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BMW X1 F48 vs BMW X4 G02

BMW X1

BMW X1

F48 · 2015 – 2022

The second-generation X1 (F48), front-wheel-drive based (UKL2).

VS
BMW X4

BMW X4

G02 · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation X4 (G02), on the CLAR platform shared with the X3 G01.

First car
Second car
Pick this one if…

BMW X1

Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.

Best engine: The 20i (B48 petrol) or 20d (B47 diesel).
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…

BMW X4

Pick the G02 for the B58 M40i and a more dynamic, refined package than the F26.

Best engine: The M40i (B58, 360 hp) — the standout.
Read the full guide

Performance

B48 20i · Petrol vs M40i · Petrol

BMW X1 BMW X4
Power
192 hp
360 hp Winner
Torque
280 Nm
500 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h
7,7 s
4,8 s Winner
Top speed
226 km/h
250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight
127,6 hp/t
188,0 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)
134 g/km Winner
191 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)
5,9 L/100km Winner
8,2 L/100km

Dimensions & space

BMW X1 BMW X4
Boot
505 L
525 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)
1.550 L Winner
1.430 L
Wheelbase
2,67 m
2,86 m Winner
Length
4,44 m
4,75 m
Ground clearance
18,3 cm
20,0 cm
Turning circle
11,4 m Winner
12,1 m
Towing capacity (braked)
2.000 kg
2.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

BMW X1 BMW X4
Platform UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base) CLAR (G02, xDrive)
Drive Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive All-wheel drive
Engine family B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 25e PHEV B48/B58 petrol · B47/B57 diesel (mild-hybrid)
Transmission 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic
Fuel Petrol Petrol
Euro standard Euro 6d-TEMP Euro 6d
LEZ access Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X1
  • Engine mounts can wear early
  • Cooling system needs checking
  • Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47) & EGR on diesels
BMW X4
  • Cooling-system plastics and water pumps
  • Oil-filter housing gasket leaks (B48/B58)
  • EGR/DPF/AdBlue attention on diesels

Pros

BMW X1
  • Spacious cabin & big boot
  • Efficient engines
  • Practical and family-friendly
BMW X4
  • B58 M40i is strong, free-revving and the standout
  • Facelift (2021) brought mild-hybrid tech on many diesels
  • More dynamic and refined than the F26

Cons

BMW X1
  • Firm ride (run-flat)
  • Less playful due to front-wheel drive
BMW X4
  • Sloping roof reduces rear headroom versus the X3
  • Firm ride on M Sport adaptive suspension and larger wheels

Driving experience

BMW X1

Confident, refined and remarkably car-like for a compact crossover. Steering is quick and accurate, body control composed, and the X1 feels light and easy to place. The transverse UKL2 platform swaps the old E84’s rear-drive character for front-drive agility and more space; sDrive stays nimble, xDrive adds wet-weather traction. Comfort depends on spec: supple on standard springs and sensible wheels, firmer and choppier on M Sport and run-flats. The B48 20i is the pick, smooth and willing; the B47 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed. Overall a polished small SUV that drives like a raised hatch, not a soft-roader.

BMW X4

More dynamic and refined than the F26. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but prioritises composure and refinement over pure sharpness. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. The B58 M40i is the standout: strong, refined, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range punch. B48 four-cylinder petrols are smooth and responsive. Diesels (especially the B57 sixes) deliver strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that balances road presence, dynamics and everyday usability better than its predecessor.

Belgian taxes & LEZ

Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers