BMW X4? What will the Bavarians do with yet another crossover?

By Stephen Edelstein March 22, 2013

BMW plans to expand its range of crossovers yet again with a new model called X4. While rumors of this new addition to the lineup have been circulating for months, BMW didn’t confirm the X4’s existence until a recent press conference.

At the company’s annual accounts press conference, Norbert Reithhofer, chairman of BMW’s board of management, said the X4 will debut next year. He didn’t mention any details about the car, but it is possible to glean some meaning from its name.

“X” means this vehicle will be a crossover, the like X1, X3, and X5, while “4” means it will probably be a coupe. That is, if you think the four-door X5-based X6 (pictured) is a “coupe.”

BMW reserves even numbers for cars with more expressive styling, whether they be straight two-door versions of sedans (4 Series, 6 Series), “four-door coupes,” (6 Series Gran Coupe) or the aforementioned X6.

Just as the 4 Series (the new name for the 3 Series coupe and convertible) is the baby brother to the 6 Series, the X4 will probably be a smaller version of the X6. It seems likely that it will be based on the X3.

Hopefully, BMW will turn the X3’s chassis into a fully-realized, standalone design like the 6 Series Gran Coupe, instead of just chopping its top, as it did with the X6.

BMW hopes to have a concept version of the X4 ready for April’s Shanghai Motor Show. We’ll have more information on this crossover and its purpose then.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

BMW argues bigger is better as it gives the X1 crossover a nip-and-tuck

2020 bmw x1 gets new look front end interior upgrades official 2

Previous

Next

Cars

Parents will never miss soccer practice with BMW’s new 523-horsepower SUVs

2020 BMW X7 M50i

The BMW M badge was originally reserved for the automaker's most hardcore performance cars, but lately, BMW has been less discerning. In addition to applying the M badge to SUVs, BMW launched an M Performance line of cars that are sportier than its regular models, but not up to the standards of full-on M vehicles. The latest models to get the M Performance treatment are the X5 and X7 SUVs. We can already hear the howls of purists.

The 2020 BMW X5 M50i and X7 M50i use the same engine, itself an upgrade of the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 already used in both SUVs. The M Performance version of the engine produces 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, increases of 67 hp and 74 lb-ft over the standard X5 and X7. That will get the X5 M50i from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, according to BMW, while the larger X7 M50i takes 4.5 seconds. Top speed for both vehicles is electronically limited to 130 mph with all-season tires or 155 mph with summer performance tires.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.