We got a quick look at the BMW X4 Concept two months ago at the LA Auto Show, and we’re expecting to the see the production-ready version of the raked-roofed crossover any day now. In the meantime, however, our friends over at Car and Driver are speculating that there will likely be a high-performance version of the X4 to hit the market, too.
To recap, the BMW X4 will be the slightly sportier, slightly less practical sibling of the X3 SUV, much like the X6 is to the X5. Those two larger models also offer monstrously powerful X5M and X6M guises, both of which seemingly defy the laws of physics with their tall ride heights and immense traction and handling. While there isn’t yet an M-version of the X3 sport utility, you’re not going to find us complaining if a pair of smaller, over-powered SUVs find their way into the BMW lineup.
The BMW X3 currently competes for attention with crossovers like the Mercedes-Benz GLK and Audi Q5, but the only truly “hot” vehicle in the segment is the Infiniti QX70 with the 390-horsepower 5.0-liter V8. When the X4 comes to market, it’ll be unique to the market as a mid-size sloped-roof crossover.
We expect that it’ll get the same 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 300-hp, 3.0-liter turbo-six found in the current X3 models. If BMW chooses to develop an X4M model, we think its likely to receive the same 425-hp version of that 3.0-liter inline six, found in the all-new BMW M3 and M4 sports cars.
There’s no doubt that the X6 doesn’t really make any sense and the X6M was a completely ludicrous idea from the start, but we’re OK with that. And for now, we’re only left to guess (and hope) that these smaller, hotter crossovers make their way to the BMW drawing boards soon.
What do you think of the X4 and the prospects of an X4M? Tell us in the comments.
