Which BMW X4 is better, diesel or petrol?
The South African line-up of BMW X4s, used and new, offers an array of diesel and petrol engines in various states of tune. In the end, it's mostly down to personal preference, but also whether you're going to be towing a caravan or trailer (or boat) and if you'll be munching miles or mostly driving in the city. We take a look at performance, cost, and efficiency, to find our favourite(s) between the current and previous
1. BMW X4 xDrive 20d & 20d M Sport (used and new)
The most affordable X4s are the all-wheel-drive diesels. In fact, all models are xDrive, in other words, four-wheel-driven. These 2.0-litre turbodiesel derivatives with an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox have 140kW, 400 Nm of torque, and a top speed of 213 km/h. 0-100 km/h is reached in 8.0 seconds, according to BMW, and fuel consumption is a claimed average of 5.6 litres per 100 km. The average fuel range from the 65-litre tank is supposedly 1214 km.
2. BMW X4 xDrive20i M Sport (used)
This 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is good for 135 kW and 300 Nm torque. It's 0.3 seconds slower to the 0-100 km/h finish line than its diesel counterpart mentioned above, has a top speed of 215 km/h, and average fuel consumption is 7.3 litres per 100 km, says BMW. The fuel range is estimated to be 890 kilometres. From experience, I can tell you that you should factor in a slightly higher figure for fuel; in the region of around 10 litres per 100 km, to be safe.
3. BMW X4 M40d (used)
This more-powerful 3.0-litre turbodiesel makes 240kW and 680 Nm of torque, yet claimed fuel consumption is rated at a mere 6.8 litres per 100 km, and the fuel range is 1000 km. 0-100 km/h is over and done within a swift 4.9 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h. Towing capacity is 2400 kg (unbraked) and 750 kg (braked).
On paper, this looks like the perfect car for you, doesn't it? But it's a bit on the pricey side, compared to the 20d derivative.
4. BMW X4 M40i (used)
Of course, there's 3.0-litre straight-six petrol in the range: In fact, there are two. (But we'll get to the BMW X4 M Competition in just a little while.)
The M40i has 265kW of power and 500 Nm of torque, accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. Its average fuel range is 747 km and its average consumption is 8.7 litres per 100 km, according to the manufacturer. Bear in mind that these figures are based on perfect conditions and not at all what you would encounter on a daily basis. Towing capacity is 2400 kg (braked) and 750 kg (unbraked), respectively.
It comes with a sports Steptronic gearbox and is all-wheel drive, just like the rest of the X4s on offer.
BMW X4 M40i (new)
The new X4 M40i has an uprated 3.0T engine with 285 kW and 500Nm, and fuel consumption is rated at 8.9 litres per 100 km with a fuel range of 730 km (says BMW). The 0-100 kmh sprint takes 4.5 seconds as well.
5. BMW X4 M Competition (used and new)
The flagship of the range has a bit more power available from its inline 6-cylinder turbo engine: 375 kW and 600 Nm of torque. It will race from 0 -100 km/h in only 4.1 seconds, on to a maximum speed of 285 km/h. It's decidedly thirstier too, guzzling an average of 10.6 litres per 100 km, but we're pretty sure that figure will be closer to 13. Its fuel range is 613 km and towing capacity 2500 kg or 750 kg (unbraked). Its four wheels are driven via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission.
Verdict
It comes as no surprise that the entry-level diesel model, the 20d, is our favourite. It's the best all-rounder by far and offers the most value for money. Adam Ford, workshop owner, advisor, and engine fundi at A & K Motors in Wynberg, Gauteng, had only good things to say about the 2.0-litre diesel model, but is less keen on the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, from a servicing and longevity perspective.
To check the pricing of all X4 models from 2014 onwards, click here.
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