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Whether or not you care for the BMW X4 'sport activity coupe', it is a big hit around the world. To keep its popularity up, the German automaker revealed the second-generation X4 this morning. Like the X3 on which it is based, the 2019 X4 sees an increase in overall length (3 inches) and width (2 inches). Most important for those sitting in the back is the extra 2 inches between the wheels, which should help improve rear legroom. The front end is similar to the redesigned X3 with larger kidney grilles, larger air intakes, and a new design for the foglights. The back features a tailgate design similar to the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE-Coupes. The interior is cleaned up with a new center stack design featuring a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen for BMW's iDrive system. Cargo space is still quite small with 19 cubic feet on offer behind the rear seats. BMW will offer the X4 with two engines, xDrive30i: Turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder - 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. X4 M40i: Turbocharged 3.0L inline-six - 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque Both engines will come paired with an eight-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive. There will be a long list of options including adaptive cruise control, heads-up display, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. The 2019 BMW X4 arrives at dealers in July with pricing of $50,450 for xDrive30, and $60,450 for M40i - doesn't include a destination charge. Source: BMW Press Release is on Page 2 The All-New 2019 BMW X4. The eye-catching athlete Sportier drive due to wider tracks, a lower center of gravity, and the latest generation suspension. Standard Navigation Professional with 10.25-inch touchscreen display, iDrive Touch Controller, and real-time traffic and parking information. Segment leading 75 percent larger multicolor Head-Up display. Standard Active Guard – With Frontal Collison Warning, Automatic City Collision Mitigation and Braking including Daytime Pedestrian Detection, and Speed Limit Information. Standard Active Protection – Pre and post-crash safety systems which identify critical situations and act before, during, and after an incident. Standard xLine design with Sport Seats and 19-inch wheels. New Panoramic moonroof for increased rear Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 14, 2018…Today, the second generation BMW X4 is making its debut as the BMW X4 M40i and the BMW X4 xDrive30i. The 2019 BMW X4 with sportier proportions, with wider tracks, the latest generation suspension settings, a lower center of gravity and improved aerodynamics. The second generation Sports Activity Coupe offers a wide array of new standard safety features such as Active Protection which initiates protective measures when an accident situation is imminent such as belt tensioning and the closing of windows and moonroof to a small gap. Additionally, the standard Active Guard includes Frontal Collision Warning, City Collision Mitigation with Braking, Pedestrian Warning with City Braking, and Speed Limit Information. Standard Navigation comes with a large 10.25 inch display and offers drivers multiple ways to interact including touchscreen, iDrive Touch Controller, as well as a cloud powered intelligent voice control, the optional 75 percent larger, color Head-Up Display provides drivers the option of viewing navigation directions just under the direct line of vision. Not only does the all-new BMW X4 appear sportier, provide new and improved driving dynamics, better aerodynamics and safety features, passengers can now enjoy a larger panoramic moonroof and a 3-Zone Climate Control system which allows for greater ride comfort. The all-new 2019 BMW X4 will be available at certified BMW Centers in July 2018 with pricing starting at $50,450 for 30i, and $60,450 for M40i plus Destination and Handling. Vehicle concept and design. Its predecessor – the first ever Sports Activity Coupe at the premium end of the mid-size segment– broke new ground. Today, the all-new BMW X4 is writing the next chapter in this story of success. More than 200,000 units of the first-generation X4 have been sold worldwide and 19,712 in the US alone since the original model was launched in 2014. The all-new BMW X4 underscores its individual character with significantly enhanced driving dynamics, standout exterior design accentuating the car’s sporting instincts, a refined premium ambience in the interior, state-of-the-art driver assistance systems and leading-edge connectivity technologies. Additionally, the dynamic and extravagant aura of the Sports Activity Coupe is highlighted by the BMW M Performance model: the all-new BMW X4 M40i. The exterior design of the all-new BMW X4 features clean surfacing and high-class, modern accents. The BMW X4 assumes the role of eye-catching athlete in the BMW X model family. “The second-generation BMW X4 brings together a distinctive, dynamic silhouette with a clear, pared-back use of forms,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. Dynamically stretched proportions, powerful styling. An increase of approximately 3 inches in exterior length to 187.5 inches, 2.1 inches added to the wheelbase (now 112.7 inches), an extra 1.4 inches of width (75 inches) and an approximately 0.1 inch drop in height (to 63.8 inches) give to the all-new