XeroK00L

Month-old news...hopefully not a repost here.
Kudos to BMW for trying something new.



http://www.bmw2002.co.uk/news.htm

BMW X4 Coupe (22/11/04)

BMW are aiming to create a niche with a small 4x4 off-roader coupe. Aiming for less sales than the X3, the X4 will be more adventurous with its looks, influenced by the X-Coupe concept seen in 2001 at the Detroit Motor show. Designed to target affluent, design conscious buyers looking for a life-style vehicle. A long nose, low roofline lead to chunky rear wheel arches, which hint at the X4’s crossover nature, while the rear glass hatch covers a substantial load area for a car of this size. Underneath it uses the conventional mechanics of the X3. This means the innovative xDrive 4WD system will delivery the power to the wheel with the most traction in slippery conditions. Smaller and lighter than the X3, it will be more manoeuvrable, while still maintaining the SUV’s off-road ability. The X4 will also benefit from the latest range of valvetronic engines in 2.2 and 3.0-litre petrol, while diesel will have the choice of 2.0 and 3.0 litre Turbo’s. A M-Power version will not be made, instead the flagship will be a 4.0-litre petrol V8 set to appear in the next generation M3. Transmissions will be offered in 5 and 6 speed automatics, as well as manual gearbox with 6 speed.

The X4 will be the first coupe off-roader offered by a mainstream manufacturer therefore, will have lack of direct competition. Due on sale the end of 2007, the X4 should debut at the Detroit Motor Show as BMW predicts the US will be a lucrative market for this vehicle.

MoFunk

hahaha, ahh man, BMW are making just about everything these days.

Let's hope it's an improvement on the X3 because i thought it didnt live up to expectations.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

200*8*? Who cares?

SecPole14

"Off-roader coupe" ???

Davtown

I'll believe it when I see it...

SecPole14

Damnit Dav, how many time do I have to tell you...Spy pics are your friends, even the sketchy computer renderings.

mmarshall

Not quite. Though it was a MUCH cheaper vehicle, (certainly not in the X4's class) in the early 1990's Suzuki offered the off-road 2-seat X90 coupe with removable roof panels. It had an off-road-type part-time 4WD.....same as the Sidekick. I test-drove one when they first came out. It rode, handled, steered and braked like a POS...almost as bad as the ill-fated Samurai.
http://www.off-road.com/suzuki/x90.htm

Any of you guys remember this one?

SecPole14

Wasn't the Isuzu VehiCross along the same lines...??

videcormeum

It's a Chrysler Crossfire with a kidney-grill and 22 inch wheels ... what's the big deal?



M.

mmarshall

More or less. it was a true off roader with two doors.....but I'm not sure you could call it a coupe. I'll leave that to your judgement.

jet864

Looks like they got some design elements from the horrid (but efficient) HR2.

http://seriouswheels.com/top-2004-BMW-HR2.htm

That's quite a niche to fill. BMW still needs to eat up the market on amphibious family luxury utility sport truck coupes though.

James