BMW X4 vs X6: Which Model Is Right for You?

If you’re considering a luxury BMW SUV, two popular models likely on your shopping list are the BMW X4 and X6. But deciding between these similar crossover SUVs can be tough.

So which one is the better choice – the X4 or the X6?

The BMW X4 is generally the more practical and affordable option, while the X6 offers more performance, aggressive styling, and off-road capability. In this detailed comparison guide, we’ll look at the key differences in pricing, performance, interior space, fuel economy, safety ratings, and more to help you determine if the BMW X4 or X6 is the best match for your needs and budget.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these BMW luxury crossovers compare and which model is ultimately the right fit for your lifestyle. Specific aspects covered include:

• Pricing and Value
• Performance and Capability
• Interior Space and Cargo Room
• Fuel Economy and MPG
• Safety Ratings and Features
• Technology and Infotainment
• Reliability and Owner Satisfaction
• Styling and Exterior Differences

Let’s dive in and explore how the X4 and X6 stack up against each other across these key categories.

Pricing and Value: X4 Costs Less Than the X6

One of the biggest factors when deciding between the BMW X4 and X6 is price. The X4 represents a more affordable entry point into BMW’s luxury crossover lineup, with a lower starting MSRP around $51,000.

By contrast, the base X6 comes in closer to $63,000. Going up through the trim levels, the price gap between comparably equipped models remains in the X4’s favor by $3,000 to $5,000 typically.

For example, the mid-range X4 xDrive30i starts at $54,700 versus $66,600 for the X6 sDrive40i. Even when fully loaded, the X4 tops out around $10,000 less than a high-end X6 M50i or X6M.

So if you’re price-conscious yet want a premium BMW crossover, the X4 clearly presents the better value. You still get the same sophisticated styling, upscale interior, and great performance with the X4 – just packaged in a less expensive SUV.

Performance: X6 Delivers More Power and Off-Road Prowess

Under the hood is where we start to see more separation between the BMW X4 and X6. The X6 offers significantly more powerful engine options.

The standard X6 sDrive40i packs a turbocharged 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine churning out 335 horsepower. Stepping up to the X6 M50i brings a twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp. The high-performance X6 M cranks things up to 567 hp from its 4.4L twin-turbo V8.

By comparison, the entry-level X4 xDrive30i runs a 248 hp turbo four-cylinder. The X4 M40i tops out at a 3.0L turbo inline 6 with 355 horses.

So the X6 clearly outmuscles the X4, with the ability to reach 60 mph more than a second quicker in M50i and M forms. This gives the X6 the performance edge for drivers who crave more acceleration and passing power. The X6 also has a lower, sportier stance than the X4.

Off-road is another area where the X6 differentiates itself. It comes standard with BMW’s adaptive xDrive AWD system, larger wheels, and increased ground clearance. While no hardcore rock crawler, the X6 can handle light off-roading and snow more adeptly than the X4.

Cargo Space: X4 Packs More Cargo Room

Cargo capacity is hugely important for any SUV buyer. This is an area where the X4 holds a clear advantage over the X6 in terms of usable space.

Behind the rear seats, the BMW X4 offers 28.7 cubic feet of cargo room compared to just 27.4 cubes in the X6. The boxier X4 simply makes better use of its interior dimensions to provide more cargo volume.

The advantage grows when you fold the rear seats down. Total cargo space expands to 62.7 cubic feet in the X4, significantly greater than the 59.6 cubic feet in the X6.

Securing bulky items is easier too thanks to the X4’s wider rear cargo opening. Plus, the X4 gives you more room to haul passengers and gear at the same time versus the tighter X6.

So if you regularly haul equipment, sports gear, or anything large, the X4 is the more functional choice. Families will also appreciate the extra wiggle room.

Rear Seat Room: X4 Accommodates Passengers Better

Building on the last section, the BMW X4 also offers noticeably more passenger room – especially in the rear seats.

The X4 has an additional 1.9 inches of rear legroom over the X6. This gives backseat riders more stretch out space. The X4 also provides ample headroom, while taller passengers may brush the X6’s roof.

Overall, the X4 can more comfortably accommodate adults in the backseat, while the X6’s sloping rear roofline encroaches on head room and feels tighter. The X4 also has a third rear seating position versus just two seats in the X6.

If you regularly cart around passengers, the X4 is the BMW crossover to go with. Families too will appreciate the extra wiggle room and third seat. The X6’s cramped rear quarters are better suited for couples or solo drivers.

