BMW X3 vs BMW X4
BMW X3
BMW’s mid-size premium SUV.
VS
BMW X4
BMW’s coupé-SUV (Sports Activity Coupé).
First car
Second car
Pick this one if…
BMW X3
Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.
Best engine: The 20i (petrol) or 20d (diesel).
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…
BMW X4
Pick the X4 for a more aggressively styled coupé-SUV with xDrive and strong inline-six engines — trading practical space versus the X3.
Best engine: The M40i (B58) or the 30d (B57).
Read the full guide
Performance
B48 20i · Petrol vs M40i · Petrol
| BMW X3 | BMW X4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
360 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
290 Nm
|
500 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,3 s
|
4,8 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
215 km/h
|
250 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
105,4 hp/t
|
188,0 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
154 g/km
Winner
|
191 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,8 L/100km
Winner
|
8,2 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X3 | BMW X4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
550 L
Winner
|
525 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.600 L
Winner
|
1.430 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
|
2,86 m
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,75 m
|
| Width |
1,89 m
|
1,92 m
|
| Height |
1,68 m
|
1,62 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X3 | BMW X4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the 5 Series) | F25 (F26) · CLAR (G02) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid | N20/N55 · B48/B58 petrol · N47/B47 · B57 diesel |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 petrol/diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW X3
- EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
- Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
- Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage
BMW X4
- N20 timing chain and tensioner (early F26)
- Oil-filter housing and valve-cover leaks
- EGR cooler recall (B47/B57 diesel)
Pros
BMW X3
- Rear-drive base gives sharp handling
- Big boot (550 l) & roomy rear seat
- Strong, efficient B-series engines
BMW X4
- Aggressive coupé-SUV styling with presence
- Planted xDrive all-wheel drive
- Strong inline-six engines (B58/B57)
Cons
BMW X3
- Firm ride on M Sport suspension (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
BMW X4
- Sloping roof costs headroom and load volume versus the X3
- Firm ride, especially on M Sport adaptive suspension
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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