[11] Bmw 20 Inch Rims Making This Week Picture

If nothing else, the X4 confirms BMW's determination to venture into every imaginable product niche. The X4 is a sportier and better-looking—if less practical—variation of the X3. Or looking at it another way, the new X4 is to the X3 what the X6 is to the X5, and it is a bit surprising that BMW will offer cars so similar in price and concept. The new model will make its first public appearance at the Beijing auto show next month.

The styling of the X4 attests to the cost pressures encountered in turning the concept into reality—except for the fascia, its front end is virtually identical to the X3's. The X4’s side profile, however, is distinct. The sloping roofline ends in a little tail, and the flanks are graced by no less than three character lines, one more than on the X3. The X4’s driver and passengers sit significantly lower than those in the X3, by 0.8 inch up front and 1.1 in the rear. That’s a noticeable difference, although we doubt that its rear passengers will experience “the feeling of a classic sports coupe,” as BMW promises. While the vehicle's wheelbase is identical with the X3's, the roofline is lower by 1.5 inches, and the vehicle is 0.6 inch longer.

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For the U.S. market, we expect the X4 to be available with the 240-hp, 2.0-liter N20 four and the 300-horse, 3.0-liter N55 six, both fitted with a single turbocharger and mated to an eight-speed automatic that transmits the power all four wheels. BMW claims the sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes 6.0 seconds in the xDrive 28i and 5.2 seconds in the xDrive 35i, and pegs their top speeds at 144 and 153 mph, although U.S.-market models may be governed at lower terminal velocities. Theoretically, BMW could also offer a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine, as on the X3 xDrive 28d.

The X4 is fitted with 245-series tires on 18-inch wheels as standard; optional wheel sizes up to 20 inches are available. The steel suspension with a five-link rear axle is identical with the X3’s, and the all-wheel-drive system comes with Performance Control, a feature which distributes torque seamlessly between the rear wheels. The variable-effort steering is tuned for sporty and direct handling as well, and BMW claims the car will be altogether more agile than the X3. As with other BMWs, an optional M Sport package will bundle aesthetic and performance enhancements. A cosmetic "xLine" will be offered as well.

View PhotosMICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

While the dashboard of the X4 is identical to the X3’s, the sporty derivative comes with a higher equipment level. Xenon HID headlights, LED fog lights, a rear parking aid, and an electric liftgate are all standard. The option list includes full LED headlights.

Down the road, we fully expect to see an X4 M Performance derivative, co-developed with BMW's M GmbH division. An X4 M40i could make close to 350 horsepower, and an M Performance diesel with similar power is possible, as well, although almost definitely not here.

Competition for the X4 includes the Audi Q5 and SQ5, the Range Rover Evoque, and the Porsche Macan. Prices are not finalized yet, but we expect to see a premium of several thousand dollars over that of the X3. The X4 comes to market in late 2014.

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