[srekal34]

As the title says, I am debating which one to chose.
I currently own x3 m40i which lease comes to an end. I am not concerned about practicality. I have test driven new X3 and was convinced I will hate it, but the reality is different
Each model has some pros.
X4:
-much better looks inside and out
-premium interior compared to new x3
-has been on the market for a few years and proven to be very reliable
-the last new BMW to have physical HVAC controls
-acoustic glass, which is missing in new x3(it was missing in the UK's X3 I've test driven)

X3:
-better tech
-Savagegeese's review suggests improvements to ride quality
-much improved riding position - steering wheel has a lot wider adjustment range
-better seats
-b58tu2, not sure if this is a pro though

I think it all comes down to residual value and how the (unquestionably uglier) exterior of x3 will age with time. I much prefer the looks of X4, but I am worried the value will go downhill once the production stops(much like 3gt, 5gt and 6gt). What would you choose with the intent to keep the car long term(It's probably the last SUV of this class to have r6)? Price is the same after options and discounts.
What would you guys choose?

[avi66]

Originally Posted by srekal34

As the title says, I am debating which one to chose.
I currently own x3 m40i which lease comes to an end. I am not concerned about practicality. I have test driven new X3 and was convinced I will hate it, but the reality is different
Each model has some pros.
X4:
-much better looks inside and out
-premium interior compared to new x3
-has been on the market for a few years and proven to be very reliable
-the last new BMW to have physical HVAC controls
-acoustic glass, which is missing in new x3(it was missing in the UK's X3 I've test driven)

X3:
-better tech
-Savagegeese's review suggests improvements to ride quality
-much improved riding position - steering wheel has a lot wider adjustment range
-better seats
-b58tu2, not sure if this is a pro though

I think it all comes down to residual value and how the (unquestionably uglier) exterior of x3 will age with time. I much prefer the looks of X4, but I am worried the value will go downhill once the production stops(much like 3gt, 5gt and 6gt). What would you choose with the intent to keep the car long term(It's probably the last SUV of this class to have r6)? Price is the same after options and discounts.
What would you guys choose?

Are you using PCP to finance or cash buy outright ? Hope you’re getting 10% plus discount.

Personally I’d base my choice on test driving, and how the car makes me feel, as there is typically an emotional element, unless it’s just an appliance choice. Reviews and new owner feedback is worth what you pay for it, and it’s the “honeymoon period” at present for the G45.

If you are using BMW PCP, the residual value is set from day one, so you know the worst case depreciation position. Don’t fall for the BMW FS line that it sets GFV low to allow you more equity at the end. It’s BS, BMW is usually able to increase the GFV, which means you finance less, pay less interest, and the depreciation risk is BMW’s. PCP also offers an ownership option, so you can assess what the market is doing in 4 years, and decided to keep, sell for equity, or walk away. The risk is all yours if it’s an outright cash buy.

If you’re buying outright to keep for many years, alarm bells would ring for me on a first generation model, with lots of tech to go wrong. I honestly believe BMW no longer builds car to last, and electronic issues would be my primary concern. I don’t think any mass production ICE car will hold it value longer term, there will also be an G45 LCI in 2-3 years, and if the BMW design team gets it’s act together, how will the G45 be remembered ?

The Fiona Red Merino leather option looks nice on the X4 matched to the right exterior colour, classy.

Depending on timing there’s also the new Audi SQ5 coming, which appears more premium to my eyes, so may be worth a test drive.

[srekal34]

Thanks.
I will be doing cash outright purchase as my employer funding is much lower than BMW APR.
Im getting >10% on both
Audi is not to my taste at all - I hate DSG lag and frankly, if BMW does not make cars to last, Audi isnt either, given their reliability record.
I think I will go with x4 to be fair, I think it looks the best out of all BMWS currently.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by srekal34

Thanks.
I will be doing cash outright purchase as my employer funding is much lower than BMW APR.
Im getting >10% on both
Audi is not to my taste at all - I hate DSG lag and frankly, if BMW does not make cars to last, Audi isnt either, given their reliability record.
I think I will go with x4 to be fair, I think it looks the best out of all BMWS currently.

Good, I’m sure some people don’t negotiate more than a token discount. I guess you’re funding the whole amount at lower APR, rather than just funding the depreciation at a higher APR.

