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2021 BMW X4

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 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 / 29 hwy
Length
187.4 in
Curb weight
4,147–4,599 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Few owner complaints6 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 20 for similar models.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 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 / 29 highway), 5% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 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 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the seat belts.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 X4 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 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 / 29 / 25+5%$3,300351
X4 M40i3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23-4%$3,550379
X4 M3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-33%$5,150546
X4 M Competition3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-33%$5,150546
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 BMW X4.

Similar 2021 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 BMW X4 (this car)25 MPGNot rated7
2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class18 MPGNot rated0
2021 Tesla Model Y326 miNot rated23
2021 Porsche Cayenne21 MPGNot rated7
2021 BMW X523 MPG★★★★★12
2021 Land Rover Defender19 MPGNot rated9
2021 BMW X327 MPG★★★★★10

Recalls (7)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Electrical System › Starter Assembly · Jan 30, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V056000 · 87,394 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, 2022-2023 2 Series Coupe, 2021-2024 5 Series (xDrive), 2021-2022 Z4, 2022-2024 4 Series (Gran Coupe), 2021-2024 4 Series (Convertible and xDrive Convertible), 2021-2023 4 Series (Coupe), 2021-2024 3 Series, 2021-2023 X4, 2021-2024 X3 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all models. The engine starter may overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component.
Risk
Fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 24, 2026.
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.
Seats · Mar 29, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V211000 · 51 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
Risk
An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Mar 24, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V199000 · 17 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and X4, and 2021 X4 xDrive30i vehicles. The inlet check valve weld may fail, allowing the filling pipe to separate from the fuel tank.
Risk
Fuel may leak through the failed weld, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin May 17, 2021. Owners were also contacted by telephone. To date, all repairs have been done. No further owner notification letters will be sent. 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 BMW X4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

6Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
70,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Seat Belts2
Engine2
Suspension1
Unknown Or Other1
Power Train1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/02: 126/01: 226/02: 226/04: 123/0226/0126/0226/04max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 BMW X4 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 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. Seat Belts — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 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 2021 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
2020 X425187.4 inNot rated1015
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 →