This is the new X4 concept, a precursor to the production model due in 2014. Based on the X3 platform, the X4 is poised to follow in the footsteps of the larger X5-based X6, which began the Sports Activity Coupe typology in 2008.
The sporting character of the BMW Concept X4 is articulated by its coupe-like DLO as well as its proportions. Measuring 4648mm long, 1915mm wide and 1622mm tall, the X4 sits on 21-inch wheels flanking its 2810mm-long wheelbase. Its exterior dimensions, long hood, short overhangs and set back passenger cell, lend an athletic, sporting and robust dynamism to the exterior design.
A face with an urban sporting presence
The front-end design of the X4 exudes hallmark BMW SAV characteristics, such as the kidney grille with its high gloss frame and dynamically contoured full LED headlights. Inside the light units, a flowing, hexagonal interpretation of the familiar 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 the width of the nose.
This dynamic impression extends to the front apron. In keeping with the ‘BMW Coupe’ tradition, the side air intakes are larger than the inner horizontal bars making it 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 forward-surging 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 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.
