2014 X4: Another X6 "crouching frog"

BMW is getting ready to take on the Range Rover Evoque with the latest addition to its SUV range, and AutoExpress says it has pictures to prove it. As if the world needs another X6, of which a dismal 6,192 were sold last year in the entire U.S. ––down from 6,257 in 2010.

 

This is the X4, and the magazine's images were produced using inside information and reportedly show how it will look when it rolls off the same US production line as the X3, X5 and X6 in 2014.

 

The car  takes styling cues from the X6, but shows unique lights and bumpers front and rear, as well as a distinctive grille and alloy wheels designs. The swooping, X6-like roofline blends nto a bolder, more athletic rear end, with the same limited headroom and restricted loading aperture.

 

The X4 will share its platform with the X3, and is essentially a sportier version of that car – just as the X6 is a racier take on the X5. The newcomer will inherit the X3’s engine range, which currently comprises three diesels mated to six-speed manual or eight-speed auto gearboxes.

 

As well as rivalling the Evoque, the X4 will take on the forthcoming Q6 and Cajun models being co-developed by Audi and Porsche. Now all we have to do is reverse our genetic evolution so our children will be shorter and comfortable in the back seat, and make soft luggage more socially acceptable than the fancy hard stuff.––Paul Duchene