[12] X4 Bmw On This Week Issue

The BMW X4 concept may debut in Shanghai, but BMW's next crossover will focus on the U.S. market. The compact crossover coupe will be built at the brand’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, production facility, and America likely will snap up the most X4s. By taking the shockingly successful formula of the X6 and applying it to a smaller segment, the Bavarians have created another segment-bending sales success when it hits dealers in 2014.

BMW is calling the X4 a concept, but the execution is very close to what the upcoming series-production model will look like. At a length of 183 inches, a width of 75.4 inches, and a height of 62.9 inches, the X4 concept is just as long, slightly wider, and slightly lower than the X3 with which it shares its 110.6-inch wheelbase. Despite the similarities in proportions, the X4’s X6-like roofline and overall profile nicely disguise its roots.

As does its more upright sibling, the X4 features a dropping character line that runs along the door handles and dips to meet the front wheel arches. A second character line above the rear fenders adds muscularity, and is exclusive to the model. The sheetmetal will be carried over to production, as will the contoured full-LED headlights and taillights. As we noted when photos of the X4 leaked, we expect the front and rear fascias, the intakes, and the diffuser to be toned down a bit, and the 21-inch wheels to decrease in diameter.

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Under the hood, the X4 will be available with a number of engines from BMW's parts bin. A safe bet for the U.S. market will be an X4 xDrive28i with a 240-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four, as well as an X4 xDrive35i with a 300-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six. Those fluent in BMW-speak will have noted that the X4 likely will be paired exclusively with all-wheel drive. Other markets will be offered a wider array of engines, including several less-powerful gasoline engines, as well as 2.0- and 3.0-liter turbo-diesels.

BMW enthusiasts with the need for a hatchback soon will be inundated with a bevy of vehicles from which to choose: Besides the X1, X3, X5, X6, and now the X4, there is the 3-series Sports Wagon, the 5-series Gran Turismo, and the new 3-series GT. And here we were under the impression Americans didn’t have any interest hatchbacks, much less ones carrying premium prices. Go figure.

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