Pros More ground clearance than a regular wagon, plenty of space for cargo, nicely equipped with standard tech features.
Cons Poky with base four-cylinder, boring to drive, engine drones during acceleration thanks to the continuously variable automatic transmission.
Pros Spacious cabin and smooth, comfortable ride Optional turbocharged engine provides plenty of power Loading the roof or cargo area is easier than in most SUVs Above-average off-road ability
Cons Slow acceleration from standard engine Clunky engine auto stop-start system
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.