Should You Buy a 2021 BMW X4 M Competition?

It starts at $95,600 in Canada and $80,400 in the United States.
The Competition package adds 30 horsepower to the X4 M.
The M Sport exhaust system is unfortunately not loud enough.

So, are you shopping for a 500-hp SUV that stands out in the sea of look-alike SUVs? I can see why your gaze paused on the 2021 BMW X4 M Competition: It’s longer, wider and lower than its sibling, the X3 M. Its stocky stance and inelegantly hunchbacked profile give it a look that’s closer to a large hatchback than a crossover. It also makes the X4 M a head-turner. Sometimes for good, sometimes for bad.

Based on the X4 M, the Competition Package first adds 30 horsepower to the 3.0L six-cylinder engine, dubbed S58, for a total of 503 hp. Then, BMW attaches an M Sport exhaust system for a more aggressive sound, exclusive exterior details and of course, a plethora of M-specific elements.

You will understand that all these additions will allow the 2021 BMW X4 M Competition to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.1 seconds, according to the manufacturer. On the other hand, during their test, the American publication Car and Driver managed an incredible 3.3 seconds (0-97 km/h) for this same sprint. Let’s just say that for an SUV weighing close to 4,600 lbs, that’s pretty fast.

But now, let’s get down to business, which is what you’re here for; should you buy an X4 M Competition or not?

2021 BMW X4 M Competition | Photo: Olivier Delorme

Why you should buy a 2021 BMW X4 M Competition:

The M TwinPower Turbo 3.0L engine is simply superb. Its 503 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque make the X4 M Competition a fearsome monster. The 8-speed M Steptronic transmission coupled to it also does a remarkable job with its ultra-fast and smooth shifts.
The handling of this SUV is quite surprising. Without flinching, it takes corners as if it was on rails while being predictable most of the time. Plus, with the multitude of DSC or even M xDrive settings available, any driver will find something to suit their needs.
The performance/price ratio of BMW‘s SUV is almost impossible to beat. As mentioned above, with a 0-97 km/h time of 3.3 seconds, the X4 M Competition enters the Lamborghini Urus territory for less than half the price.

Why you shouldn’t buy a 2021 BMW X4 M Competition:

A point of debate for this type of vehicle, but one that I had to mention anyway, is its fuel consumption. After a week with the car and a few hundred kilometres (60% city/40% highway), the vehicle indicated 16.9 L/100 km. I understand that you don’t buy this type of vehicle for its good fuel economy, but still…
The ultra-rigid suspension coupled with the excessively hard seats eliminates many of the smiles that the powertrain brings.
Granted, the powertrain is a beast, but unfortunately, I find it lacking in sound. If you’re shopping for a 500+ horsepower SUV, it’s not because you want to go unnoticed, quite the contrary. That’s why I find the range-topping X4 not loud enough. Yes, even though it’s an X4 M Competition and the button to open the active exhaust system flaps was activated. In short, it lacks a certain growl.
Since its introduction in 2014, the X4’s design has never grown on me. Its hunchbacked look throws me off more than I’d like to admit. While it’s personal taste, the X4 M still loses a fair amount of space in the booth, not to mention that its “coupe” styling robs rear passengers of 4 cm of headroom.

The 2021 BMW X4 M Competition is quite a vehicle, let’s face it. It tears up the asphalt like no other and offers a driving experience that’s much closer to that of a car than that of an SUV. Of course, it has its share of flaws, but for some, these drawbacks are the price to pay for breathtaking performance and a design that stands out from the crowd. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of performance and discretion, you might want to look at the X3 M Competition, which offers a much more conventional design.