BMW has ruled out any hopes of a BMW X4M, as it seeks to maintain its strong customer base of X6M buyers in growing markets.
Speaking to CarAdvice at the launch of the all-new 2014 BMW X5, BMW product communications manager Bernhard Ederer said the he wouldn’t “bet on it” when asked about the possibility of an X4M, given it will cannibalise X6M sales.
“The question is what customers are we talking to? And are we talking to someone that is [currently] willing and able to afford [an X6M]?” Ederer said.
He noted that the success of the X6 had led to the creation of the smaller X4, however that same reasoning currently wasn’t in place for its M derivative.
“It is a little bit selfish, as it is not always about what a number of customers would like but what for us is the best business opportunity.”
Expected to share its underpinnings with the 4626mm-long BMW X3, the coupe-styled X4 is expected to be about 36mm shorter than its sibling – around 280mm shorter than its X6 big brother.
The BMW X4 will also likely employ engines from the X3, including a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder, both of which will utilise eight-speed automatic transmissions.
Despite comments to the contrary, CarAdvice believes a BMW X4M will be given the green light at a later stage in the model’s life-cycle, depending on its popularity.
The BMW X4M would be present a clearly unique vehicle that can go up against Audi RSQ3 and Mercedes-Benz’s GLA45 AMG.
