much like the larger but equally sleek BMW X6. It is available in two trim levels: the xDrive28i and M40i. The xDrive 28i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (240 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque) while the M40i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (355 hp, 343 lb-ft). Both come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Standard xDrive28i features include 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, a power liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, selectable drive modes and cruise control.
On the inside, the features list continues with dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats with driver memory functions, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, simulated leather upholstery, 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, a universal garage door opener, BMW Assist emergency telematics, BMW's iDrive infotainment system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and a nine-speaker CD player with HD radio and USB-auxiliary input.
Stepping up to the X4 M40i will add an adaptive suspension, keyless entry and ignition, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio. It also comes with the M Sport package that includes unique aerodynamic exterior touches, black exterior trim, a sport-tuned suspension, an increased top speed, sport seats and a sport steering wheel.
Bundled options include the Cold Weather package (heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and headlight washers); the Driving Assistance package (forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display and a speed limit display); and the Parking Assistance package (a surround-view camera system and an automated parking system). The M40i is also eligible for the Lighting package (adaptive LED headlights and automatic high beams). Other add-ons include a navigation system, a wireless charging pad, a Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 BMW X4 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.97 per gallon for premium unleaded in New York.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the BMW X4 from 2008-2022.
$752/yr
vs. $602/yr for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
0.79x/yr
vs. 1.09x/yr for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
15.4%
vs. 9.4% for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
2017 BMW X4 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
As a previous BMW owner (3 series X-drive diesel), I was familiar with the brand but wanted to get something that had a different style to it...thus I went with the X4 and boy I wasn't disappointed. Yes, I've read the reviews of not alot of cargo space compared to the X3 and reduced visibility because of the way the rear end is sloped but so far neither of those items are concerns for … me. Cargo area is fine for grocery & mall shopping; it's not like I'm purchasing a 50 flat screen tv everyday. Rear visibility is good; just use your mirrors. But I did add the Driver Assist Plus package which gives me a bit more confidence in driving. BMW's X-drive is very nice as it controls power to all 4 wheels and keeps the vehicle stable and in control during rain, snow, and icy conditions. Overall I'm very happy with my lease and when it's time to make another choice, I'll be hard pressed to go back to a sedan or get another X4.
Perfect balance of sport and utility
5 out of 5 stars
Acfisher, 11/25/2019
2017 BMW X4 M40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
I’ve had this X4 M40i for a few weeks now and can say this......Wow is this fun to drive!
Feels just like my 335is....tight, heavy steering, laser sharp handling and FAST (like put a smile on your face instantly fast!)
But, unlike my 335is, soaks up the bumps with ease (and not a tooth rattled)
Back storage is good, not great, but I didn’t buy an SUV.....I bought an SAV!
If you’re … looking for a sports car that you can drive year-round, look no further
I will say that the tons of electronic options in this vehicle don’t perform flawlessly (I.e. CarPlay, automatic seat/steering wheel engagement) but there so small it’s a non-issue for me (plus CarPlay didn’t work flawlessly in my MDX either)
Fourth BMW, and best one yet
5 out of 5 stars
john, 10/13/2015
2015 BMW X4 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Just picked a practically brand new x4 35 xline from Momentum Motorsports in Marietta Georgia. Driving the 350 miles home on the X4 was better than the 350 miles up their in our 2011 535i GT, gas mileage up was 27.3 on the GT and back home it was 25.7 on the X4. Really liked everything about it so far. Probably could have one or two more nook and cranny places to hide things but its … ok. Prior to the 11 GT we had a 07 X5 4.8 and a 535i and loved all of them so far. The X4 is faster than the x5, 535i GT and faster than our '14 JGC overland with 5.7 hemi, our 2002 jeep wrangler with 31's would smoke the X4 in the mud though, ha ha. With NO maintenance cost first 50k miles, why not own a beemer
Update: after owning it for almost a year, still the best and most fun ON the road car we have owned, wrangler with top and doors off most fun off road
Perfect size SUV with style
4.38 out of 5 stars
djrobx, 05/20/2015
2015 BMW X4 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
I've always driven sports cars, but I occasionally need some utility, and I've been searching for years for a vehicle that gives me the best of both worlds. I loved the X6 when it came out, but it's just huge We looked at X1s because they were cheap, but it seemed a little small. A buddy got the X3, and we thought it was the perfect size, but just so utilitarian looking. The X4 … finally hit all the right buttons.
Many reviews complain about the backseat being cramped. A very tall friend of mine can't fit into the front seat of some vehicles, but finds the back of my X4 spacious. Tighter than an X3 perhaps, but perfectly usable!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 BMW X4, so we've included reviews for other years of the X4 since its last redesign.
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Scorecard
