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“One in four new BMW cars is now a BMW SAV.” If you’re new to BMW parlance, SAV stands for Sports Activity Vehicle, a vehicle type most of us more commonly refer to as a crossover, and that statistic, which comes straight from the automaker itself, tells you all you need to know about why the X4 Concept you see above exists.
Like its larger X6 sibling, the BMW X4 Concept tries to shove a crossover in a mold shaped vaguely like a fastback coupe. Put another way, the X4 is likely to be a polarizing design, though perhaps not to the extent that the X6 divided opinions. As for us, we definitely prefer the styling of this X4 Concept, with its strong character lines and impressive wheel-to-bodyside ratio, over that of its bigger brother. That said, we’re sure the AMC Eagle comparisons will begin in earnest starting right about… now.
Dimensionally, it seems the most obvious machine with which to compare this X4 Concept is the 3 Series Wagon – we’re not sure if it will be as spacious inside as the 3 Series Gran Turismo. A two-inch stretch in the wheelbase ought to bring a commensurate improvement in legroom, and a body that’s nearly five inches longer should be a boon for cargo capacity. Of course, that fastback roofline will surely cut down on the car’s roominess inside, but we’ll have to wait for the final production model to judge its true capabilities.
BMW will build the production version of the X4 at its Spartanburg, SC plant here in the States, and it is expected to go on sale in 2014. Read the full press release below for all the details, but beware that most of it focuses on the X4 Concept’s unique styling, which you can see for yourself in our high-res image gallery above.
UPDATE: Official video added below.
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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 re-duce 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 threedimensional 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.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. RollsRoyce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for
the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the RollsRoyce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a
technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global
manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports
Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is
represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle centers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 116 MINI passenger car dealers,
and 34 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales
headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:
www.bmwgroupna.com.