The newcomer is aiming...
The newcomer is aiming for fewer sales than the conventional X3, so designers can be more adventurous with the looks, which will be influenced by the X Coup탩 concept revealed at the 2001 Detroit Motor Show. This was the first BMW to use the "flame surfacing" styling instigated by design chief Chris Bangle, which provoked a mixed reaction from the press and public alike.
The X4 will be less dramatic, dispensing with the concept car"s unusual asymmetric rear hatch and pillarless bubble roof. Nevertheless, it will be one of BMW"s most daring models, targeting affluent, design-conscious buyers looking for a lifestyle vehicle. A long nose and low roofline similar to the 6-Series lead to chunky rear wheelarches, which hint at the X4"s crossover nature, while the glass hatch covers a substantial load area for a car of this size.
Underneath the dynamic bodywork, the coup탩 will utilise the conventional mechanicals of the X3. That means the innovative xDrive 4WD system will deliver power to the wheel with the most traction in slippery conditions.
As the newcomer is smaller than the X3, it will be lighter and more manoeuvrable, while still maintaining the SUV"s off-road ability. The X4 will also benefit from the latest range of Valvetronic engines, in 2.2 and 3.0-litre petrol guises, while diesel fans will have a choice of 2.0 and 3.0-litre turbos. BMW will not produce an M version, but the flagship coup탩 could be powered by the 4.0-litre petrol V8 that is set to appear in the all-new M3 due next year. Transmission options will include five and six-speed automatics, as well as a manual gearbox with six ratios.
Inside, the X4 will inherit the minimalist dashboard design first seen on the firm"s executive 7-Series, but with unique touches to distinguish it from lesser models. Chunky seats and more rugged materials will hint at the car"s mud-plugging aspirations, and the iDrive controller will give owners the option of altering the suspension and transmission settings for more extreme conditions. Occasional rear seats and a spacious boot will make the newcomer reasonably practical as well as stylish, although the focus is on comfort for occupants sitting in the front.
The X4 will be the first coup탩 off-roader from a mainstream manufacturer, with the exception of more unusual offerings such as the Suzuki X-90, and will therefore lack any direct competitors. However, it"s likely to steal sales from premium SUVs such as the Audi Allroad and the forthcoming Mercedes B-Class. Due on sale at the end of 2007, the X4 should get its first public outing at that year"s Detroit Motor Show, as the US will be a lucrative market for a car of this nature.
Meanwhile, BMW bosses have confirmed that plans for the new 2 and 4-Series models have been shelved. Instead, future coup탩 and cabriolet versions of the 1 and 3-Series will retain the same names as the conventional hatchback and saloon variants, but will be distinguished by Ci badging.