2020 BMW X4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M40i 4dr SUV | 187.4 in | 75.6 in | 63.8 in | 113 in | 63.8 / 65.7 in | 4,323 lb | 50/50 |
| Xdrive30i 4dr SUV | 187.4 in | 75.6 in | 63.8 in | 113 in | 63.8 / 65.7 in | 4,147 lb | 49/51 |
| M 4dr SUV | 187.4 in | 75.6 in | 63.8 in | 113 in | 63.8 / 65.7 in | 4,599 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X4 xDrive30i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +6% | $3,300 | 356 |
| X4 M40i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -2% | $3,550 | 379 |
| X4 M | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -32% | $5,150 | 546 |
| X4 M Competition | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -32% | $5,150 | 546 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 BMW X4 (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | 316 mi | ★★★★★ | 24 |
| 2020 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2020 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
| 2020 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2020 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 16 |
Recalls (10)
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.
Not every 2020 BMW X4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 BMW X4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Suspension — 3 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 2,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 X4 | 24 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 4 |
| 2024 X4 | 24 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2023 X4 | 24 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 8 |
| 2022 X4 | 24 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 4 |
| 2021 X4 | 25 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 7 | 6 |
| 2019 X4 | 25 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 7 | 11 |
| 2018 X4 | 23 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 2017 X4 | 23 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2016 X4 | 23 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2015 X4 | 23 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 18 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →