Shanghai show: BMW unveils X4 concept

BMW’S niche-filling continues apace with the unveiling of a concept previewing the much-anticipated, coupe-styled X4 SUV that will take on the Range Rover Evoque and forthcoming Porsche Macan.

Like many recent BMW concepts, the Concept X4 looks close to production reality, with the showroom version confirmed to materialise as early as next year and serve as little brother to the pioneering – and polarising – X6.

BMW Group Australia corporate communications general manager Lenore Fletcher told GoAuto the X4 is “one of the cars we will be watching with great interest from here in Australia”.

“We would definitely love to see it in our line-up and are optimistic about our ability to do that,” she said. “Bring it on, and as quickly as possible.” BMW says the Concept X4 previews the future of the X-badged family, suggesting its sharp-looking LED headlights, chrome-straked lower air intakes, muscular bonnet detailing and heavily sculpted character lines on its flanks will eventually translate onto the next generation X1, X3, X5 and X6.

At 4648mm long, 1915mm wide and 1622mm high, the Concept X4 is the same length as an X3 – and rides on an identical 2810mm wheelbase – while being 34mm wider and 39mm lower for a more purposeful, four-square stance befitting its coupe pretensions.

The pronounced curve of the rear roof leads into a fastback tailgate with distinctive kicked-up trailing edge that, as with the larger X6, serves as an integrated boot spoiler Along with the rear quarter-light windows that extend deep into the rear pillar, the effect is to give the impression of extra length over the more pedestrian X3 on which the X4 is based.

Large tail-light clusters wrap slightly around the vehicle’s sides, while the big squared-off exhaust outlets flank a rear apron that combines the appearance of an aerodynamic diffuser with metal under-body protection, mirroring a similar arrangement at the front.

While the huge 21-inch chrome alloy wheels would be of little use off the beaten track, the underbody protection theme continues with matte-black cladding around the wheel-arches and along the sills, where chunky chrome strips act as reminders of this vehicle’s premium status.

The X4 will be built alongside the X3, X5 and X6 at BMW’s Spartanburg factory in the US.