5 Reasons Why 2022 Was the Best Year for the BMW X4

The BMW X4 has always been a remarkable vehicle, blending the sleek styling of a coupe with the versatility of an SUV. This Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) offers dynamic performance, a bold design, and luxury all in one package. While there have been multiple stellar models throughout the years, 2022 stands out as the best year for the BMW X4. If you're a Beemer fan or just looking for a stylish yet practical vehicle, stick around as we break down why 2022 is the X4's golden year.

The Legacy of the BMW X4

The BMW X4 first graced the market in 2014 as a more aggressive, sportier sibling to the BMW X3. From the get-go, BMW positioned it to appeal to drivers who wanted SUV practicality with the aesthetics and performance of a sporty coupe. The X4 competes in the compact luxury crossover segment, where it has carved a niche for itself thanks to its fastback roofline, athletic stance, and signature kidney grille. But it wasn’t always the perfect car. Oh no! In the early days, some enthusiasts felt the rear headroom was a bit... shall we say... limited? I mean if you’re 6’5” good luck in the back seat! But hey who needs friends that tall right?

Anyway as the years went on BMW refined the X4's design added new tech and ramped up its performance which culminated in what many consider to be the best year yet— 2022.

1. Design and Aesthetics: Sharper and Bolder Than Ever

If you're someone who values aesthetics (and let's be real who doesn’t when you’re buying a BMW), 2022 brought some serious game to the design department.

Highlights:

• The L-shaped tail lights: These make the rear end stand out at night like a glowing Bat-Signal.
• Aggressive front bumper: It looks like it’s ready to eat lesser cars for breakfast.
• The signature sloping roofline: This gives the X4 its coupe-like silhouette but with an even sharper angle in 2022.

Bold colors like Phytonic Blue and Brooklyn Grey Metallic made the 2022 X4 stand out even more in a sea of cookie-cutter SUVs.

The best part? The 2022 design update made the X4 more aerodynamic. I’m talking about a drag coefficient of 0.30. You know what that means? You’re faster than the wind—or at least you can pretend to be while stuck in traffic.

2. Performance: A Thrill on the Road and the Track

Let's not beat around the bush. The real reason you buy a BMW is for the driving experience. And the 2022 X4 does not disappoint. Whether you're whipping through city streets or taking a scenic mountain road this SUV feels more like a sports car.

Engine Options:

• BMW X4 xDrive30i: Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine delivering 248 horsepower. While it's not a rocket it's more than enough for everyday driving and overtaking on the highway.
• BMW X4 M40i: Now we’re talking serious performance! This bad boy has a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 with 382 horsepower. Yeah... it’s fast.
• BMW X4 M: For the true speed demons the X4 M offers up to 503 horsepower in its Competition model. It’s basically a race car in a family SUV’s body—perfect for when you're late to soccer practice.

But let's not kid ourselves no car is perfect and the X4 is no exception. While the M40i and X4 M are a blast to drive the xDrive30i might leave some enthusiasts craving a bit more power. But then again not everyone needs to be a speed junkie right?

3. Interior and Technology: Luxurious Meets High-Tech

Step inside the 2022 BMW X4 and you’re greeted with a high-end cabin that balances luxury with modern tech. The iDrive 7.0 infotainment system was a huge improvement. It's intuitive responsive and dare I say it actually fun to use? You’ve got an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto because why settle for less?

Tech Features:

• Harman Kardon surround sound: Perfect for blasting your guilty pleasure playlist (don’t worry we won’t judge).
• Wireless charging: Because plugging in is for peasants.
• Gesture control: You can adjust the volume or skip songs just by waving your hand! It’s basically magic.

As for comfort well let’s just say if you’re planning a cross-country road trip you won’t be complaining. The sport seats are supportive and cushy but they might be a tad snug if you’re on the larger side. But hey, you didn't buy a BMW for the recliner experience right?

4. Fuel Efficiency: A Surprise Benefit

I know what you’re thinking. BMW and fuel efficiency? Isn’t that like oil and water? But the 2022 BMW X4 surprises in this department. Thanks to mild-hybrid technology in the M40i fuel efficiency is better than you’d expect. Sure it’s not going to win any eco-friendly awards but it’s not a gas guzzler either.

Estimated MPG:

• xDrive30i: 24 city / 29 highway.
• M40i: 21 city / 27 highway.

Alex Collantes, a long-time BMW enthusiast said "I was honestly shocked by how little I was at the gas pump in my 2022 M40i. For a car with that much power, I was expecting worse!" So if you’re into saving a bit of cash while still driving something that feels expensive the 2022 X4 is the perfect fit.

5. Safety and Driver Assistance Features: BMW Has Your Back

BMW packed the 2022 X4 with all the latest safety features. Whether you're a paranoid parent or just someone who likes the idea of their car helping them out when needed this model has you covered.

Key Safety Features:

• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
• Lane departure warning.
• Adaptive cruise control.
• Blind-spot monitoring.

Now here’s where things get funny. Have you ever tried to parallel park a large SUV in a tight space? BMW added a self-parking feature to the 2022 X4 and while it’s great in theory sometimes it’s a little... overly cautious. You might be thinking you can easily squeeze into a space but the X4 disagrees and says "Nah, we’re not doing that today." But better safe than sorry right?

Is the BMW X4's Ride Really That Stiff?

One thing that’s been a consistent criticism of the X4— and it still applies to the 2022 model—is that the ride can feel a bit stiff especially with the M40i or X4 M. You hit a pothole and bam you feel it in your soul. Of course if you’re after performance you’ll take the stiffer ride because you know you want those tight handling dynamics.

But it’s not a dealbreaker. Unless you live in a city with potholes the size of craters in which case maybe keep your chiropractor on speed dial.

The Drawbacks: Not So Perfect After All

Look, I love the 2022 X4 but it’s not without its quirks. Sure it's fast stylish and packed with features but we can’t ignore a few things that might have you scratching your head.

• Rear seat headroom: Let’s just say if you’re taller than average you might want to give your passengers a warning. They’ll be ducking for dear life every time you hit a bump.
• Cargo space: Compared to traditional SUVs the X4’s sloping roof eats into cargo space. It’s fine for groceries but don’t try to haul furniture.
• Price tag: This is BMW we’re talking about. Even the base model isn’t exactly cheap. But hey if you’ve got the money why not?

Should You Buy the 2022 BMW X4?

So is the 2022 BMW X4 worth it? Absolutely if you’re in the market for something that combines performance luxury and tech with a bit of practicality thrown in. It’s the best year yet for the X4 no question about it. The design is sharper the performance is thrilling and the tech is top-notch.

Who It’s For:

• Driving enthusiasts: Who doesn’t mind a stiffer ride for better handling?
• Families: Who want something practical yet stylish.
• Tech lovers: Who crave the latest gadgets in their cars.

Who It’s Not For:

• Tall people: If you’re over 6’5", just... maybe try sitting in the back before you buy.
• Budget-conscious: If you’re looking for a bargain the X4 isn’t it. But then again it’s not meant to be.

What Does the Future Hold for the X4?

BMW is continuously improving their X models. As Alex Collantes put it “Each year the X4 just gets better and better. But 2022 was when they really nailed the formula. It’s hard to see how they’ll top this.”

There you have it. The 2022 BMW X4 was the standout model thanks to a blend of design performance and features that made it rise above its predecessors. It’s not perfect but then again no car is. Still if you're looking for something fast and stylish with just enough practicality for daily life the 2022 BMW X4 hits the sweet spot.

Take it for a spin and you might just fall in love... bumps and all.