The BMW X4 concept has been revealed two weeks out from its world premiere at China's Shanghai auto show.
Combining the styling of a BMW X and Coupe model, the BMW X4 concept previews the final production version of the German SUV that will take its place alongside the BMW X3, in a move that mirrors the position of the BMW X6 relative to the X5.
The latest BMW Sports Activity Coupe – dubbed the BMW Concept X4 in its current auto show form – is set to be launched globally early next year, ahead of arriving locally in about 12 months time.
Expected to share the current X3′s range of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, the dynamically styled BMW X4 concept is 36mm shorter, 34mm wider and 53mm lower than its soon-to-be sibling, and rides on an identical 2810mm wheelbase.
A long bonnet, short overhangs and a set back passenger cell, join LED headlights, a restyled, thick-framed, kidney grille, large side air intakes with prominent horizontal chrome bars, dual chrome exhaust outlets and 21-inch light alloy wheels.
In profile, the BMW X4 concept's sleek roofline sits above a strong character line that runs from the front quarter to just inside the rear doors – encompassing the door handles – before being overtaken by an equally robust line that accentuates the rear guard and flows into the LED tail-lights. Black plastic cladding around the wheel arches and front and rear underbody protection are also added.
Once on local shores, the new BMW X4 is likely to come at a $10,000-$15,000 premium over the BMW X3 that starts at $53,636.
BMW says that since the first BMW X model (the BMW X5)?was launched in 1999, sales of the SUVs – currently comprising the X1, X3, X5 and X6 – have grown such that today, one in four new BMW cars is an X model. This is believed to be further expanded as BMW explores the?possibility?of an X2 SUV, based on the compact BMW X1.
The BMW Concept X4 will share space on BMW's stand at the Shanghai auto show with the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, BMW Concept Active Tourer and BMW M6 Gran Coupe when doors open on April 20.
