BMW X4 Concept confirms production X4 in 2014
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Yes, once production is underway, the BMW X4 will come to
Australia.
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8th April, 2013
The arrival of the first BMW X model, the BMW X5, in 1999 saw the BMW
Group enter the booming SUV segment. The BMW X3 and BMW X1 were later to join the marketplace too. This expansion of the
"X" range lead to the introduction of the BMW X6 in 2008, a 'fastback' 4-door SUV.
The short history of the BMW X range is already a successful one. Since the first BMW X model took to the road,
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
X model.
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 X model can blend with the genes of a BMW Coupe. The new 4-door
Sports Activity Coupe concept from BMW is poised to continue the story of the BMW X6 but in a different vehicle class.
Eye-catching proportions, tight contours and numerous high-quality details produce a product 'character' brimming with
appeal. All of this can be experienced when the BMW X4 production model rolls out of the factory for its market launch,
scheduled for as early as 2014. The second Sporty Activity Coupe in the brand´s model range will be made at BMW Plant
Spartanburg in the USA, which also makes the BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X3.
The sporting 'character' of the BMW Concept X4 is articulated by its dynamic linework as well as its proportions. With
a body length of 4,648 mm, a width of 1,915 mm and a height of 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 long wheelbase measuring 2,810 mm, while 21 inch light alloy wheels lend an added flourish to the
'athletic' bearing of this new model.
A front end 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
X model in equal measure. Classical BMW features such as the kidney grille and stylised twin circular head-lights give
the front end 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 centre of the front end. The grille features sculptured bars with
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 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 provides a visual connection with the grille, accentuating once again
the width of the front end.
This dynamic impression extends to the front apron. In keeping with BMW Coupe tradition, the side air intakes are
larger than the inner units and make a visual feature of the increased cooling air requirement – while satisfying that
need. Together with the car’s wide track and lowish centre 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 underride 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 X model merge with the values of a BMW Coupe in the silhouette of the BMW Concept X4. Its
proportions present a case for the BMW Concept X4 as one of 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 a dynamism
even when standing still. The interplay of surfaces makes 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
forward-surging momentum.
The coupe-like rear roofline sweeps 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 provides a dynamic link between the greenhouse and vehicle body, the slim glass surface giving the body a
powerful appearance. At the same time the visual centre of gravity is lowered, underlining the sporting mission statement
summed up by the car’s flanks.
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Self-Catering Holiday
Accommodation in
Denmark, WA
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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 flared wheel arches team up with the concave
surface below the rear swage line to visualise the power rippling through the rear wheels. The 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 matt black protective
cladding provides the final element of bodywork before the BMW Concept X4 meets the road.
Expressive 21-inch bi-colour 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-coloured flame surfaces contribute a 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 flavour. The body’s lines and the slim LED tail lights positioned at the outer edges
of the rear emphasise 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 'showy'
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.
A 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-colour elements reaching well down towards the road surface provide a high-quality
border for the rear end and re-emphasise the road-focused proposition of the BMW Concept X4.
The underride protection acts as the body’s lowest edge. Matt 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 underride protection.
E&OE.
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