Thinly disguised concept is set to become the next SUV/coupe crossover, sitting just below the X6
The production-ready X4 should look very much like this concept vehicle.
Is it going to look like this when it hits the showroom?
Very likely, my friend. Although BMW is still billing the X4 as a concept vehicle, it should look virtually the same as this when it comes out in production form early next year.
One design theme that's totally new to the BMW brand is the front headlights. Other elements can also be seen in the Concept 4-series, which is also going into production in less than a year as a coupe version of today's 3-series F30.
The Concept X4 is due to make its world premiere at the Shanghai motor show later this month.
Will it be based on the X3?
It should be, considering BMW's current strategy vis a vis its SUV line-up. Actually, this is how it worked for the X6 which used the same platform, engines and interior architecture as the X5.
Because of this, you can expect the X4 to have a similar cabin plus four- and six-cylinder engines like those of the X3.
The entry-level diesel engine, for example, could be today's 184hp 2.0-litre unit for the X4 20d, or even a 218hp variation for a potential 25d variant. Let's not forget that BMW will need to position the X4 over the X3.
Kicking off the petrol range could be the 218hp (detuned for Thailand) 28d all the way up to the 306hp six-pot version for the 35i.
All variants are expected to come with eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive as standard fittings.
Just a refresh: BMW SUVs with odd-numbered badges have family-oriented packages and are referred to by the Munich boys as SAVs (sport activity vehicles); those with even-numbered monikers have coupe-like profiles, are less practical and are known as SACs (sport activity coupes).
Got it. That means the X4 will be dearer than the X3, then?
That's the whole idea, yes. If we're talking about a diesel engine _ which is the new norm for BMW SUVs in Thailand _ the X4 would be priced somewhere between the 3.5 million baht X3 and the 6 million baht X5.
A direct competitor for the X4 hasn't yet emerged from either Audi or Mercedes-Benz, although the Range Rover Evoque could be considered a quasi-rival since it boasts a similarly sporty appearance and costs around 4.5 million baht in Thailand (when properly spec-ed as a luxury import).