BMW X4’s dynamically stretched proportions. Short overhangs and powerfully formed, subtly hexagonal wheel arches emphasize the nearly perfectly balanced 50:50 distribution of weight between the front and rear axle. In the center of the striking front end stands a large BMW kidney grille in a new three-dimensional look. Twin headlight units with dynamic contours and horizontal fog lamps integrated into the outer air intakes form a new interpretation of the familiar six-eyed face embraced by BMW X models. All of the light functions feature LED technology as standard. The shoulder line – following the door handles to the rear lights – and the character line between the wheel arches break up the surfaces of the car’s flanks. This creates clearly defined lines which are additionally emphasized by the drawn-in glasshouse at the rear. The coupe style roofline slides into the rear window with an elegant flourish before dipping down more steeply to the rear. The window design also underline the dynamic proportions of the all-new BMW X4, thanks to a smoothly rising sill line and an elongated take on the Hofmeister kink “counter-swing” at the base of the C-pillars. Clearly structured surfaces and horizontal lines shape the car’s tail. The LED rear lights, with their three-dimensional shaping, are slim in design and positioned at the extreme edges of the rear. Combined with the twin exhaust tailpipes (shared by all engine variants), they magnify the width of the rear end. Standard xLine and the M Performance model. Two optional model variants allow drivers to tailor the appearance of the all-new BMW X4 to reflect their personal preference. Each variant comes with standalone design features as well as model-specific standard 19-inch light-alloy wheels. The robust nature of the Sports Activity Coupe is clearly expressed by the standard xLine design which combines bespoke front and rear underguard elements and side skirts in Glacier Silver metallic with side window surrounds and styling accents in a satin Aluminum finish. The M Performance model has an undeniably dynamic look, clearly stating its eagerness to deliver intense sportiness on the open road with its aerodynamically optimized front/rear aprons and side skirts, and accents in High-gloss Black. The all-new BMW X4 M40i can now also be specified with options from the BMW Individual portfolio. Extras designed to give the exterior an exceptionally exclusive feel include the BMW Individual paint finish Sunstone metallic. Interior and equipment. Sporting character with a modern, premium feel. The interior cabin of the all-new BMW X4 is roomier with a premium feel. All controls are clearly arranged and set within trim finishers featuring a distinctly pared-down design. The low instrument panel and the slightly raised seating position typical of BMW X models afford drivers a superb view of the road ahead. The driver-focused layout of the cockpit helps to create a wonderfully sporty driving experience at all times. Redesigned sports seats with boldly contoured side bolsters provide outstanding lateral support even in extreme handling situations. Top-class materials, precise build quality and a host of meticulously crafted details set the tone for the modern and individual premium character of the all-new BMW X4. The surfaces of the instrument panel and door paneling merge smoothly into one another, while the X logos embossed into the electroplated surfaces of the front and rear doors are eye-catching details. The ambient lighting, adding extra light sources around the center console and instrument panel, in the door paneling and in the foot wells, enhances the sense of wellbeing in the interior of the all-new BMW X4. The lighting mood can be adjusted as the driver pleases thanks to a choice of six colors. Large storage trays, roomy door pockets, cup holders and various compartments are all testimony to the functional qualities of the all-new BMW X4. Effective differentiation in the interior, too. The BMW X4 xDrive30i comes standard with xLine and exclusive design features are available for the BMW X4 M40i M Performance model. Standard sports seats and interior trim strips in Dark Oak Wood with accent strips in Pearl-effect Chrome give the cabin of the BMW X4 xDrive30i an air of elegance. The audio and air conditioning control panels sport a Pearl-effect Chrome surround and Highgloss Black highlights. The BMW X4 M40i also comes with M specific sports seats, a sport leather steering wheel and the standard anthracite-colored BMW Individual headliner, complemented by interior trim strips in Aluminum Rhombicle with accent strips in Pearl-effect Chrome. Standard on the BMW X4 xDrive30i model is a Sensatec instrument panel and door shoulder.There is also the option of the new Vernasca leather upholstery, which is exclusively available for the all-new BMW X4 in the color Tacora Red, as well as in Black with a choice of blue or red contrast stitching for both the 30i with M Sport package and the M40i. Additionally, the BMW X4 M40i can be specified with options from the BMW Individual portfolio. Options include BMW Individual extended Merino leather upholstery (in the color combinations Ivory White/Black, Fiona Red/Black and Tartufo/Black), Comfort and functionality. A far wider array of options, offers greater scope for customers to increase both the comfort and functionality of the all-new BMW X4. The range includes electrically adjustable and heated seats, active seat ventilation and three-zone automatic climate control with separately adjustable temperature control in the rear. A standard panoramic glass moon roof with much larger dimensions than the predecessor offers passengers additional comfort. The two-section glass surface with an overall length of 36.4 inches and a width of 35 inches allows the amount of light in the interior and the supply of fresh air to be varied as required and creates space. The sun blind is electrically operated, as is the front section of the glass roof. Three full-size seats are fitted in the rear compartment of the all-new BMW X4, providing the passengers there with an additional 1 inch of legroom over the predecessor model. The trunk features a capacity of 18.5 ft³ and the load space can be expanded to a maximum of 50.5 ft³ as required by folding down the sections of the rear backrest, with its standard 40:20:40 split. For added ease, the backrest sections can be released remotely from the trunk, while their angle to be individually adjusted, too. The standard storage package adds additional compartments, USB ports and 12V sockets, as well as multifunctional hooks and lashing rails in the trunk. Powertrain and driving experience. The all-new BMW X4 will be launched with a choice of latest-generation power units. The four-cylinder unit in the all-new BMW X4 xDrive30i generates 248 hp and peak torque of 258 lb-ft, which is on tap between 1,450 and 4,800 rpm. This enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology for the gasoline engines comprises a twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control. The BMW M Performance model comes with an inline six-cylinder engine. Both model variants direct their engine’s power to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive as standard, resulting in effortless progress over smooth roads and rough terrain alike. Gear selections can be selected manually using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The standard eight-speed Sport transmission offers exceptionally fast gear changes as well as a Launch Control function. The standard-fit Driving Experience Control switch lets drivers choose from SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO set-ups, while the BMW X4 M40i, and BMW X4 xDrive30i models also add a SPORT+ mode. The engines under the hood of BMW M Performance Automobiles stand out with their instantaneous response and tireless power delivery. With its trademark free-revving performance, maximum output of 355 hp and peak torque of 365 lb-ft, the power unit in the all-new BMW X4 M40i enables it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Reduced weight, enhanced aerodynamic properties. An intelligent material mix has made it possible to bring about a substantial weight saving, not just in the chassis design but also in the body’s construction. BMW EfficientLightweight measures led to the increase in the proportion of aluminum as well as high-strength and ultra-high-strength grades of steel. This has made the body structure more solid than ever, serving up benefits for both vehicle agility and occupant protection. Additionally, the car has a significantly lower center of gravity which enhances the Sports Activity Coupe’s cornering dynamics. Another factor in the dynamism and efficiency of the all-new BMW X4 is a reduction in aerodynamic drag of around 10 percent. This advance has been achieved by streamlining the body at the same time as incorporating a raft of additional measures, including active air flap control, the Air Curtains in the front apron and additional underbody cladding. The all-new BMW X4 sets a new benchmark in its segment with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.30. BMW xDrive: precise distribution of power with optimized efficiency. The latest version of the system is lighter and more efficient. Plus, the wonderfully precise electronic control of the intelligent all-wheel drive also splits drive power to the sporting effect for which the brand is renowned; the rear-biased set-up produces a highly rewarding driving experience, especially when powering through corners. Besides offering BMW handling stability, BMW xDrive also enhances traction over loose terrain, providing the all-new BMW X4 with tremendous off-road capabilities. With a ground clearance of 8 inches a fording depth of 19.6 inches, break over angle of 19.4° and angles of approach and departure of 25.7° and 22.6° respectively, the Sports Activity Coupe takes everything in its stride, from crests and bumps in the road to gravel tracks, icy roads and steep slopes. First-class chassis technology with bespoke set-up. The all-new BMW X4 boasts a marked increase in agility combined with a high degree of ride comfort, courtesy of chassis technology that has been systematically refined and honed for the specific requirements of the Sports Activity Coupe. The design principle of a double-joint spring strut axle at the front and five-link rear axle forms the ideal basis for a harmonious blend of dynamism and comfort. Fitting aluminum swivel bearings, lightweight tubular anti roll bars and new wheel location components at the front axle has brought about a considerable reduction in unsprung masses. Standard specification for the all-new BMW X4 xDrive30i includes not only M Sport suspension but also variable sport steering. Specially tuned to deliver extra-dynamic handling qualities, this version of the Electric Power Steering system ensures slick precision through keenly taken corners and straight-line stability. The speed-sensitive Servotronic power assistance, meanwhile, makes light work of maneuvering. The car’s impressively sporty and well footed handling characteristics are enhanced by the powerful lightweight braking system and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, whose wealth of features includes the Antilock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Start-Off Assistant and Hill Descent Control (HDC). The Performance Control function also included as standard gives the all-new BMW X4 even sharper handling by varying the distribution of drive torque to the rear wheels according to the situation at hand. 19-inch light-alloy wheels also form part of standard specification, while wheel options offered include 19 inch, 20 inch and 21 inch wheel offerings. The BMW M Performance model. Featuring model specific design and equipment features, the inline six cylinder engine is supported by chassis technology that has been precisely tuned to handle the high drive power. In the US, the BMW X4 M40i variant comes standard with M Sport brakes, which allow drivers to enjoy exceptionally dynamic handling with phenomenal stopping power. The system includes extra-large brake discs and blue painted calipers. Also standard is the Adaptive M Suspension featuring electronically controlled dampers whose responses adjust to the nature of the road and driving style. Drivers can choose between a sportier or more comfortable basic setting by activating the relevant performance maps using the Driving Experience Control switch. The standard M sports exhaust system produces unmistakable sound while the M Sport differential serves up wonderfully dynamic cornering. The flap-controlled M sports exhaust system on the BMW M Performance models doesn’t just make a great impression acoustically, though – its trapezoidal tailpipes in black chrome form a stunning visual highlight. Power is relayed to the wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission including Launch Control function as standard. The sporty nature of the BMW M Performance model is enhanced by the rear biased set-up of the BMW xDrive all-wheel drive and the Performance Control function. The standard M Sport differential generates a precise locking effect at the rear wheels, priming the car perfectly to power out of corners with dynamic drive. The BMW X4 M40i comes equipped as standard with M Sport brakes and 19-inch light-alloy wheels; variable sport steering and M Sport suspension with firmer spring and damper tuning. The M Sport brakes are specially designed with an extra-large master cylinder to help optimize braking feel. Customers can also opt for the Adaptive M suspension, which is exclusively available for the two BMW M Performance models and further broadens the range of adjustment between sporty handling and well-balanced ride comfort. Two 19-inch wheels with either performance run-flat tires or all-season run-flat tires are available. Sporting a Double-spoke M twinspoke design in bi-color Orbit Grey polished finish, they add a striking visual touch. The options list also includes two 20-inch light-alloy wheels, and one 21-inch M Double-spoke Cerium Gray wheel. Aerodynamically refined exterior with M appeal. Aerodynamically optimized body elements combined with model-specific exterior design features add to the sporty and exclusive looks of the BMW M Performance. The Cerium Grey finish for the exterior mirror caps and front air intake trim inserts is just one example. A Sensatec covering for the instrument panel and door shoulders, sports seats, model badging for the door sill strips, instrument panel and instrument display, plus additional details such as the sport leather steering wheel, M pedals and M driver’s footrest, all help to inject the cabin with unmistakable M flair. Controls and driver assistance systems. Innovations for comfortable, safe driving. The latest version of the iDrive operating system fitted in the all-new BMW X4 is designed to offer even more flexible and ergonomic control of vehicle, navigation, communication and infotainment functions. Its Control Display now takes the form of a freestanding monitor with a screen diagonal of 10.25-inch as standard. The high-resolution display that comes with the standard Navigation system Professional includes touchscreen functionality. The intuitive touch control also offers a tile-style menu layout with live content. The voice control system is the latest from BMW and can follow freely formulated instructions to find a point of interest such as, “Find a coffee shop near the Empire State Building” or simply, “I’m hungry”. There is also the option of using BMW gesture control in the all-new BMW X4, allowing certain functions to be operated with simple movements of the hand or fingers, which are registered by a 3D sensor in the center console and translated into the relevant commands. Another option is the new-generation BMW Head-Up Display, whose projection area has been expanded by 75 percent. This system reflects driving-related information onto the windscreen in full color and with a resolution of 400 x 800 pixels, so that it appears directly in the driver’s field of vision. The optionally available Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster, meanwhile, visualizes the driving-related cockpit information in a style that reflects the selected driving mode. Cutting-edge assistance systems enhance comfort and safety. When it comes to driver assistance and semi-automated driving, all the systems currently offered by BMW are available, such as the latest generation of Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, whose capabilities include braking the car to a halt in stop-and-go traffic and automatically restarting to drive. The Driving Assistance Package includes Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Daytime Pedestrian Protection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collison Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert rear, and Speed Limit Information. The Driving Assistant Plus Package builds upon that with: Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Active Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance, Traffic Jam Assistant, Evasion Aid & Cross Traffic alert front and rear Parking with ease: ParkNow and On-Street Parking Information. The ParkNow service, available in iDrive, allows parking spaces at the roadside and in parking garages to be easily located, booked and paid for without the need for cash. This cash-less, ticket-less, and hassle-free service can greatly shorten the time taken to find and pay for parking. In-car integration of ParkNow is initially available in select cities nationwide. Visit www.park-now.com for details. First launched with the BMW 5 Series, the new On-Street Parking Information (OSPI) service now available in 20 cities helps alleviate the problem of vehicles searching for available on-street parking spaces – which accounts for a large part of traffic congestion in city centers. OSPI works in a similar way to the Advanced Real Time Traffic Information System, using historical and current data as well as complex algorithms to draw conclusions regarding the potential availability of on-street parking spaces in specific zones or in a particular part of the city. The probability of on street parking availability is shown on the Navigation map as colored indicators along the street, allowing the driver to minimize the need to circle the block in search of a spot by targeting streets with a higher probability of available parking spaces. The options list likewise includes a WiFi hotspot offering a high-speed internet connection (LTE) for up to ten mobile devices. Apple CarPlay Compatibility is included with a one-year trial. The industry’s first implementation of a wireless Apple CarPlay solution is now augmented with a flexible way for customers to continue the feature after their trial period. After the inclusive one-year trial, customers can elect to buy the feature from the ConnectedDrive Store within the My BMW ConnectedDrive portal or right from the driver’s seat from within the iDrive menu system of the vehicle. This system also comprises the Top View, Panorama View and 3D View functions, which combine to depict a 360º image of the vehicle and the surrounding area on the Control Display. The Remote 3D View function additionally gives drivers the ability to call up a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle and its immediate vicinity on their smartphone via BMW Connected. Linked up to the driver’s digital world thanks to BMW Connected. The digital services from the BMW Connected app, available on both iOS and Android, bring intelligent connectivity to the all-new BMW X4 and unparalleled convenience for the driver. With the help of the Open Mobility Cloud platform, the digital services connect to the BMW X4 via devices such as smartphones or smartwatches, resulting in seamless connectivity. The selection of devices that can connect to the new BMW X4 by means of BMW Connected go beyond the smartphone by supporting devices such the Apple Watch, Amazon Echo, and Google Assistant. Customers can speak to the Amazon Echo or Google Assistant to check the fuel level, lock the vehicle or activate the ventilation function, all from the comfort of their home. With BMW Connected, being on-time has never been simpler. Machine learning made possible by the Open Mobility Cloud allows BMW Connected to learn your routines and suggest the optimal time to leave for an appointment. Location based services and real time traffic information help optimize your journey even before entering the vehicle. Once on your route, the Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information can continue to optimize your journey. Crowd-sourced vehicle to vehicle communication is now employed within the inter-connected BMW fleet to provide advance warning of hazardous traffic situations. Information on detected hazards presented by an accident, a broken-down vehicle, dense fog, heavy rain or black ice, for example, is relayed to the BMW backend from where it is sent into the navigation system of both the driver’s car and other BMWs in the vicinity. Connectivity enhances safety, comfort and infotainment. The standard built-in SIM card also allows drivers of the all-new BMW X4 to use Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic locating and accident severity detection. With the new BMW Teleservice Accident Assistance, the vehicle now detects low-speed collisions below the threshold for airbag deployment. The driver receives a message in the iDrive display offering to contact the BMW Accident Assistance service directly. A push of a button is all it takes to obtain professional support from the BMW Accident Assistance team, who can also put the customer in touch with a BMW Service Partner if necessary. View full article

