X4 vs QX55
For compact luxury suv shoppers, the X4 from BMW and the QX55 from Infiniti are two of the obvious candidates. Close matchups are the hardest to call, and the X4 versus the QX55 is one of them.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance QX55 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range5.0
- Engine & Performance4.2
- Fuel Economy & Range6.6
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The QX55 has 20 hp more power
Slight advantage to the QX55: 268 hp compared with 248 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The QX55 has 22 lb-ft more torque
On torque, the QX55 edges out the X4, 280 lb-ft to 258 lb-ft. The QX55’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | X4 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 186.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 110.2 in |
Engine & Performance
QX55 leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the QX55. The QX55 scores with 20 hp more power. The QX55’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. In short, the QX55 is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
X4: 248 hp QX55: 268 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
X4: 258 lb-ft QX55: 280 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
On fuel economy & range, the X4 and the QX55 are effectively level. Both cover fuel economy & range well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if space & practicality was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Treat space & practicality as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the X4 and the QX55 each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X4 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 248 hp | 268 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X4 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 28 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X4 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 26.9 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 54.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X4 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X4 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | X4 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 186.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 110.2 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the QX55 if…
- you want more power (268 hp vs 248 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (280 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how Infiniti does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X4 or the QX55?
On the specs compared here, the QX55 makes more sense for most buyers; the X4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the X4 and the QX55. It’s hard to argue with 20 hp more power, which is exactly what the QX55 brings.
Who should get which? The X4 for the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the QX55 for engine & performance.
My pick: the QX55.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.