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      10-13-2010, 11:08 AM   #1
southlight
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Exclamation BMW X4 Concept Coming! X3 M, X3 35is, X3 Active Hybrid Coming.

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BMW X4 Concept Coming! X3 M, X3 35is, X3 Active Hybrid Coming.
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Apparently a marketing presentation with the project leader for the F25 X3 took place today, and so it happens that I just got a hint on interesting new models BMW is evaluating to possibly expand the X3 lineup.

First, there's the new X4, of which there is already a design which is described as very sporty - a bit sleeker than the X6 and adds a trunk similar to the GT allowing its concept idea as a Sport Activity Sedan. It takes some design cues from the new X3 but reverses them - for example that character line on the X3 is reversed on the X4 by having the line shoot upwards to the A-Pillar instead of downwards to the wheel arch (per Scott26). The guys at BMW really seem to be fond of this car, so the X4 has been scheduled to be presented as a concept car sometime next year. Expect the production version to be launched in late 2013 or early 2014.

On top of that, BMW is also working on the X3 Active Hybrid, X3 xDrive35is and the X3 M. All are in their mature phases of development already. The X3 xDrive35is and X3M bodyshells will be shipped from Spartanburg to Munich where they will build evaluation models of the proposed strategy (per Scott26).

Besides, there are two more engines coming for the X3. It appears that BMW is preparing a new diesel engine and a new petrol engine, both to make the X3 accessible to a broader customer pool. No word if these engines will be available in the US, though.

In other news, X6 sales have now passed 100,000 units. Needless to say that this is quite a success.


Rendering of BMW X4:




More info from Scott26:
Quote:
The X4 will be engineered to match how the X6 is very different to drive from the X5, now that the X6 is established (original projections for the X6 at this time period were at 40,000 units , we have almost surpassed three times that amount. But we have discovered an opening for a smaller Sport Activity Coupe.

One thing learned about the X6 though is that customers would prefer a more seperate identity than the X5. X4 and X6 will introduce this new approach although undeneath they will still be based on the X3 and X5 respectively.

New design details established on the X1 and the new X3 such as sculpted surfaces and higher rear window line will move to the X5 and X6 also new to the X5 will be T-Shaped rear lights from the X3 as they move to give X vehicles typical X characteristics and visually seperate them from the road car portfolio.

X4, X5 and X6 will build upon BMW's latest design philosophy in which wheelarches are defined by making them more three-dimensional , instead of building them out by adding more technicality and un-needed lines. The X5 for example uses the same but a more dramatic angle "slash" through the front doors from the wings , ahead of this the front quarter of the car is more pronounced expanding the width of the car and especially the wheel arches , a similar line at the rear does the same expanding the rear wheel arches. This is important for the interior in which space is increased and suspension mountings are pushed out without compromising interior space. X4 will do something similar but it will keep a bloodline with the X3 although the front and rear will be seperate designs.

Although you dont like it but X sales in X1, X3(E83), X5 (E53),(E70) and X6 have been highly profitable for BMW. Advance orders for Europe are sold out until spring on the new F25 X3 , The X1 continues to surpass it's projections and next year the M-Sport Packet will help further sales with the X1 , X6 receives it's Life Cycle Impulse,, on the back of high sales whilst the LCI X5 has proved to be the best selling SAV of it's segment. MINI Countryman in parts of europe is sold out until April 2011.

As for a smaller Sport Activity Coupe based on the X1? It is under consideration but could form part of the Lifestyle orientated "Y" Concept under development which takes the essence of the original X Coupe concept mixing a Z with an X although exclusively with 2drs.

The "Y" also has scope for expansion especially with a 2dr shooting brake type car and maybe an open air X vehicle. Interesting enough is that although it is labeled "Y" because of the proximity to "X" and "Z". Discussion has ranged on calling the car "K" due to the "half "X" in which the Y is a Z vehicle fused with an X vehicle - half and half.

For the time being though MINI will extend it's Countryman with a more sporting Activity Coupe which looks as if it will arrive in both 2dr and 4dr with double rear-hinged doors to add to it's uniqueness. The MINI will be aimed at the Range Rover Evoq with the intent to match it's style but not at the same price. This picture especially from the front doors back to the rear is an indication of how the car is progressing , the concepts and ideas are similar, especially the roof line.

MINI Activity Coupe , BMW X4 and the "Y" project are all projects of BMW's strategy aimed at the growing Compact and Premium entry segments which are heading for increased growth.



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