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 12, 2012 I'm sure all of us were thinking, "You know what would make BMW's lineup perfect? A smaller X6." Well as we have been reporting for the past year, BMW has been working on a smaller X6, tentatively called the X4. According to Autoweek, BMW could be showing the new X4 at next year's Detroit Auto Show. The X4 would carry the same coupe-like styling as the X6, while using the X3's platform as a base. The engine lineup will be similar to X3 with four- and six-cylinder engines. There is also talk of a X4 M in the works. Source: Autoweek William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 5, 2013 Chew on this for a moment: "One in four new BMW cars is now a BMW SAV." SAV for those who don't know BMW lingo is for sport activity vehicle, or what we could call a crossover. Its one reason why BMW's X lineup has grown from the lowly X5 to a family of vehicles including the X1, X3, X5, and X6. Its also why at the Shanghai Motor Show BMW will be showing smaller crossover coupe called the X4 Concept. The X4 Concept's design can best be explained as a X6 left in the washing machine a bit too long. In other words, its a polarizing design in a smaller package. We don't know any details on the interior or what's under the hood. We do hear that a production model of the X4 is likely to appear in 2014 and will be built at BMW's Spartanburg, SC plant. Source: BMW William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 The All-New BMW Concept X4. The latest chapter in the Sports Activity Coupe story. Woodcliff Lake, NJ - April 4th, 2013, 6:00 PM EDT... Every BMW SAV has been a trailblazer. The world premiere of the first BMW SAV (the BMW X5) in 1999 saw the BMW Group create the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment – one in which BMW SAVs remain the market leaders. The BMW X3 and BMW X1 were likewise the first SAVs in their classes, and continue to define these types of vehicles today. The story of BMW light trucks took on a new dimension in May 2008 with the introduction of the BMW X6 – the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). This unique concept brought together the rugged looks of a BMW SAV with the emotional aura and sporting character of a BMW Coupe for the first time. The enduring popularity of BMW's first SAC is borne out by its consistently high sales figures. The short history of the BMW X range is already a successful one. Since the first BMW SAV took to the stage, average sales across the BMW X line-up have progressed on a constant upward curve: one in four new BMW cars is now a BMW SAV. With the BMW Concept X4, the BMW Group offers a preview of the future of the BMW X family. It takes no more than a first glance to see how smoothly the qualities of a BMW SAV can blend with the genes of a BMW Coupe. The new Sports Activity Coupe concept from BMW is poised to continue the success story of the BMW X6 in a new vehicle class. Eyecatching proportions, tight contours and numerous high-quality details produce an unrivalled product character brimming with emotional appeal, dynamism and the sturdiness you would expect from a BMW SAV, while at the same time holding out the promise of out-standing performance and driving dynamics. All of this can be experienced when the BMW X4 production model rolls out of the factory for its market launch, scheduled for 2014. The second Sporty Activity Coupe in the brand´s model range will be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the competence center for BMW SAVs which also produces the BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X3. The sporting character of the BMW Concept X4 is articulated by its dynamic line work as well as its proportions. With a body length of 183 inches (4,648 mm), a width of 75.4 inches (1,915 mm) and a height of 63.9 inches (1,622 mm), its exterior dimensions signal sporting elegance and powerful robustness. In addition to a long bonnet, short overhangs and set back passenger cell, its signature BMW features include a wheelbase measuring 110.6 inches (2,810 mm), while 21 inch light alloy wheels lend an added flourish to the athletic bearing of this Sports Activity Coupe. A face with an urban sporting presence. The front-end styling of the BMW Concept X4 exudes hallmark BMW dynamics and the rugged purpose and presence of a BMW SAV in equal measure. Classic BMW features such as the kidney grille and stylized twin circular head-lights give the nose a clear identity and ensure it shines out as a BMW the first time you set eyes on it. The BMW Concept X4 lavishes both these front end design icons with meticulous detail and three-dimensional depth. The large kidney grille stretches out within a solid looking surround. The high gloss frame is open to the sides and at its lower extreme, lending it an almost "floating" appearance in the center of the nose. The grille features prominently sculptured bars with ultra-stylish detailing. The hollowed out, high-gloss black bars have a milled lower third with a matt finishing, which lends the kidney structure extra visual depth. And the grille also comprises additional air apertures to ensure an increased supply of cooling air to the engine. The kidney grille is flanked by dynamically contoured full LED headlights. Inside the light units, a