The BMW Concept X4. The next chapter in the Sports Activity Coupé story.
Every
new BMW X model is a trailblazer. Indeed, the world premiere of the
first BMW X model (the BMW X5) in 1999 saw the BMW Group call into being
the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment – one in which BMW X models
remain the market leaders. The BMW X3 and BMW X1 were likewise the first
SAVs in their class and continue to set the pace among their rivals
today. This development took on a new dimension in May 2008 with the
introduction of the BMW X6 – the first Sports Activity Coupé (SAC). This
still unique concept brought together the rugged looks of a BMW X model
with the emotion and sporting character of a BMW Coupé for the first
time. The enduring popularity of BMW’s first SAC is demonstrated by its
consistently high sales figures. The short history of the BMW X range is
already a successful one. Since the first BMW X model took to the
stage, average sales across the BMW X line-up have been on a constant
upward curve: one in four new BMW cars globally 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 glance to see how smoothly the
qualities of a BMW X model can blend with the genes of a BMW Coupé. The
new Sports Activity Coupé concept from BMW is poised to continue the
success story of the BMW X6 in a new vehicle class. Eye-catching
proportions, tight contours and high-quality details produce an
unrivalled product character brimming with emotional appeal, dynamism
and the sturdiness you would expect from a BMW X model, 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 Coupé in the brand´s
model range will be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the
competence centre for BMW X models which also produces the BMW X5, BMW
X6 and BMW X3.
The sporting character of the BMW Concept X4 is
articulated by its dynamic lines as well as its proportions. With a body
length of 4,648mm, a width of 1,915mm and a height of 1,622mm, 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 wheel-base measuring 2,810mm,
while 21-inch light-alloy wheels lend an added flourish to the athletic
bearing of this Sports Activity Coupé.
A front end with 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.
Classic 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 prominently 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 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 front end.
This
dynamic impression extends to the front apron. In keeping with BMW
Coupé 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 low
centre of gravity, the intakes 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 under-ride protection, 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 Coupé 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 glasshouse 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 forward-surging
momentum.
The coupé-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 glasshouse 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.
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 visualise 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-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 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 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 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 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-colour 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 under-ride
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. At the front of the car, three milled elements in gleaming chrome
add a sophisticated touch to the under-ride protection.
