The BMW X4 M Competition

It’s one thing if a vehicle has a snarling exhaust note. Our BMW X4 M Competition goes further than that. Much further. It sports a green hue that makes both the Notre Dame Leprechaun and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles instantly jealous. It had us easily reading the lips of those who observed our vehicle. In fact, we at Napleton News have honed lip reading into a fine art. Read along for our report and to guess what they were saying.

What is the BMW X4 M Competition all about?

Apparently, nobody likes sedans any more. That’s the reason so many companies are releasing new “coupe-style” SUVs. Well, we still are all on board with sedans but that’s not the purpose of our review today. In the case of the BMW X4M Competition, the company has designed a fastback version of the X3/X4 M crossover SUV.

Normally, this SUV, as the xDrive30i, features a base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4. There’s also a mild hybrid inline-6 as the M40i. The X4 M features a 473 horsepower turbocharged inline-6, but for some, that’s not enough. That’s why they built our tester, the X4 M Competition. This hot rod is motivated by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 tuned up to produce 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

Every BMW X4 model includes xDrive all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission

How does the BMW X4 M Competition look?

Think of the X4 M Competition as the love child of the BMW X3 and the X6. In other words, it’s a practical play on a sport utility vehicle. But some may say it’s not practical enough. They cite compromised cargo capacity, the X4 M is not as robust as other cargo swallowing SUVs. But it’s potent in other ways. Our bright green example featured a four-door five-passenger coupe-style fastback that rides higher than a sedan but we found every bit as powerful as an M series car.

Black painted aluminum alloy wheels offered a unique contrast to the Gumby green hue. They are accented even further through the addition of a set of killer red Brembo high-performance brakes. Aerodynamic body kit pieces also enhance the look of the X4 M. The one thing missing on this hot rod was the oversized nostril grille on newer BMW vehicles.

What about inside the X4 M?

The interior of the X4 M Competition is performance oriented without being too boy-racer. In other words, there are no extravagant gauges or carbon fiber flourishes to distract the driver and their passengers. Heck, there aren’t even any ventilated seats—just heated seat elements. But that’s ok.

Our sampler had enough black leather to outfit a biker bar. At the center of the dashboard sits a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that is the heart of the BMW iDrive infotainment system. The large rotary dial is back to operate the Android Auto/Apple CarPlay systems. It also operates the Navigation, HD Radio and high-end Harman Kardon premium audio system.

We were never fans of earlier generations of iDrive but have to set the records straight just this once. It is a much better system today that we would actually almost call intuitive! That’s progress for you.

Behind the wheel of the BMW X4 M Competition.

A press of the red console-mounted starter button will have you thinking of what it must feel like firing up a Top Gun fighter jet. Except you won’t be pulling back on the yoke to go off into the wild blue. Instead, you’ll be greeted to the sound of what could be described as a Formula 1 car. Slightly high-pitched, it revs the engine and then settles back down as the engine warms.

Pedals are well-placed for perfect heel and toe control. Paddle shift levers will help you take over the gear box if that is how you’d like to step through the gears. The handling is rather stout for a tallish SUV but don’t let the boxy shape deter you. This hopped-up grocery-getter actually thinks it’s a sports car instead. We aren’t going to dispel it of the notion.

Where the X4 M Competition really shines is with its get-up-and-go-ness. This thing is a rocket! Stand on the pedal to see an instant hit to the revs, followed by a spooling up of the turbo and a kick into the seats.

It’s a feeling that isn’t much different from a Space-X launch…especially when you consider it sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

With the BMW X4 M Competition, you have been cleared for lift-off.

BMW X4 M Competition Specifications

	2023 BMW X4 M Competition
Engine Type	Intercooled Turbocharged inline-6
Horsepower	503 horsepower
Torque	479 lb-ft
Transmission	8-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy)	17/15/20
Suspension F/R	MacPherson Strut / multi-link
Turning Circle	41.4 ft.
Also Available	Different engines with various trim levels.
Specs
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	Not Rated
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	112.8 inches
Overall Length	187.5 inches
Width	75.9 inches
Height	63.8 inches
Cargo Room (Behind 1st and 2nd row)	50.5/18.5 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	39.5 inches
Headroom, 2nd	37.2 inches
Legroom, 1st	40.7 inches
Legroom, 2nd	35.5 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	57.5 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	56.0 inches