2021 BMW X4

The BMW X4 comes in 2 trim levels which are; xDrvie30i and M40i the base trim xDrive30i is priced at $51,600 and is equipped with a less powerful 2.0L turbocharged Inline-4 engine which gets a slightly better fuel economy. Apart from the engine, there are a few minor exterior details like wheels and bumpers which differentiate the trims. The M40i is equipped with M performance kits which include M sport suspension, brakes, and a more powerful 3.0L inter-cooled turbocharged Inline-6 engine. The M40i is priced at $61,700. There’s a huge price difference between the 2 trims.

Which Trim should you buy?

Although the base trim xDrvie30i is a good overall package, our recommendation leans more towards the powerful M40i. The M40i gets a 3.0L inter-cooled turbocharged Inline-6 rather than the 2.0L and gets M performance packages, which include M performance suspension and brakes. Priced at $61,700, it is more on the expensive side of the crossover SUV segment and has a slightly poorer fuel economy compared to xDrive30i. The interior features are almost identical but the M40i includes a wireless smartphone charging pad which is a cool feature.

The 2021 BMW X4 is an SUV with a major focus on fuel economy but it still manages to beat most of its rivals in this category. With a city mileage of 23 MPG and highway mileage of 29 MPG, the X4 gives a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg and it is the most fuel-efficient in its segment. Having a tank capacity of 17.2 gallons, it also gives a good range.

Overall, the 2021 Mercedes Benz GLC Coupe gives better fuel economy in city, highway, and combined which makes it the second fuel-efficient car in the segment after the BMW X4. Due to its sporty nature, the SQ5 offers the least fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg while cruising down the highway, and combined mileage of 20 mpg. However, the fuel capacity and the Range of the SQ5 remains unknown.

The interior is a combination of clean modern looks and excellent comfort. The front seats have immense space in terms of headroom, shoulder room, and legroom but because of the X4’s sloping roofline, this roominess doesn’t translate to the rear seats. The rear seats lack both headroom and legroom and are best suited for short people. The front seats are up to 14-way power-adjustable with memory settings and heated functionality. The upholstery used is named SensaTec which is more durable than the leather and has a good feel to it as well.

The dashboard and center console have a contemporary design with an enormous 10.3-inch floating screen and trapezoidal vents with metal and dark oak wood accents. The buttons and knobs are clearly labeled and are easily visible to the driver while driving. The illuminated interior gives it a cool futuristic look which is now a signature look for BMW.

The 2021 Audi SQ5 has clearly the best numbers in terms of headroom, legroom, and cargo space and is the clear winner in the interior section. The 2021 BMW X4 falls last in terms of rear seating space. When it comes to cargo capacity, the Audi SQ5 offers oodles of cargo space measuring 25.8 cubic feet. Some of the standout features of the interior are:

• SensaTec upholstery 
• Up to 14-way power-adjustable front bucket seats with memory settings
• 10.3-inch floating screen
• Wireless smartphone charging pad (available in M40i trim)
• Dual-zone front automatic climate control

What’s there to keep you entertained?

All trims come with a 10.3-inch floating touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an integrated navigation system as standard. BMW offers a gesture-control feature as an option which includes five simple hand gestures to manipulate the controls. There’s also a touchpad controller which has a smooth response. Overall the system has a good high-quality resolution, clarity, and easy-to-use interface. This infotainment system is connected to a 12-speaker audio system which has excellent sound quality.

Some more features that the BMW X4 offers in its infotainment system are:

• AM/FM/HD radio with voice activation
• Wi-Fi Hotspot
• 2 USB charging ports
• Connected Package Professional with real-time traffic information 

A close cousin to the X3, the X4 has a dramatically sloping roofline which makes it a sportier crossover SUV other than the standard box-like shaped SUVs. The 2021 BMW X4 is one of the tallest and widest in the segment which also helps it stand out. The M40i offers a slightly different exterior with unpainted trim and blacked-out details which stand out from the base xDrive30i.

The front fascia is pretty much the same as the 2020 version with characteristics like the signature kidney grille with horizontal slots and chrome touches, the elegant automatic daytime running LED headlights, huge air dams, and LED fog lights. The dual body lines running through the hood give the front more personality.

The side profile is the most attractive part of the X4. This profile makes it look like a smaller version of the humongous X6. Multiple body lines running through the side, 19-inch aluminum wheels, 7.1-inch ground clearance, blacked-out power side mirrors, and the distinctive sloping roofline are the highlights of the side view. The rear of the SUV comprises LED taillights, a shark fin antenna, silver skid plates, a body-colored rear bumper, and dual exhaust outlets.

The X4 is the longest and widest SUV by a considerable margin. It has the second-longest wheelbase and loses to the 2021 Mercedes Benz GLC Coupe. The Mercedes Benz on the other hand measures a length of 183.3 inches, a width of 74.45 inches, and a height of 64.5. However, the Audi SQ5 offers the highest ground clearance of 8.2 inches which gives it an advantage when it comes to off-roading.The highlights of the exterior are:

• Automatic LED headlights with daytime running lights
• 1st and 2nd-row Panoramic Sunroof with tilting feature
• 19-inch aluminum wheels
• Lip spoiler
• Power liftgate 
• Cornering lights

The BMW X4 is equipped with a plethora of safety features. To provide proof that the X4 is safe, the NHTSA and the IIHS are yet to test it but the X4 is based on the X3 which has earned a 5-star crash test score from the NHTSA and an overall ”Good” rating from the IIHS. We’d expect nothing short of those scores for the X4. To list out the safety features available on the 2021 BMW X4:

• Forward collision mitigation
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• blindspot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert system (optional)
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Back-Up Camera
• Side Impact Beams

From the list of the safety features, we can conclude by saying that the X4 is definitely not short of features to keep the driver and passengers safe.

2021 BMW X4 vs 2021 Porsche Macan

Apart from the Porsche Macan’s stellar looks, the 2021 BMW X4 excels in almost every other category. The X4 has better performance figures and it offers a bigger, more powerful engine as well. The Macan also lacks some interior features and infotainment system features which are either standard on the X4 or optional. The Macan is also slightly more expensive than the X4 and for the price of what you’re paying, the X4 clearly gives you more value for money.

2021 BMW X4 vs 2021 Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 offers the 3.0L V6 as standard instead of the X4’s 2.0L Inline-4. There’s nothing much to complain about the SQ5. It is a fantastic package and a definite value-for-money but when the driving experience is put to comparison, the X4 just simply feels better behind the wheel with excellent handling and minimum body roll. 

2021 BMW X4 vs 2021 Mercedes Benz GLC Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is the most fearsome rival for the 2021 BMW X4. The Merc is better off the line, has better fuel economy, and has superior cabin space as well. The GLC however offers a smaller and less powerful engine which is probably where it falls short. With the prices almost identical to each other, the X4 seems to be beaten by its fellow German rival by small margins.

The 2021 BMW X4 has definitely made an impact in the luxury crossover SUV segment. Its innovative looks, great-quality interior, high-performance engine options, and unmatched handling make it a top contender on your list. The only note-worthy negative is the lack of interior space in the rear seats. If the average consumer is ready to overlook this, then the X4 otherwise is a great choice. With a base price of $51,600, you’re in for some impressive driving experience that will leave you more than satisfied.