2022 BMW X4 xDrive 30i review

It seems having your SUV look more like a low-slung sedan is all the rage right now. While not quite a segment in and of itself, the coupe-styled SUV is a very popular sub-segment of vehicles that has become a runaway success for a number of carmakers.

Of course, the body style was ‘invented’ by BMW back in 2008 with the X6 large-sized crossover, which tapered the roof line of its X5 wagon and accentuated the bum to Kardashian-level size.

It could have come and gone entirely as an anomaly, but BMW has released three generations of the X6 and has spawned offshoots such as the car we have on test – the 2022 BMW X4 xDrive 30i.

But style doesn’t come cheap. At $95,900 before on-road costs, the X4 is $8000 more expensive than its wagon-bodied counterpart. After sourcing drive-away pricing and adding on requisite options (which you’ll need, more on that later), you’ll pay more than $100K.

Case in point is the car on test, a Sophisto Grey metallic example that costs $101,800 with options, before on-road costs. That’s quite lofty for a mid-size luxury SUV, whether it’s got a coupe style to it or not.

It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that sends power to an all-wheel-drive system through a conventional eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. All X4s are fitted with the M Sport kit as standard, which brings styling highlights and M Sport suspension/brake package.

As bold as the exterior styling, the first thing you see once inside the X4 cabin – at least in our car’s case – is the Tacora Red leather upholstery. It looks great on initial impression and ties in well with the grey exterior.

The space is well-presented with large screens (12.3-inch central display and 12.3-inch digital cluster) displaying an array of information, while nice materials cover the dash, door cards, and centre console.

Specific to the xDrive 30i is a dark headliner, M Sport package, 20-inch alloy wheels, leather Vernasca upholstery, ambient lighting, and adaptive sports suspension.

I am surprised to find a number of features that you’d expect in a $100K car are missing. There’s no sign of wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, heated seats… That’s a little cheeky in a pricey, premium-positioned car.

Space in the first row is great and everything is ergonomically placed for easy adjustment, while the driving position affords a commanding view over the road ahead. That said, the sloping roof line does cut into rearward visibility thanks to the letterboxed back window.

While surfaces in the back row are covered in nice materials, there is limited room for heads and legs. It’s not the car to buy if you’ve got regular back seat passengers – better to opt for the practical X3’s shape.

Similarly, the boot space isn’t quite as large as its wagon-bodied sibling (550L in the X3 plays 525L in the X4). But more importantly, the shape of the space is a bit awkward. I found this out by using the boot as a makeshift movie cinema at the Dromana Drive-in. Granted, not the kindest test to the coupe SUV, but at this premium price you want your car to be all things – including a cinema.

I’ve said this before and I’ll continue to shout it from the rooftops – BMW is still doing the car market’s best infotainment system. You never want for features, customisation or content BMW OS 7.0 on the well-presented 12.3-inch display.

You can control the system through its touch controls, though the rotary controller suits the layout, and navigation between menu systems is very intuitive. The map display is crisp and easily understood. Fans of the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto systems are free to wirelessly connect to one of those alternatives, though I’m content with BMW’s iDrive.

You get the same-size screen in the instrument cluster, which displays information including a speed readout, maps, and song track information.

The Australian New Car Assessment Program last evaluated a BMW X4 in 2018 where it was awarded a full five-star safety rating. This testing was actually completed on the pre-facelift X3, where the score was also applied to its X4 range sibling.

Much of the X4’s safety kit is controlled using a handy button atop the dash. Push this button and you can configure how you want the active safety systems to alert you to any impending danger, or to turn them off altogether.

Active safety kit includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also scores a surround-view 360-degree camera system.

BMW is one of the few manufacturers still lagging behind the industry standard with a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Rival brands including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Jaguar, Volvo, and Lexus all offer five-year warranties. This simply isn’t good enough for the price you pay.

Servicing costs can be covered using the BMW Service Inclusive package, which costs $2010 and covers owners for five years or 80,000km.

Against BMW’s combined fuel claim of 7.9L/100km, our test indicated an 8.6L/100km combined reading. The X4 takes 95-octane fuel as a minimum and fits 65L inside its tank.

SUVs aren’t typically thought of as a sporting choice, but that sloping coupe roof line does hint at some dynamic prowess. Tying into this perception is the firm ride quality that – although it does ride firm around town and translates subtle road imperfections through to the cabin – benefits when the X4 turns its wheels towards twisty terrain.

It remains largely flat through bends and grips well around corners without feeling like you’ll lose traction. Its 1815kg kerb weight is well managed through corners, and it feels spritely enough shooting out the other end. The 185kW/350Nm outputs are enough for most circumstances, but the engine does feel better suited to the lighter-weight 3 Series sedan as opposed to the bigger SUV shape.

Thankfully, the transmission is a slick unit and works with the driver, shifting at all the right moments and is responsive to sudden prods of the throttle. You even get a nice little burble from the exhaust.

Switching through the drive modes changes throttle calibration, steering feel and the adaptive dampers, which are already firm enough in their ‘standard’ Comfort setting. Likewise, the lighter steering feel through Comfort already strikes a nice balance between manoeuvrability and feel. It’s no sports car, but could be pedalled enjoyably if the situation is right.

Overall, the X4 xDrive 30i presents a premium product, though some issues such as the short warranty, feature omissions, and firm ride take away some shine from its lustre.

It’s a great thing to drive and the cabin will make you feel good, though its high price of entry is hard to stomach, and it would be hard to pay more for this less practical and compromised body style over its excellent X3 stablemate.