Last updated on August 26th, 2022 at 05:18 pm

I really don’t get the appeal of a four-door crossover SUV with a coupe profile. If you want an SUV, get an SUV. If you want a coupe, get a coupe. This weird design mutation does nothing for me—at all.  If it were at least graceful in appearance, I’d be more forgiving of it I’m sure. But frankly neither the X4 nor the X6 has ever found me mesmerized by their beauty. The lines of both models have always looked disproportionate to me. 

Now, with that said, this 2019 BMW X4 does look a lot more pulled together when it is compared its predecessor. The original looked as if the BMW management team rushed the designers to hurriedly get something into showrooms, just to cash in on a trend.​

Still though, to my eye, this new BMW X4 ain’t pretty either—not even close.

However, that doesn’t mean I don’t like it.  I have nothing but respect for anything that goes down the road with authority. And, despite its looks, the 2019 BMW X4 goes just like you’d expect anything wearing the blue and white roundel badge to do.  Powerful, smooth and exceptionally competent on the highway, it’s a BMW through and through.

Further, the interior treatment is a thing of beauty too.  A well-considered evolution, if you’re acquainted with BMWs contemporary passenger compartments, the familial traits are readily apparent. Controls are well placed, materials are sumptuous, seats are comfortable and the driving position is ideal. What’s more, the SUV-like ride height also enhances the driver’s ability to see down the road.

Propulsion comes from a choice of two engine configurations. The base powerplant, fitted to the model designated X4 xDrive30i, is a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four good for 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The more upmarket iteration, the X4 M40i, brings a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six with 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft. Both power all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

If you sit behind the 2.0-liter four and never experience the 3.0-liter six, you’ll be more than satisfied. The engine delivers in any situation you’re likely to encounter on public roads. What’s more, the suspension system is calibrated to enable you to hustle along winding two-lanes with ease. Said succinctly, for most people, the 2.0-liter is more than sufficient.

However, the X4 M40i’s more aggressive character does introduce an added element of entertainment. Thrust is commanding and its sound is decidedly performance-oriented. Nice little poofs are emitted from the exhaust system during gear changes under hard throttle. There is also a lively series of snaps, crackles and pops on overrun when you lift off the throttle. Deliciously visceral, the engine is a huge part of the M40i’s dynamic personality.​

What’s more, with its bigger brakes, adaptive suspension system and BMWs renowned M Sport differential directing power to improve cornering, you can have a lot of fun exploring the X4 M40i’s broad performance envelope. If you like to drive, you’ll enjoy driving this BMW coupe crossover SUV, almost as much as you’ll appreciate piloting one of the marque’s M-badged sport sedans.

Bottom line—if you need an SUV and the way it goes matters more to you than the way it shows, this BMW may well be the ride for which you’ve been waiting.  It’s fast, agile, nicely balanced, reasonably utilitarian and very comfortable. As for me, while I really do appreciate its capabilities, I won’t be looking at its reflection in shop windows as I drive through town.​

For 2019, BMW X4 xDrive30i pricing starts at $50,450, while the 2019 BMW X4 M40i starts as $60,450.