Comparing The BMW X4 vs The BMW X6

The rise in popularity of sport-focused, coupe-style SUV models has been like nothing else in recent years. A decade ago, the first batch of SUVs with sloping rooflines and more aggressive styling was introduced, and since then, the market has become crowded. In this crowded sector, the BMW X6 has always been a strong seller, although its price tag has put the car out of reach for many buyers.

The alternative to the more expensive X6 was the BMW X4, released in 2015. This vehicle was designed to sit alongside the popular X3 SUV, and offer a lower-cost alternative to anyone looking for a sport-focused SUV.

The important question is; if you’re in the market for a BMW SUV with coupe styling, you will be looking at the X4 vs. the X6. So how do these cars compare, and which model is right for you?

The X4 and the X6

We’ll compare the BMW X4 and the X6 across several categories to find out where each car is best:

– Practicality

– Performance / Engines

– Driving experience

– Quality / Technology

– Value For Money

Across each category, I’ll talk you through the good and bad points for each model, and finally what my opinion is. At the end of the article, you’ll have all the info you need to decide which model is right for you.

Let’s start!

Practicality

How do these cars compare both in road presence and interior space? Below you can find a comparison of the major stats between the X4 and the X6:

These stats are based on the entry-level versions for each model, the X4 30i and the X6 40i. The only difference between the higher-spec models is an increased weight due to more features, but the interior space is the same.

As expected, the X6 is a larger vehicle and over 400lbs heavier. It surprised me that the interior space in the X4 is better than its larger sibling, with an inch of extra headroom and more legroom in the front. The larger X6 comes good when we look at cargo space, with an extra nine cubic ft compared to the X4.

Both these vehicles are designed as Sport Activity Coupes, so practicality isn’t the focus here. Anyone looking for a practical SUV will be looking at the X3 or the X5, and BMW knows this. These are still large vehicles designed for families, so interior space shouldn’t be ignored. Compared to other coupe-style SUVs such as the Mercedes GLC, the X4 and X6 score well.

Performance / Engines:

If the practicality of both the X4 and X6 has disappointed you, BMW more than makes up for this with the engine options available in both cars. After all, these are sport-focused SUVs, so performance should be a priority. But how do they compare?

BMW X4

The X4 follows the standard engine model from BMW, offering owners an entry-level 2-liter option in the X4 30i. If you’re after more power, the X4 M40i and X4 M models come with a straight-six, 3-liter engine, hitting 0-60mph in under 5 seconds.   

The X4 M in particular is tuned by BMWs ‘M’ division and has the same power as the M3 sedan. I think the X4 M40i version has enough performance for most owners, but it’s good to see BMW pushing their SUV division to keep up with the likes of Audi and Porsche.

The fuel economy isn’t as impressive. For a car weighing nearly 4,500lbs, the mpg figures were never going to be good, and most owners will accept that. The X4 30i has a combined figure of 26mpg, which is good compared to many mid-size SUVs, but the performance versions of the X4 drink fuel at a rapid rate. If you’re going to do a lot of miles in your X4, the fuel cost will add up.

BMW X6

Just like the X4, the BMW X6 engine options are split into three categories. They start with the X6 40i, featuring a 3-liter, straight-six engine. At 335 bhp, this is performance territory for most SUVs, but the team at the BMW M division decided to go crazy with the higher-spec versions of the X6. 

Your second choice of engine, the X6 M50i comes with over 500 bhp, and a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds (and that’s from a company notorious for being modest on their 0-60 times). If that isn’t enough power, you can always go for the X6 M and push that horsepower to 600. Both models come with the 4.4-liter V8 engine used in the M5 and M8.

Like the X4, fuel economy suffers due to the weight and power of the X6. The best you will get is a combined 23 mpg in the X6 40i, and for anyone cautious about the cost of filling your tank, don’t look at the other numbers. Then again, if you’re buying an X6 M, you know what you’re getting, right?

Driving experience: 

As we’ve mentioned, these cars are ‘Sports Activity Coupes,’ and behind the marketing slogan, they should be fun to drive and capable. So how do the X4 and X6 line up?

BMW X4

The X4 is designed to feel sporty and fun to drive, and it mostly achieves those aims. The suspension is stiff, and along with the lower, wider stance, this feels like a car that’s easy to control. Push the X4 to its limits; on a safe surface, you can forget you’re in an SUV. There is a feeling of 4,400lbs when you corner, so don’t expect M3 levels of control. The different driving modes and xDrive as standard make the difference, though, two features BMW has perfected on recent models.

Nobody will take their X4 off-road, but this is still an SUV, and that meant capability at one point. I’ve never driven the X4 on difficult surfaces but based on the performance of its sister car, the X3, I would expect it to be surprisingly good. 

For everyday driving, the X4 is excellent. Driving in urban areas is easy, and with current technology, it’s simple to park. It’s not perfect, though, and one of the downsides is a problem for most modern BMWs; the standard tires are run flat. Get rid of those, and the ride will improve significantly. The X4 is a comfortable place to sit for drivers, making long-distance trips almost a pleasure.

