The BMW X4 M Competition at a glance
The X4 M Competition maintains the distance to the competition
He is preparing to be the egg-laying woolly milk pig in the current M program. 510 PS strong, up to 285 km / h fast and visually not embarrassed to showcase its power in all forms. In addition, there is a high entry and real loading volume. We’re talking about the BMW X4 M Competition, which the Munich-based company has carefully improved as part of the model revision of their X3 and X4 program (combined fuel consumption: 10.8-10.5 l / 100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 247-238 g / km²).
Visually, the retouching of the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) is rather subtle. Redesigned front and rear lights, a finely reworked double kidney grille and new colors are enough so that the X4 M Competition can keep the distance from the now much older competition. Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (combined fuel consumption: 12.4-10.0 l / 100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 282-229 g / km²) both drive up with all-wheel drive 510 PS, but they do then the similarities end.
Still no litter, but more comfortable
What is already noticeable after the first few meters in the X4 M, which costs at least 99,600 euros – especially compared to the GLC 63 S – is that the engineers have obviously practiced doing without themselves. Because the brutal hardness of the pre-LCI version has not completely disappeared, but the ride comfort has been noticeably improved. Still, a simple push of a button is enough and the X4 M shows its true motorsport face. Sport and Sport Plus mode of the adaptive M chassis are therefore only suitable for perfectly flat roads, the comfort setting usually remains the better choice.
Neither before nor after the facelift was and is the engine / transmission unit. In-line six-cylinder S58 continues to ensure a colossal forward thrust, pushes the aforementioned 510 hp at the same time 650 Newton meters on the timing chain (plus 50 Nm compared to the old version) and accelerates the at least 2,085 kilogram SUV to 100 km / h in more than 3.8 seconds Those who order the optional M Driver’s Package can even extend the X4 M Competition up to 285 km / h.
Despite its weight, it is not sedate when cornering
The 3.0-liter biturbo is coupled to an eight-stage converter transmission from ZF. Shifts seem to take place without any loss of traction, but in the restrained comfort mode the electronics need a few seconds to think about the right gear and thus the full torque. It is better to give the riot SUV the spurs by manual switching interventions. Then you will also really notice how directly and brutally the row six is on the gas.
Now the X4 M Competition is moving forward quite well on the straight. But what about a winding country road? Thanks to the very direct steering, the all-wheel drive with emphasis on the rear and the chassis described above, the Hochbeiner does not show any nakedness even on winding stretches of road. Despite the high live weight of more than two tons, Garching has managed to get the X4 M to outsmart its own design-related limitations with great ease. If the DSC is set to sport mode, even the rear can be gracefully pushed outwards at bends – without having to worry, the car could develop an all too brash life of its own.
High consumption, high quality interior
This elemental force of driving dynamics naturally does not go unnoticed by the consumption calculator either. BMW reports an optimistic 10.5 to 10.8 liters per 100 kilometers for the X4 M Competition, which was four to six liters more on the first test laps around Munich – depending on the driving style. Anyone who wants to practice fuel-efficient asceticism on long journeys can look forward to a well-made interior with very comfortable M sports seats while driving slowly.
The multi-adjustable seats fit like the much-quoted tailor-made suit, the cockpit ergonomics are typically BMW top and the operation of the digital helpers is also easy. It is a shame, however, that the BMW Live Cockpit with its playful appearance has now also replaced the previous instrument cluster. The narrow entrance to the rear thanks to the coupé silhouette and the restricted all-round view are also worthy of criticism.
First conclusion
Even after the facelift, the BMW X4 M Competition has lost none of its rowdy nature. The revised chassis, on the other hand, is a boon for all those who might really want to use the car as a daily driver. There is nothing to complain about in terms of performance and cornering dynamics (in the SUV framework), but the rapidly escalating consumption and poor all-round visibility are less pleasing. The pricing is also tear-dropping. It starts from 99,600 euros – but M Sao Paulo Yellow is extra. (Text and image: Thomas Vogelhuber)