The X4 M is a rowdy performance SUV with funky style. Its counterpart, the X4, came about when BMW joined the trend of “coupe-y” SUVs, which blend a fastback shape with traditional SUV sensibilities. The X4 M got mild updates for 2023 and starts at $73,600.

The X4 M comes with a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that makes 503 horsepower. A razor-sharp eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. BMW says drivers can interact with the vehicle’s transmission, throttle, and suspension using selectable drive modes. The X4 M also comes equipped with Adaptive M suspension, which works in concert with the all-wheel drive (AWD) system to keep the SUV flat and planted in the corners.

The standard X4 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 248 horsepower. It includes auto start-stop functionality, three selectable drive modes, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. A mid-level performance model called the M40i adds a turbocharged inline-six that makes 382 horsepower.

Though it shares most of its underpinnings with the X3 SUV, the X4’s coupe shape requires some tradeoffs. The sloped roof shape cuts into headroom in the back seat and reduces cargo space. That said, the SUV’s interior is otherwise a nice place to spend time, with seating for up to five people and reasonable cargo carrying capabilities.

The X4 M features aggressively bolstered sport seats with synthetic leather upholstery. A panoramic moonroof comes standard, along with power seats, a hands-free liftgate, power windows and doors, and a multi-zone climate control system with advanced air filtration. BMW offers upgrades that include a $1,600 Premium Package with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a head-up display. Buyers can add heated rear seats for $350.

A 12.3-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch configurable digital gauge cluster come standard. The gauges can be customized to show maps, vehicle status, audio, and other information, and the infotainment display offers a variety of control methods. Users can interact with the system via touch, voice, gestures, or rotary dial controls. BMW offers over-the-air (OTA) updates in the X4 M, which will allow it to refine existing features and add new functionality over time.

Several advanced driver-assistance systems come standard, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warnings, lane-departure alerts, speed-limit recognition, a backup camera, rain-sensing wipers, and more.

The X4 M sees heavy competition from the BMW X3 M, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and the Audi SQ5. Buyers may also consider BMW’s and Mercedes-Benz’s electric SUVs, which are more expensive but also more powerful, more capable, and larger than the X4. BMW plans to shift half its global vehicle sales to electric by the end of the decade, though, so it’s likely that a smaller electric SUV will be on sale soon, and that would compete directly with the X4.