BMW X6

Like the X4, the X6 can be an enjoyable car when you’re testing its limits, although the extra weight does show in the corners. As with all BMWs, the different drive modes make an impact and putting the car into Sport or Sport+ changes the handling and engine response. For most owners, even the base X6 40i will have enough power and responsiveness to make the driving experience entertaining on the right road.

Unlike the X4, the X6 has an option to choose different off-road settings. Like its smaller relation, I don’t imagine many owners taking their X6 onto the snow or dirt, but it’s good to see BMW offering that package. The standard tire setup is completely unsuitable, so if you want an off-road adventure in your X6, get some dedicated tires.

For everyday driving, it’s a close call between the X4 and X6. The latter is slightly more comfortable, and I think it would make the difference on long journeys, but the size of the X6 makes urban driving a challenge, particularly parking. This isn’t anything new for large SUVs, and compared to its rivals, the X6 does a reasonable job in the city, considering it’s nearly 5,000lbs and 200 inches long.

Quality / Technology

BMW has rarely been at the cutting edge of automotive technology in the way Mercedes has, for example, but every car in their lineup is available with all the upgrades you could ever need. On top of that, BMW’s interior quality has been some of the best in their sector, even if the styling has been slightly basic. So how do the X4 and X6 compare?

BMW X4

The interior design of the X4 has no weak points, although it feels slightly ‘safe’ compared to the likes of Mercedes and Audi. You get the standard BMW 2-screen layout, and as I always mention, BMW has kept the physical buttons for various controls, which I love. The controls and displays are focused on the driver, giving you a closer, sport-focused feeling too.

The interior quality is as good as you would expect. There are very few hard plastics on show, and the dashboard has a generous amount of soft materials and real metal/wood, depending on your spec. The center console tray is a letdown for me, though; it feels low quality compared to the rest of the cabin, which is disappointing.

Technology is abundant here, both standard and through optional extras. As always, I would invest in the heated seat option, and if you’re looking at the X4 M40i or the X4 M, you should consider the Heads Up Display package and the upgraded Harman Kardon sound system. For a full list of options I would go for on your BMW, check out my thoughts here.

BMW X6

The interior of the X6 is a very similar design to the X4, with a few upgrades. You still get the two-screen, driver-focused layout and the same iDrive 7.0 infotainment system. The X4 does a better job of making you feel like a driver in a sedan, but the X6 is a more comfortable place to sit.

Again, the quality of materials is excellent. Soft materials and aluminum are everywhere, and where I had an issue on the X4 with the center console tray, this is upgraded in the X6. Some of you may prefer the cleaner layout of recent Audis, but for me, the X6 is BMW design almost perfected. I can’t go without mentioning the gear selector – whoever came up with the crystal design, I still can’t decide if I like it or not.

Just like the X4, the technology options are almost excessive. The HUD system is one of the best on the market, and the Active Driving Assistant should be near the top of your options list too. Confort options in the X6 are more advanced than its smaller relation, with options for extended climate controls and heated armrests. 

Value For Money

We’ve looked at the practicality, performance, and equipment in the X4 and the X6, but any comparison is incomplete without the costs. If you’re looking at owning either of these, what kind of value for money are you getting?

The only question that is relevant here is “Do I need to spend the extra to get an X6, or is an X4 suitable for me?” and although the question is simple, the answer isn’t so clear. Starting price difference on the entry-level models is $15,000, which will give you many options and spare money on an X4. Is the X6 worth that difference?

At the entry-level (the X4 30i and the X6 40i), you pay extra for the performance and the badge. There are small upgrades in the interior, and the X6 is a larger car, but the main cost comes down to an additional 90 bhp and the extra two cylinders in the engine. In this situation, I would go for the X4 and use the money on upgrades.

A fairer comparison would be the X4 M40i and the X6 40i. Both have the same engine setup, so the $5,000 difference now comes down to quality and features. At this level, I can’t look past the X6, but it’s close.

Going above the $80,000 barrier, I think this is where buyers separate, and if you want the best money can buy from BMW, you probably won’t be looking at value for money. The decision will come down solely to your preference on design and if you want to pay for the extra 130 bhp that the X6 M offers.

Summary

We’ve seen how the BMW X4 lines up against the X6 and where each car holds an advantage:

• For practicality, the X6 cargo space is an advantage, but the X4 has great interior space
• The performance of both cars is strong, but the X6 pushes things to another level
• The driving experience between the X4 and X6 is close, but the X6 is king off-road
• Interior quality and technology are similar between both cars

Overall if you’re looking for a coupe-style SUV, both these models are going to meet your expectations. I think the X4 is one of BMWs undiscovered gems, and plenty of buyers have probably ignored it for the X6, but it’s worth a test drive.

If you want to find out more about all things BMW, check out some of our related articles