2022 BMW X4 M First Look Review: Family-Size Fury

Performance SUVs are all the craze at the moment, and few do it better than BMW. Ever since the X5 came out, BMW has been a pioneering force in the world of premium performance SUVs, and it seems as if its product offerings keep getting better and better. Take the BMW X4 M: this compact luxury crossover, first introduced in 2020, has taken the fast-SUV market by storm, and the 2022 model has just landed with more power and better looks. We recently heard this high-performance German SUV roar to life, and now that it's finally here, we can take a closer look at what makes this wild child of the BMW family so capable.

Back in January, we were still speculating over the X4 M's grille, and despite being somewhat larger, it still doesn't come close to the nostrils found on the M4. Staying at the front, BMW has slimmed down the headlights by less than half an inch and has wrapped the face in a more aggressive bumper that features prominent air intakes. The side profile doesn't give much away, but those large M Performance wheels are a dead giveaway, as are the huge vented brake rotors. At the rear, the X4 M shows off more of its sporty nature: a high-gloss black rear spoiler is perched on a unique trunk lid while at the bottom, an anvil-shaped M Performance bumper does duty. The 2022 X4 M is offered in eight colors, including new additions such as Brooklyn Grey metallic, Bay Blue metallic, Carbon Black metallic, and the wild-looking Sao Paulo Yellow.

BMW keeps the interiors of its M Performance cars more or less the same, so those who've been in the X3 M or even an M5 will know the lay of the land. For 2022, BMW retains the ultra-comfortable M Performance bucket seats with illuminating logos. The Merino leather package is once more available in a multitude of colors, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel is finished off with M contrast stitching. Competition models will get the trademark BMW color stripes on the seatbelts to let other occupants know that they're probably not safe.

In terms of tech, the 2022 X4 M will feature BMW Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system also features a high-end Harman-Kardon sound system. M view also makes its way into the cabin, and the optional head-up display now gets special M features. Special HVAC and setup buttons can be used to select between driving profiles on the steering wheel.

BMW would have a mutiny on its hands if it simply carried over the exact same powerplant as last year, and thankfully it didn't: the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged S58 inline-six engine has been tweaked to generate more power, improve response, and lay down quicker acceleration times. Power now sits at an impressive 473 horsepower in the base X4 M, and climbs to 503 hp in the Competition model, while torque is upped to 457 lb-ft on standard models and 479 lb-ft on Competition-spec vehicles, representing an increase of 13 lb-ft and 37 lb-ft, respectively.

So, does all this newfound power make a difference? It sure does: The X4 M will now complete the 0-60 mph sprint in only 3.9 seconds (down from 4.1 seconds) while the Competition model needs only 3.7 seconds (down from 4 seconds). The top speed is pegged at 155 mph unless specified with the M Performance package after which the number increases to 174 mph. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and an M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with an Active M Differential.

The X4 M is expected to arrive at dealerships in September 2021 and will start at $73,400 (excluding a $995 Destination fee). Pricing for the Competition model is not yet clear, but we expect these models to come with a price increase of $7,000. The 2022 X4 M will do battle with German competitors such as the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S and Porsche Macan Turbo. The BMW faces some stiff competition, but if the 2021 model is anything to go on, it shouldn't be too worried.