Used BMW X4 for sale: everything you need to know
It was little surprise when BMW launched the X4 in 2014, given the success it had already had with the larger X6. This time, its coupe-styled SUV was based on the smaller X3, but otherwise the formula was the same - and it was popular enough that BMW followed it up with a second generation car in 2018, which is the model we’re covering here.
As well as distinctive BMW styling it also has BMW driving characteristics on its side, so it’s good to drive, and its engines are towards the top of the class for performance and economy too. The X4’s popularity means it’s easy to find on the used market as well - so keep reading to find out why you might want an X4, and what engines and trim levels are available.
Should you buy a BMW X4?
Just as some buyers prefer the BMW X6 for its sportier look compared to the X5, and are prepared to take a small hit in practicality, buyers of the X4 will be happy to make a similar compromise compared to the less rakish X3 on which it’s based. And as with the X6, that compromise is smaller than you might expect anyway, since there’s still plenty of space in the rear seats of an X4, and the boot’s not a bad size or shape either.
So you might consider it a win-win - there’s just a little less luggage room for those who like to fill their cars to the brim, and if you’ve got a large dog, they might be slightly less pleased about the sloping tailgate’s effect on their headroom. From the front seats though, you’ll barely notice - the X4’s interior is otherwise very similar to its more practical counterpart, with the same standard of quality and materials, plenty of equipment, and one of the better infotainment systems in this class.
It’s one of the better cars to drive too. Not notably better than the X3, it has to be said, but the usual BMW qualities are still there, from positive, weighty steering, to minimal body lean in corners (the tradeoff being a slightly tough ride in the sportier variants - look for cars on smaller wheels if you want to soften off that edge) and good rolling refinement. Punchy engines, too - the six-cylinders are fast and creamy smooth.
The car to beat for driver appeal in this class is the Porsche Macan, and its badge appeal is also hard to ignore. Another that can go toe-to-toe with the BMW on driving fun is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, though it’s less of a “coupe” than some of the others in this class - the BMW, plus the Mercedes GLC Coupe and Audi Q5 Sportback have notably sloped roofs to justify their coupe-SUV billing.
What’s the best used BMW X4 model to buy?
A four-cylinder diesel engine may not be that exotic but the xDrive20d is a good all-rounder in the X4 range, with brisk performance but economy in the mid to high 40mpg range - while also being the most affordable to insure, and likely costing a little less to maintain in the longer run. Early models were offered in well-equipped Sport trim but you’re more likely to find M Sport cars for sale, as this more aggressive-looking trim level was popular with new buyers.
Used BMW X4 fuel economy and performance
- BMW X4 xDrive20d: The 2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel in the X4 produces 190PS, for a 0-62mph time of just under eight seconds and 46.6mpg combined economy.
- BMW X4 xDrive30d: 30d models move up to a turbocharged 3-litre six-cylinder diesel engine, and get a hefty power increase to 286PS as a result. This cuts the 0-62mph time to under eight seconds, but there’s not much of an economy penalty, with BMW quoting a 45.6mpg average.
- BMW X4 M40d: Another six-cylinder, the more performance-focused M40d produces 340PS, just shy of the petrol M40i. 0-62mph now takes just 4.9 seconds but it’ll still do more than 41mpg combined.
- BMW X4 M40i: The only petrol engine in the range is the powerful 3-litre turbocharged six-cylinder of the M40i. It makes 360PS and matches the M40d’s acceleration, but isn’t as efficient with a 31.4mpg figure.
What used BMW X4 trim levels are available?
- The BMW X4 Sport starts the range with equipment such as 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, and leather trim.
- The BMW X4 M Sport has sportier exterior styling than the entry-level car and also gets 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, and leather upholstery.
- The BMW X4 M Sport X was available at launch but is no longer offered new in the X4 range. Equipment over and above the M Sport included a panoramic roof and some extra cosmetic trim elements.
- The BMW X4 M40i / M40d isn’t dissimilar to the M Sport in terms of specification, but do add 21-inch alloy wheels, performance suspension and upgraded brakes, to go with their higher power outputs.
Used BMW X4 dimensions and boot size
The BMW X4’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4752mm
- Width: 1918mm
- Height: 1621mm
- Ground clearance: 204mm
The BMW X4’s boot space is:
- 525 litres
- 1430 litres with rear seats folded
Used BMW X4 road tax
All X4s are charged both a flat rate of VED or ‘road tax’, and then a surcharge on top of that (for five years from the car’s second year on the road) for costing more than £40,000 brand new. That currently means an annual bill of £600, dropping to £190 when the surcharge ends.
How much is it to insure a BMW X4?
A BMW X4 xDrive20d in M Sport trim comes in at insurance group 33, though the cheapest of all is actually the same diesel in earlier Sport trim, one group lower at 32. For the six-cylinder 30d insurance jumps to groups 41-42, while the diesel M40d will likely cost the most to cover, as it sits in insurance group 45.
