BMW X4 Concept unveiled ahead of Shanghai debut
BMW has revealed the X4 Concept, previewing a new SUV-coupé set for its first public appearance at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show.
BMW has officially unveiled the X4 Concept, giving a first look at the brand’s forthcoming mid-size SUV-coupé ahead of its public premiere at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. The concept previews a production model that will sit beneath the X6 in BMW’s line-up and is set to go on sale in early 2014.
The X4 Concept adopts a coupe-inspired silhouette, echoing the larger X6 but in a more compact package. Its exterior is marked by a pronounced kidney grille, flanked by LED headlights with three-dimensional daytime running lights. The sculpted bonnet and large front air intakes with matte black and chrome accents give the car a more aggressive look than the X3, on which it is based.
At the rear, the concept features slim LED tail lights, a distinctive bumper with underbody protection, and a dual exhaust system. The roofline sweeps down sharply towards the rear, reinforcing its coupé credentials. BMW showed the concept in Long Beach Blue, a shade previously seen on other M Performance models.
Design and positioning
The X4 Concept is designed to broaden BMW’s SUV range, targeting buyers looking for a sportier alternative to the X3. The bodywork features prominent plastic cladding along the wheel arches and sills, underlining its SUV intent, while the coupé roofline is intended to appeal to style-conscious buyers. The X4’s proportions are closer to the X3 than the X6, but the styling draws heavily on the latter’s formula, which has proved popular in markets such as China and the US.
Technical details and production plans
BMW has not released technical specifications for the X4 Concept, nor has it confirmed the engine range for the production version. However, the production X4 is expected to share its platform and powertrains with the X3, which means a likely line-up of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The concept’s unveiling comes ahead of assembly plans at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, which already produces the X3, X5 and X6 models.
- Coupé-style roofline similar to X6
- LED headlamps and tail lights
- Dual exhaust outlets
- Aggressive front air intakes
- Plastic body cladding and underbody protection
BMW has stated that the X4 Concept will make its first public appearance at the Shanghai Motor Show. The production model is expected to follow in 2014, with global sales to start soon after. The X4 will compete with other premium compact SUV-coupés, though at launch it will have few direct rivals.
BMW’s move to expand its SUV-coupé range with the X4 Concept comes as rivals also look to broaden their SUV offerings. For more on recent concept SUV reveals, see Honda’s Concept C and Concept S at Beijing Motor Showand Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept at Beijing.
