BMW X4 M

Well, we'll say this about the 2021 BMW X4 M: At least it's not an anodyne cookie-cutter SUV meant to appeal to the widest possible range of car shoppers. No, the X4 M is about as niche as it gets.

With its original X6, BMW can take credit as one of the first automakers to offer a coupe-style SUV. The X4 follows the same formula. It's based on the X3 small SUV but has a sleeker fastback roofline in exchange for less cargo space and rear headroom. From there, the X4 M gets the full BMW performance treatment with a 473-horsepower engine, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and retuned suspension.

On the road, the X4 M offers an almost unbelievable level of performance and capability, tackling back roads or highway on-ramps with a prowess that would have seemed silly just a few years ago. The steering, handling and raw acceleration are far beyond what most people expect from an SUV. Unfortunately, those performance capabilities never really settle down, giving the X4 M a jarringly stiff ride even in its most comfortable setting.

Inside, the X4 M shares much with the more conventional BMW X3 and, by extension, the X3 M. The rear seats and cargo area are more cramped, but from the driver's seat you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the X3 and the X4. The interior design, features and tech are the same, as is performance.

From a logic standpoint, it makes more sense to buy an X3 M. You'll pay less and get more practicality as part of the deal. But in the end that's part of the X4 M's charm. It's clearly not for everyone.

Which X4 M does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 BMW X4 M comes in two basic variants: the standard X4 M and the X4 M Competition. Both are powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. In the standard X4 M, it makes 473 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque and sends power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic.

X4 M Comes well equipped with:

• Adaptive sport suspension
• 20-inch wheels
• Power liftgate
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Leather upholstery
• 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Navigation system
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration

The X4 M also comes standard with a number of BMW's driver aids and safety features, including:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)

X4 M Competition The Competition package commands a significant premium over the standard model. In return it offers a 30-hp bump to 503 hp. Engine torque remains the same. BMW also upgrades the X4 M with:

• Thicker suspension stabilizer bars
• Sport exhaust system
• Gloss black exterior trim
• Upgraded sport front seats

The X4 M is also available with a few notable option packages.

• Driving Assistance Plus package
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the X4 M and the car in front)
• A more advanced version of the forward collision mitigation system

• Executive package
• Automated parallel and perpendicular parking system
• Head-up display
• Wireless charging pad
• Heated front and rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Gesture control for phone and audio