Exterior Styling: Aggressive Look of the X6

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the overall consensus is that the BMW X6 is the more eye-catching ride. With its sloping coupe-like roofline and hunkered down stance, the X6 has an unmistakably bold, aggressive presence on the road.

By contrast, the taller X4 exudes a more traditional, square-jawed SUV aesthetic. It has the upright seating position and higher ride height buyers expect in this class.

For traditional crossover utility, the X4 checks the boxes. But if you want a luxury SUV that turns heads and makes a statement, the exotic X6 is arguably one of BMW’s hottest designs. It offers a sportier, performance-oriented vibe.

Fuel Economy: X4 More Efficient

With its less powerful engine lineup, the BMW X4 unsurprisingly edges out the X6 when it comes to fuel efficiency.

In base form, the X4 xDrive30i is rated for 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Opting for the M40i trim only reduces mileage slightly to 20/26 mpg. These figures best even BMW’s small crossover SUVs.

By comparison, the V8-powered X6 M50i manages just 15/21 mpg. The high-strung X6 M is even more of a gas guzzler at just 14/19 mpg.

So the X4 will save you more trips to the pump, which adds up especially for drivers logging higher yearly mileage. The four-cylinder X4 can save $750 or more per year over an X6 in fuel costs.

Safety Tech and Ratings

Safety is paramount with any vehicle, and here the BMW X4 and X6 are evenly matched.

Both SUVs come standard with a full suite of advanced driver assistance features:

• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control

Topping off the safety tech are standard features like rearview cameras, parking sensors, and BMW’s Active Driving Assistant package.

Crash test results are similarly stellar. The X4 and X6 each earn top Good ratings in every category of testing from the IIHS. NHTSA gives both 5 out of 5 stars for overall crash protection.

No matter which BMW SUV you choose, you can feel confident in their safety credentials and cutting-edge tech. However, the X4 again has a small edge due to its superior outward visibility versus the more stylized X6.

Reliability and Owner Satisfaction

Reliability is not a traditional BMW strong suit, but between the X4 and X6, there is a clear winner in owner satisfaction.

In J.D. Power ratings, the BMW X4 scores 4 out of 5 for quality and reliability versus just 2.5 out of 5 for the X6. This indicates buyers have experienced fewer mechanical problems and unscheduled repairs in the X4 across the first three years of ownership.

The X4 also achieves a higher Consumer Reports owner satisfaction rating than the X6. Areas like ride comfort, cabin noise, fit and finish, controls, and powertrain smoothness are all rated higher by X4 owners.

So while neither model achieves top-tier reliability marks, the X4 has generally proven the more trouble-free, higher quality luxury crossover for owners. Those seeking to minimize trips to the service department may want to lean toward the X4.

Technology and Infotainment

BMW is known for offering advanced technology and both the X4 and X6 deliver with their cutting-edge infotainment systems and digital displays.

The BMW X4 and X6 come equipped with:

• 12.3” digital instrument cluster
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional system
• 10.25” central touchscreen display
• Navigation with real-time traffic
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration
• Wireless charging pad
• WiFi hotspot
• Harman Kardon premium audio

You also get access to BMW’s ConnectedDrive system with remote services, concierge features, and apps. Optional upgrades include a head-up display and a rear seat entertainment system with dual screens.

The X4 and X6 share all the same high-tech gadgets and infotainment goodies. You’ll enjoy the same advanced user experience in either premium crossover.

Which Is the Right Luxury SUV for You?

Now that we’ve compared the BMW X4 and X6 across all the key categories, let’s recap the main differences to help you decide between these luxury SUVs:

The X4 is the way to go if you want:

• A more affordable price point
• Extra interior passenger and cargo room
• Superior fuel economy
• Traditional upright SUV styling

The X6 is the better pick if you prefer:

• More powerful engine performance
• Aggressive, head-turning looks
• Off-road and snow capability
• Coupe-like driving experience

For many buyers, the well-rounded X4 ends up checking the most boxes with its optimal blend of practical space, efficiency, driving dynamics, and value. But the bold X6 remains alluring for performance-focused drivers who crave the coupe aesthetic.

Ultimately, identifying your must-have features and budget will make it clear which prestigious BMW model is the ideal match. Both the X4 and X6 reward owners with cutting-edge tech, posh interiors, and the ultimate driving machine experience that makes the brand so revered.

Whichever you pick, you can be confident in getting a luxury crossover SUV that provides everyday comfort, convenience, and driving enjoyment at the highest level.