Pros Tremendously powerful six-cylinder engine Grip and handling are excellent Sleeker styling than the related X3 M
Cons Excessively stiff ride Rear headroom is a bit tight Sloping roofline compromises cargo space and visibility
Like the regular X4, the high-performance X4 M receives some subtle styling upgrades for 2022. Larger grille openings, narrower headlamps, and reworked front and rear bumpers distinguish the refreshed X4 M from last year's model. The infotainment display has grown from 10.3 to 12.3 inches. More meaningful to us driving enthusiasts is a rework of the SUV's engine to produce more torque; horsepower remains the same across both X4 M models.
Pros Rip-snorting engine, bonkers acceleration, handling agile enough to trick you into thinking it's a sports car.
Cons Hard-edged ride, lacks the practicality of the mechanically-similar X3 M, coupe-like styling may not be for everyone.
For 2022, BMW gives the high-performance X3 M higher performance courtesy of new engine tuning and internal components from the M3 sedan and M4 coupe. While horsepower ratings remain the same, the regular X3 M now makes 457 pound-feet (up 13), and the Competition variant makes 479 pound-feet (up 37). BWM says the added torque lowers the SUV's already nosebleed-inducing zero-to-60-mph time even further. Competition models also roll on a set of lighter-weight 21-inch wheels.
Pros Acceleration shames some sports cars, athleticism defies physics, more functional than any BMW sedan.
Cons Stiff-legged ride quality, too many possible drive-modes adjustments, loses on fuel economy—if anyone cares.
PROS A proper M Car soul Ferocious performance when you want it Tons of character even at a cruise
CONS Stiff ride does become fatiguing Price is getting up there M Car servicing isn’t cheap
