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2020 BMW X4

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

BMW X4
Pictured: 2018 BMW X4 xDrive20d M Sport Automatic 2.0. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
M40i 4dr SUV, Xdrive30i 4dr SUV, M 4dr SUV
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 23 city / 28 hwy
Length
187.4 in
Curb weight
4,147–4,599 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
10 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 BMW X4 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,323 lb (M40i 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 28 highway), 6% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 23.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2020

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 X4 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 X4 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
M40i 4dr SUV187.4 in75.6 in63.8 in113 in63.8 / 65.7 in4,323 lb50/50
Xdrive30i 4dr SUV187.4 in75.6 in63.8 in113 in63.8 / 65.7 in4,147 lb49/51
M 4dr SUV187.4 in75.6 in63.8 in113 in63.8 / 65.7 in4,599 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
X4 xDrive30i2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive23 / 28 / 25+6%$3,300356
X4 M40i3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23-2%$3,550379
X4 M3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-32%$5,150546
X4 M Competition3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-32%$5,150546
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.5 MPG2020 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 BMW X4.

Similar 2020 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 BMW X4 (this car)25 MPGNot rated10
2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class14 MPGNot rated0
2020 Tesla Model Y316 mi★★★★★24
2020 Porsche Cayenne21 MPGNot rated6
2020 BMW X523 MPG★★★★★11
2020 Land Rover Defender19 MPGNot rated7
2020 BMW X327 MPG★★★★★16

Recalls (10)

Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay · Sep 23, 2025 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 25V636000 · 199,674 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Risk
A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.
Engine · Aug 2, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V598000 · 50,024 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
Risk
Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Feb 19, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V096000 · 13,858 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 30, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V598000 · 312 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly · Jun 15, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V355000 · 2,779 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.
Risk
A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Mar 19, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V164000 · 3,316 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Risk
If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Mar 18, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V152000 · 15 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i, and 2018-2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3M vehicles. The instrument panel casing may not have been tightened properly to the passenger air bag.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag could damage the instrument panel and cause small pieces of the panel to strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel casing, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering › Rack And Pinion › Pinion Shaft · Oct 16, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V738000 · 20 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 BMW X3 M40i and X4 M40i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Risk
A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 27, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V684000 · 257,473 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Suspension › Front · Sep 25, 2019 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 19V678000 · 368 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, and X3 M40i vehicles, X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front axle swivel bearings may not have been properly heat treated during manufacturing, reducing their strength and possibly causing them to break.
Risk
Broken swivel bearings can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW has notified owners and instructed them to not drive their vehicles. Dealers will replace the front axle swivel bearings, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 BMW X4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

15Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
2,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System4
Unknown Or Other3
Air Bags3
Suspension3
Seat Belts2
Exterior Lighting1
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft1
Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/12: 120/06: 120/09: 123/06: 123/11: 124/02: 124/06: 124/11: 125/07: 125/09: 126/01: 126/02: 126/03: 126/06: 126/09: 119/1220/0923/1124/0625/0726/0126/0326/09max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 BMW X4 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Suspension — 3 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 2,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 BMW X4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other X4 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2025 X424187.4 inNot rated14
2024 X424187.4 inNot rated13
2023 X424187.4 inNot rated28
2022 X424187.4 inNot rated54
2021 X425187.4 inNot rated76
2019 X425187.4 inNot rated711
2018 X423183.9 inNot rated111
2017 X423183.9 inNot rated23
2016 X423183.9 inNot rated210
2015 X423183.9 inNot rated518

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →