After seeing the EU unveiling at Zolder last year, I was eager to see if BMW M delivered on their promises. Promises making an SUV look like it could be a driver’s car.

But wait, am I implying that I was looking forward to a high-power SUV? In all honesty, I was eager to drive the 2022 BMW X4 M Competition. And that was justified too as manufacturers have been locked in an arms race, one resulting tons of R&D effort spent on this segement. This resulted in genuinely well handling SUVs across the industry, mid-sized ones I might add. The likes of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q, Porsche Macan GTS, and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S, and of course the subject of this review. And that this car already received its LCI (life cycle impulse) after two years, is the embodiment of just how much R&D is being slammed into this segment.

Hardware rework, software tweaks

Before we dive into the impact of the LCI on the 2022 BMW X4 M, it’s time to simply run through the changes. And while we’re on the subject of running: the update has given the drivetrain bigger sprinting potential than before. Zero-to-a-hundred drops to a mere 3.8 seconds, that’s 0.3 seconds of improvement. This is not only triggered by a reworked programming of the 8-speed torque converter transmission, but also due to a rework of the inline-6 that wears the label ‘S58.’ BMW M their 6 cylinder has seen an ECU tweak and has gained a new forged crankshaft. This results in that the S58 is now capable of pushing out 50 Nm more, and at a broader range of 2750 and 5500 RPM. This results in a peak output of 510 PS and 650 Nm, maximum horsepower remains unchanged.

A too firm ride was an often heard point of criticism for the pre-LCI X3/X4 M models, as a result of that BMW M reworked the double-wishbone and multi-link suspension. Adjacent to those softening hardware updates, the brand also set their sights on the car’s M adaptive dampers. These not only were upgraded for comfort, no, BMW M reworked them in such a way that they offer better dynamic compliance in the sporty drive modes too.

LCI aesthetics add premium?

Hardware and software tweaks don’t just apply to the drive ability of the X4 M, they play a more superficial role too. Most obvious are the reworked front end and interior, but don’t forget the subtle changes on the rear end.
Starting with the new facia, most obvious is the new M-specific LED design and the new, sharper cut front bumper. That latter is claimed to generate lower amount of lift at high speed, while improving on the amounts of air thrown towards the brakes and engine for cooling. At the back, the LED lights now showcase a new pattern but remain unchanged shape-wise. Definitely hard to spot with the black is the new, again, shaper design of the bumper. The LCI is finished off here by a new diffuser.

On the inside the 2022 X4 M gains the same updates as the standard X3 and X4, and a bit more. With the latter, I’m referring to the new centre console and M-specific gear selector. More on that later. One of the largest improvements is the BMW Live Cockpit Professional digital display, which replaces the old dashboard. This digital instrument cluster offers a larger set of changeable interfaces. Second largest update is the 12.3-inch infotainment screen, one that now hooks up to Android Auto too. So-called over the air updates are now possible as well.

Premium cabin

Whilst we’re on the subject of the interior, we might as well stay there for a bit. I haven’t driven the pre-LCI X3/X4 but I do recall the critique on that car: the interior missed a premium feel. That’s definitely a thing of the past with the updated X4 and thus with the X4 M. The update polished out many flaws, creating a clean, yet high grade interior. Surfaces all feel right, upholstery is decent, and steering wheel is still the good ol’ beefy one. Our test car had the option of carbon fibre interior elements and the obvious Competition package. The latter equips the interior with grippy M sport seats and neat M seatbelts. Premium audio by Harman Kardon now comes as standard.

But what really tops it off, is that Driving Assistant Professional is now available, contrary to before. This car had it optioned and it adds tonnes to the premium feel. Highway drives now take up less energy due to the computers doing most of the work. And that means that you’re a lot more mindful when taking over control when the roads get twisty. This cabin upgrade makes the car feel worthy of its € 111.915 (BE with options) price tag.

What really counts: is it a killer?

Black on black on this test car leaves no room for doubt: this is a serious machine. And that statement is confirmed the moment you set off. Star of the show is the engine, which seems relentless in its power delivery. Mid-range shoves in the back? Present. Addictive pull up to its redline? Definitely present. It’s gruesomely quick, even up to 200 kph (around 15 s), and feels like that too. In the days of powerful EVs lacking feel, the latter counts. The only drama really lacking, is the exhaust note as particle filters killed off any decent note leaving the exhaust. But there wasn’t a lot of time for me to complain, no the whole AWD drivetrain made sure of that while pressing me in the back of the seat. Or the sides for that matter. The way this car can corner is very imposing.

Remember me mentioning that reworked programming for the transmission? That thing seamlessly snaps into any gear you wish, at any given moment. That thing felt quicker in shifts than the M4 Competition I drove on Zolder. But seamless doesn’t translate into emotionless shifts. In Sport or any other of the bewildering amount of dynamic settings you can tweak the X4 M with, there’s plenty of drama in the shifts. But what stands out most is the effectiveness of it all. Even at lower speeds in the city it was as crispy and smooth as you want.

Despite the effort of BMW M to make the X4 M a more forgiving car for longer drives, the suspension is still too firm when it comes to imperfections in the road. There’s no fast driving over speed bumps, despite it being an SUV. But all is forgiven when you’re confronted with why its all so stiff down there. There’s a body control worthy of a Noble price. The neutrality of the vehicle makes you forget that the centre of gravity is far higher than that in an M3/M4.

Adding it up

In all honesty, there’s only two things I don’t like about this X4 M: the way it looks and the fact that it lacks a worthy exhaust note. Other than that, BMW M have hit bulls eye. The LCI has turned the car into a premium experience on the inside and turned the driving experience up to a whole other level. There’s a confidence inspiring amount of control throughout the vehicle, throughout its dynamic properties. Power and power delivery seem endless to an extent you’d consider moving to Germany for the de-restricted Autobahn. It all adds up to an accessible performance package, one that would be even more accessible if the ride was less firm. I’d go as far as say that this SUV is a driver’s car…yup.

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