The funny thing about the BMW X4 is that, even though we knew about it for a long time, our spies hadn’t captured a prototype model on the road. Of course, as most of you likely remember, BMW eventually came out with a concept version to preview the sporty crossover at the Shanghai Auto Show in China just this past April.
Well, now we can add the X4 to our long list of upcoming cars that have been spied as pre-production test models. BMW engineers may have slathered a few layers of wraps with swirly shapes, but since there are no fake panels, they don’t do much to hide the appearance of the actual X4 that will go on sale in the first half of next year.
To get an idea of what it will look like without the camouflage, the relation of the X4 Concept to the X4 production model is exactly the same as that of the 4-Series Concept to the 2014MY 4-Series Coupe presented about a fortnight ago.
By comparing the spy shots to the pictures of the X4 Concept, we can see that the production model is somewhere around 95 to 99 percent identical to the study. What that remaining percentage translates to are a series of small changes including the less futuristic and round shaped headlamp fixtures, the absence of chrome trims and funky looking decor on the bumpers, bigger and more practical in everyday use mirrors and door handles, the much smaller wheels (at least on this model), and well, that’s just about it.
That said, the X4 should be very close in exterior dimensions to the concept that measured 4,648mm (183-inches) long, 1,915mm (75.4 inches) wide and 1,622mm (63.9 inches) tall. Being based on the current X3, it shares the same wheelbase length of 2,810mm (110.6-inches) with the former.
Designed as a smaller and more affordable sibling to the successful X6, the X4 will borrow its engine lineup from the X3, meaning the North American model will offer an initial choice of two powerplants, including the 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four for the X4 28i, and the 300-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo’d straight-six for the X4 35i. Europe and other parts of the world will get a wider engine range with less powerful gasoline options and an array of diesels. A plug-in hybrid version is under consideration.
Production of the new X4 will take place at BMW’s South Carolina facility.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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