flowing, hexagonal interpretation of the familiar BMW twin circular appearance points to an unwavering focus on the road ahead. The horizontal continuation of the inner light elements creates a visual connection with the grille, accentuating once again the width of the nose. This dynamic impression extends to the front apron. In keeping with BMW Coupe tradition, the side air intakes are larger than the inner horizontal bars and make a visual feature of the increased cooling air requirement, while satisfying that need. Together with the car's wide track and low center of gravity, the in-takes represent a promise of exceptional performance capability. The side air intakes pick up on a stylistic theme from the kidney grille; their black horizontal bars are, like the grille's, partly milled out but boast gleaming chrome edges. It all makes for an enticing contrast of materials, a fusion of high-end quality with the characteristic robustness of BMW X vehicles. This design theme concludes in the underside protection element, where three milled out, gleaming chrome elements present a high-quality take on the modern preference for minimalist solidity. Side view with an extrovert edge. The qualities of a BMW SAV merge with the values of a BMW Coupe in the muscular silhouette of the BMW Concept X4. Its proportions present a persuasive case for the BMW Concept X4 as the most dynamic vehicle in its segment. In hallmark BMW style, a longer wheelbase, relatively long bonnet, short over-hangs and a set-back greenhouse lend the car an undeniable dynamism even when standing still. The striking interplay of surfaces creates a vibrant contrast of light and shadow that exudes a feeling of agility and power. Prominently rising lines mould the flanks into a wedge shape and give the car as a whole a forwardsurging momentum. The coupe style roofline sweeps elegantly downwards and makes the car appear longer. Below, the windows extend well to the rear, where they are bordered by a dynamic interpretation of BMW's signature Hofmeister kink. The stretched and shallow band of glass creates a persuasively dynamic link between the greenhouse and vehicle body, the slim glass surface giving the body an impressively powerful appearance. At the same time the visual center of gravity is lowered, underlining the sporting mission statement summed up by the car's flanks. The BMW Concept X4's contours include a new interpretation of the familiar BMW swage line, a pair of dynamic lines defining the eye-catching impact of the side view. A concave area under each swage line lends the flanks an almost sculptural expression – at once robust and dynamic. The surface volumes and definition of the contours deepen as they extend towards the tail and imbue the rear end with added stature. Here, the powerfully flared wheel arches team up with the concave surface below the rear swage line to visualize the power rippling through the rear wheels. The radiant exterior paint shade Long Beach Blue is a perfect match for the elaborately structured volumes and contours, and brings particular depth to the expressive design language. Fitting the BMW X template, the wheel arches of the BMW Concept X4 are large and almost square in design. This prominent emphasis on the wheels draws further attention to the car's planted stance and long wheelbase, while at the same time providing a visual showcase for the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The pared back, matt black protective cladding provides the final element of bodywork before the BMW Concept X4 meets the road. Expressive 21 inch bi-color light alloy wheels round off the car's appearance when viewed from the side. Intricate, high-gloss polished spokes provide visual allure, while behind them dark-colored flame surfaces contribute an impressive feeling of depth. Cutting-edge presence for the rear. The rear of the BMW Concept X4 takes the sporting, width-accentuating elements of the front-end design and reproduces them with an emphatically horizontal flavor. The body's lines and the slim LED tail lights positioned at the outer edges of the rear emphasize the muscular wheel arches and wide track. Below, horizontal lines split the rear visually into sections, while light surfaces reduce the car's visual height and underline its width. The shallow rear window gives the vehicle body an even more powerful impression and its broad shoulders a show-stealing presence. Looking further down, the L-shaped rear lights of the BMW Concept X4 underscore its consummate stance on the road. A full sized inner element in the tail lights, meanwhile, replicates the signature BMW "L" shape in three-dimensional form and with impressive depth. The most striking element at the back of the car is the rear apron, which provides a wide, full length interpretation of the front apron's large outer air intakes. The apron's cut out picks up the two exhaust tailpipes in a dynamic sweep before diverting the gaze to the wheels. Body color elements reaching well down towards the road surface provide a high quality border for the rear end and re emphasize the road focused proposition of the BMW Concept X4. The underside protection acts as the body's lowest edge. Matte black surfaces lower the car's perceived height and accentuate the robust BMW X character of the rear. As at the front of the car, three milled elements in gleaming chrome add a sophisticated touch to the underside protection. View full article