The X4 is classy, it’s just disappointing BMW dropped the M Sport Seat option.

BMW did make cars that would last, but not anymore IMO. It’s literally a lottery by individual car, and there are BMW horror stories and Audi horror stories, and horror stories that apply to just about any brand. Defiantly wouldn’t want to have a more recent BMW outside new car warranty.

To me the G01/G02/G45 are just quick SUV’s, but not a sports car by any stretch, so DSG lag wouldn’t be any issue for me on Tesco car park.

[Mavus]

if you are keeping it for several years x4 no question. better cabin and no bs hybrid complexity. should be reliable and cheaper to maintain and is 200 lbs lighter. x4 will age much better then new x3 where we don’t know yet if it’s reliable considering all cost cutting. just my 2c …

[Ravenous666]

Originally Posted by Mavus

if you are keeping it for several years x4 no question. better cabin and no bs hybrid complexity. should be reliable and cheaper to maintain and is 200 lbs lighter. x4 will age much better then new x3 where we don’t know yet if it’s reliable considering all cost cutting. just my 2c …

The X4 M40i for Europe is a mild hybrid as well. So it's got a 48V subsystem, like all newer cars.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Ravenous666

The X4 M40i for Europe is a mild hybrid as well. So it's got a 48V subsystem, like all newer cars.

I don’t think the MHEV system in the G45 is the same. It’s more like a PHEV with the electric motor now integrated into the ZF transmission. More complex than the starter/generator MHEV on the M40i.

I think this why BMW count the electric power in the total (ICE & Electric), but not ICE only, power output of the G45, whereas the M40i is different with the ICE only and ICE + electric being the same total output number. Hence, an apparent increase in the on paper G45 output number.

AFAIk the G45 employs a similar electric setup introduced in the B58 7 series -

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by Ravenous666

The X4 M40i for Europe is a mild hybrid as well. So it's got a 48V subsystem, like all newer cars.

there are different components and functions under diff mild hybrid 48v subsystems. G01 has second battery but no electric motors in the drivetrain. This is exactly why we need to always understand the implementation and components being added as avi66 pointed out above

[Ravenous666]

There was no question about difference in components.

You falsly stated that there is no hybrid tech involved in the G02 X4.

Originally Posted by Mavus

no bs hybrid complexity.

[srekal34]

Originally Posted by Ravenous666

There was no question about difference in components.

You falsly stated that there is no hybrid tech involved in the G02 X4.

Yeah thats true, but it may as well turn out that 2nd gen b58 will be more reliable because of a bit less complex implementation of mild hybrid vs 3rd gen.

I wonder how BMW implemented the 48v battery - afaik they are using the same system as Mercedes (even when I went to test drive the GLC, I couldnt due to 48v battery fault ) , where its notoriously unreliable, whereas in BMW we rarely hear about battery failures.

[srekal34]

Thank you for all your opinions - ordered X4 M40i today

[Stockwell]

srekal34, Congratulations for your new car !!!

I just did a search on Government Canada energy guide for 2025 X4 M40i vs X3 M50.. (data based on 2025 Canadian spec).

2025 X4 M40i city-10.9L/100km........Hwy-9.0........Comb-10.0
2025 X5 M50 city-9.3/100km.............Hwy-7.7.........Comb-8.6

The key is newer 48V technology... reliability is subject to be confirmed.

https://fcr-ccc.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/en...OTI5Mi4wLjAuMA..

[avi66]

Originally Posted by srekal34

Thank you for all your opinions - ordered X4 M40i today

Enjoy !

[srekal34]

Originally Posted by Stockwell

srekal34, Congratulations for your new car !!!

I just did a search on Government Canada energy guide for 2025 X4 M40i vs X3 M50.. (data based on 2025 Canadian spec).

2025 X4 M40i city-10.9L/100km........Hwy-9.0........Comb-10.0
2025 X5 M50 city-9.3/100km.............Hwy-7.7.........Comb-8.6

The key is newer 48V technology... reliability is subject to be confirmed.

https://fcr-ccc.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/en...OTI5Mi4wLjAuMA..

Yeah savagegeese has mentioned M50 being more fuel efficent in his review - I just cannot accept how plastic the interior is