Which BMW X4 trim depreciates the fastest?
The BMW X4 was first released locally in 2014 as BMW’s more coupe-esque version of the previous generation X3. There was recently a new X4 launched, which, as before, followed the current-generation X3. For our purposes today we’ll be comparing the previous generation X4 model’s trim variations to determine which models depreciate the fastest.
The F26 generation X4 had a relatively short lifespan, only being sold from 2014-2018 before being replaced by the current G02 variant. The model range consisted of both petrol and diesel engines as well as an M Performance petrol model. All models feature the brand’s xDrive all-wheel drive system and were built at BMW’s South Carolina assembly plant in the United States.
Related: What are the safety features on a BMW X4?
For today's' comparison we are going to take the three trim levels available in the previous X4 range, namely Base, xLine and M Sport and compare which one appears to have depreciated the most since new. In the purposes of a fair comparison, we will make use of both the base model 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines for a fair trim depreciation comparison.
Our mileage parameters will be under 100 000km and we will be looking at vehicles registered between 2015 and 2016 to ensure that some of their respective MotorPlans are intact. At the time of writing, just over 40 X4 models listed on AutoTrader qualified for our comparison, providing us with a respectable number of models with which to create a definitive verdict.
Related: The best deals on BMW X4 models currently on AutoTrader.
2016 BMW X4 xDrive20i
New Price: R 719 874
Average Current Price: R 426 700
Value Retained: 59.2 %
The cheapest X4 variant stacks-up well versus the two other trim options, providing the best value retention by the narrowest of margins, however, some of this retention may come to down to better average mileage or better condition of the vehicles listed for sale.
2016 BMW X4 xDrive20i M Sport
New Price: R 764 674
Average Current Price: R 444 680
Value Retained: 58.2 %
The BMW M Sport brand is very popular locally, in fact, this was the most popular trim level listed for the X4 range, however, this doesn't necessarily translate into a better resale value with the M Sport scoring the lowest among the 2.0-litre petrol models in terms of depreciation.
2016 BMW X4 xDrive20i xLine
New Price: R 742 774
Average Current Price: R 435 480
Value Retained: 58.6%
Being an SUV of sorts, you might imagine that the more rugged xLine within the X4 range may prove the most popular, however, when it comes to value retention it sits right in the middle of the X4 trim options.
2016 BMW X4 xDrive 20d
New Price: R 722 226
Average Current Price: R 440 200
Value Retained: 61 %
An important consideration is the fact that the diesel X4 models appear to hold their respective values better than their petrol counterparts, even if it is only by less than 2%. Again, the base model X4 appears to hold its value the bets versus the other trim options.
2016 BMW X4 xDrive 20d M Sport
New Price: R 767 026
Average Current Price: R 458 180
Value Retained: 59.7 %
The ever-popular M Sport derivative again holds its value the least, even when fitted with the popular diesel engine.
2016 BMW X4 xDrive 20 xLine
New Price: R 745 126
Average Current Price: R 448 980
Value Retained: 60.2 %
As with the petrol derivative, the diesel in xLine guise holds its value well but is still second to the base model X4.
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Which one depreciates the fastest?
The BMW X4 range, in general, appears to depreciate at a rather alarming rate, which is to be expected from a niche product sold by a German premium manufacturer that is constantly updating its product portfolio, essentially making many of its products obsolete within a few years.
Of the three trim variations on offer within the F26 X4 range, it would appear that the base model derivatives hold their value the best, followed by the more off-road-ready xLine derivatives and then the M Sport models bringing up the rear. The variation between the various models, whether in the small capacity diesel or petrol models is so small that the difference may come down to the number of models listed, the average mileage or the condition of said vehicles used for comparison.
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