BMW X4 2022: facelifted midsize SUV priced from $85,900

BMW has announced the recently facelifted 2022 X4 mid size SUV will go on sale with a new starting price of $85,900 (before on-road costs) when it arrives later this year.

The popular coupe-style version of the X3 midsize SUV has received a number of tweaks to its exterior and interior styling alongside with a slew of upgrades to its already extensive feature list.

Buyers will have a choice of three grades in the regular X4 range, with BMW increasing the price by around $3,000 – $4,000 in entry-level models but the top-spec M40i is now $4,000 cheaper than before.

When it arrives, the X4 will need to contend with the recently facelifted Audi Q5 Sportback which has a considerably lower starting price of $77,700 before on-road costs and has a properly quick SQ5 Sportback grade for those wanting a bit more excitement.

BMW designers have made subtle changes to the exterior of the X4 with tweaks such as narrowing the LED headlights by 10mm and reshaping the mesh kidney grille giving it a more mature appearance in our eyes.

The rear bumper has been given a bit of a tidy up, BMW says, by placing the reflectors lower in the design and providing more painted surfaces to give a more uniform look.

With the M Sport package included as standard on the X4 xDrive20i and X4 xDrive30i, the SUV also wears a set of new 19-inch alloy wheels with a Y spoke design, with larger 20 and 21-inch wheels available as an option.

Sitting at the top of the regular X4 range is the M40i which offers a sportier design than the entry level models but the X4 M Competition sits above it if buyers want something even more potent. 

To highlight the X4 M40i’s significance, BMW  has added a chrome frame around the kidney grille with a more dynamic shape to rear anvil-like design on the bumper, while gloss black exhaust pipes and 21-inch alloy wheels complete the package. 

What’s under the bonnet of the X4?

Or course, the differences in grades go further than skin deep and particularly in the engine department, with all grades utalising an an eight-speed torque converter automatic and an all wheel drive system.

The entry-level X4 xDrive20i is fitted with a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque.  The X4 xDrive 30i uses this same engine in a higher state of tune producing 185kW/350Nm.

Saving the best for last, the X4 M40i harnesses a turbo petrol 3.0L six-cylinder engine producing a beefy 285kW/500Nm.

What does the interior of the X4 include?

BMW has tweaked the interior of the sloped-back SUV which presents familiar but improved design overall.

This begins with a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen fitted in the centre which now has both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability along with the built-in navigation. 

It sits adjacent to the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and works in conjunction with a heads-up display so drivers can keep their eyes on the road.

The cabin also features niceties like a wireless charging pad, power tailgate, three-zone climate control and a sport leather steering wheel to boot.

Added in the recent facelift are features like the synthetic leather trim, adaptive LED headlights and the reversing assistant to make getting into tight spaces easier. 

Stepping up to the xDrive30 introduces a leather Vernasca upholstery, 12-speaker sound system, a more adjustable seat for the driver and ambient lighting in the cabin.

The top-rung X4 M40i arrives with a slew of performance upgrades including a limited slip differential and adaptive dampers which should make it more nimble and comfortable to drive everyday.

Luxuries like a panoramic roof, seat heating for the front row, lumbar support for the driver and a Harman Kardon surround sound system are also thrown in.

We’ll find out if this all pulls together as a cohesive package when it arrives in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year.

BMW X4 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• X4 xDrive20i: $85,900  (up $3,000)
• X4 xDrive30i: $95,900 (up $4,000)
• X4 M40i: $115,900 (down $4,000)