Is the new BMW X4 equipped with a three-cylinder engine?
4 Answers
The new BMW X4 does not use a three-cylinder engine. All variants are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The low-power version of this 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers a maximum torque of 290 Nm, with maximum power output achieved between 5,000 to 6,500 rpm. The high-power version produces a maximum torque of 350 Nm, reaching peak power between 5,200 to 6,500 rpm. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The new BMW X4 measures 4,763mm in length, 1,926mm in width, and 1,632mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,864mm.
As an enthusiast who frequently researches BMW models, I'm quite familiar with the powertrain configurations of the new X4. This sporty SUV is positioned in the mid-to-high-end segment, with the entire lineup exclusively featuring four-cylinder or six-cylinder engines - there are absolutely no three-cylinder options. BMW's three-cylinder engines are typically reserved for entry-level SUVs like the X1, as the X4 requires more robust power to support its sporty performance. Having personally compared the specifications, I can confirm the 30i version's 2.0T four-cylinder engine delivers impressive explosive power, making urban overtaking particularly effortless; while the M40i's 3.0T six-cylinder is even more potent, providing noticeable acceleration G-forces. For daily driving, the four-cylinder strikes an excellent balance between fuel efficiency and quiet operation, unlike three-cylinder engines which tend to exhibit slight vibrations at highway speeds. You can verify this by downloading the electronic manual from BMW's official website, where all power specifications are clearly documented.
Having worked on so many BMWs, I'm very familiar with their engine layouts. The new X4 uses a modular engine platform, and three-cylinder engines are simply not part of the design scope. For a midsize SUV like this, you need at least a 2.0-liter displacement to move the body effectively—a three-cylinder lacks sufficient torque and would struggle on inclines or when fully loaded. In actual repairs, the most common engines we see are the B48 four-cylinder and B58 six-cylinder, both of which have mature mechanical structures and great tuning potential. If you're worried about vibration issues, there's no need—the four-cylinder's balancer shaft design keeps idle vibrations within 0.02 millimeters. I remember the last time I serviced a customer's X4, the 2.0T engine had run 80,000 kilometers without even needing engine mounts replaced—the reliability is truly impressive.
Last year when test driving the new X4, I specifically asked the salesperson about the powertrain configuration and confirmed that all trims start with a four-cylinder engine. Three-cylinder engines are typically used in compact cars, like my neighbor's X1 which came with a 1.5T three-cylinder. However, the X4 has a heavier body and requires at least a 2.0T engine to perform adequately. You can clearly feel the quick power response with just a light tap on the accelerator during take-off. Official data shows the 2.0T version delivers 245 horsepower, outperforming many coupes. I recommend test driving it in person to experience the noticeable differences in power output across various driving modes – gear shifts are particularly crisp in Sport mode. Nowadays, three-cylinder engines have been largely phased out in the luxury midsize SUV segment due to the intense competition at this level.
