The 2022 BMW X4 M and the more powerful X4 M Competition are siblings among a handful of vehicles competing in the high-performance sport utility vehicle niche. It’s a difficult automotive segment to fathom.
What’s the purpose of a family-oriented vehicle with 503 horsepower and acceleration from zero-to-60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds?
Key Takeaways
- 503-hp performance SUV questions its own existence: The X4 M Competition delivers supercar acceleration (0-60 in 3.3 seconds) in a family vehicle, but the reviewer finds the performance largely impractical for real-world driving.
- Highway excellence, city compromise: Open-road composure is a BMW forte here, but the stiff ride punishes backseat passengers over every bump.
- Premium tech with usability gaps: The 3D head-up display impresses and the 12.3-inch touchscreen delivers, but the awkward shifter makes toggling between drive modes frustrating.
- Price escalates quickly past $90,000: The $74,395 base climbs to $90,645 with the Competition Package, Malachite Green paint, and Executive Package.
- Rear visibility suffers for style: The sloping roofline preserves headroom but headrest positioning and the small oval rear window create significant blind spots.
Is there a racetrack SUV series? Is there a need for such speed en route to soccer practice, the grocery store or on a weekend getaway?
2022 BMW X4 M: Fast, Expensive
Apparently, more means better. The updated BMW X4 M is the most expensive choice in the 2022 field that includes its sibling the BMW X3, Genesis GV70, Mercedes-AMG GLC43 or GLC63, Porsche Macan and Volvo XC60.The new model features several exterior upgrades including revamped front bumper, headlights and taillights. The rear is also redesigned with full-LED taillights, a sport-oriented exhaust trim, horizontal turn signal bars and vertical air intakes.
As the priciest vehicle in its class, the BMW X4 M features a 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Competition trim pushes the centerpiece of the higher-performance option to 503 horsepower. It also features a heated steering wheel, front and rear heated seats, parking assist, head-up display, gesture control and a rearview camera.
The head-up display projects “deep” into the front window as if it’s a 3D view. It’s an eye-pleasing view, a keener perspective than many head-up screens.
2022 BMW X4: Highway Smooth
Technology is further impressive with the standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. All models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Wi-Fi hotspot and a wireless smartphone charging pad are featured in the optional Executive Package. A Harman/Kardon 16-speaker stereo is standard.Open-road, high-speed driving has long been a BMW forte. The X4 M adheres to the carmaker’s reputation. It’s a freeway beast, maneuvering through traffic with authority. But true to the German automaker’s tradition, the ride is stiff, every bump is felt, notably for backseat occupants.
Despite its power, the X4’s driving traits are hampered by an awkward shifter. It’s difficult to switch driving modes from automatic shifting to using the small red “paddle” shifter buttons tucked behind the steering wheel.
2020 BMW X4: Poor Rear View Vision
Seating is satisfactory for four adults, tight for five as advertised. Part of the BMW’s attractiveness is its sloping roofline. It doesn’t reduce interior headroom, but the configuration of the front and back seats and the vehicle’s headrests present a problem. While adjustable, the headrests in their standard position appreciably hamper the view through the X4’s small oval rear window.While made with top-line leather and configurable in numerous settings, the front seats are stiff with odd design curves.
With its substantial starting price, the $7,000 Competition Package addition, $4,500 add-on for the polarizing Malachite Green Metallic exterior paint and $2,250 or the Executive Package, the new X4 M advances to more than $90,000.
If driving was limited to high-speed travel on the German Autobahn and similar transportation wonders, the BMW X4 would rule the road. Its price could be justified.
But real-life motoring is far more complicated. What the luxury, sporty SUV reveals is that performance is overrated.
FACTS & FIGURES: 2022 BMW X4 Competition
Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 3.3 seconds. Airbags: 6. Fuel economy: 15 mpg, city; 20 mpg, hwy. Horsepower: 503 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $74,395 Manufacturer’s Web site: www.bmwusa.com. Price As Tested: $90,645. Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years/Unlimited Mileage; Complimentary Maintenance, 3 years/36,000 miles.What We Like
- Freeway composure and high-speed confidence
- 3D head-up display projects deeper than competitors
- Standard Harman/Kardon 16-speaker stereo
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard
- Refreshed exterior with LED taillights and sport exhaust
What We Don’t
- Stiff ride amplifies every bump for rear passengers
- Awkward shifter complicates driving mode changes
- Sloping roofline hampers rear visibility
- Front seats are stiff with odd design curves
- Price approaches $91K as-tested for an SUV
Facts & Figures: 2022 BMW X4 M
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Turbo 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 503 |
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 15 city / 20 hwy / 17 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Airbags | 6 |
| Warranty | Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years/Unlimited Mileage; Complimentary Maintenance, 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Acceleration | 0-60 mph, 3.3 seconds |
| Fuel economy | 15 mpg, city; 20 mpg, hwy |
| Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price | $74,395 |
| Price As Tested | $90,645 |
How It Compares
| Vehicle | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2022 Genesis GV70 | $41,000 |
| 2022 Porsche Macan | $54,900 |
| 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 | $74,500 |
| 2022 Volvo XC60 | $41,700 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the 2022 BMW X4 M Competition?
The X4 M Competition accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, powered by a 503-hp 3.0-liter turbo inline-six with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
What is the price of the 2022 BMW X4 M?
The 2022 BMW X4 M starts at $74,395. The tested model with Competition Package ($7,000), Malachite Green paint ($4,500), and Executive Package ($2,250) reached $90,645.
What is the fuel economy of the 2022 BMW X4 M?
The X4 M achieves 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined on premium gasoline. High performance comes at a fuel economy cost.
How does the BMW X4 M compare to the Genesis GV70?
The Genesis GV70 starts around $41,000, roughly $33,000 less than the X4 M. While the BMW offers superior straight-line speed, the GV70 delivers strong value with premium features at a fraction of the price.
Is the 2022 BMW X4 M comfortable for passengers?
Seating is satisfactory for four adults but tight for five. The sport-tuned suspension delivers a stiff ride that rear passengers feel over every bump, and the front seats have unusual design curves that some may find uncomfortable.
What technology features does the BMW X4 M include?
Standard features include a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Harman/Kardon 16-speaker stereo, and an impressive 3D head-up display. The optional Executive Package adds a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging.
Article Last Updated: March 30, 2026.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.