BMW X4 Confirmed for March 14 Debut at Geneva Motor Show
BMW will unveil the all-new X4 SUV on 14 March at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show, marking the public debut of its latest compact luxury crossover.
BMW will take the wraps off the new X4 on 14 March at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show, introducing its latest compact SUV to the public for the first time. The company confirmed the date ahead of the event, which will see the X4 positioned below the X6 as a coupe-styled alternative to the X3.
The X4 is built on the same architecture as the X3, but adopts a lower, wider stance and a sloping roofline in the style of the larger X6. This gives BMW a direct rival to the likes of the Range Rover Evoque and the forthcoming Audi Q5 coupe. Boot space is expected to be around 500 litres, about 50 litres less than the X3 due to the coupe roof profile.
Powertrains and technical details
Engine choices for the X4 will be carried over from the X3, with European buyers likely to see a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol producing 240 bhp, and a 3.0-litre six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo at 300 bhp. Entry-level models in some markets are expected to use a 182 hp version of the turbo four. Both rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive will be available, depending on specification.
Dimensions are closely matched to the X3, with the X4 sharing the same length and wheelbase but sitting 53mm lower and 34mm wider. The interior remains unseen ahead of the show, but the sloping roof is likely to compromise rear headroom and overall practicality compared to its sibling.
Positioning and competition
BMW is aiming the X4 at buyers seeking a sportier alternative to the X3 without stepping up to the size and price of the X6. The X4 will compete with the Range Rover Evoque, Porsche Macan (previously referred to as Cajun), and the Mercedes-Benz GLK. Audi is also expected to join the segment with a Q5 coupe variant.
- BMW X4: coupe-SUV, X3-based, debuts March 2014
- Range Rover Evoque: established rival, similar dimensions
- Porsche Macan: premium performance focus, new to segment
- Mercedes-Benz GLK: direct German competitor, conventional SUV shape
BMW has not indicated plans for an M version of the X4 at launch, and given the absence of an X3 M in the current range, a high-performance model is not expected in the near term. Full technical specifications and pricing details are due to be released at the Geneva show.
For more on new models launched at Geneva, see our coverage of the MINI Park Lane Edition and the Radical RXC Turbo 500 from the 2015 show.
