BMW X4 Sport Activity Coupe Concept at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

Friday, April 5, 2013

BMW X4 Sport Activity Coupe Concept at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

Looks like: Honey, I shrunk the X6!
Defining characteristics: BMW family face, apparent lack of rear headroom, new headlight pattern
Ridiculous features: 21-inch concept-car wheels, naming a five-door hatchback a "coupe"
Chance of being mass-produced: Count on it

BMW continues to add new quirky models to its lineup in its quest to become the best-selling luxury brand in the world. The automaker's most recent concept car, which is headed for the 2013 Shanghai motor show, is likely a preview of the next step in BMW's model blitz. Behold the BMW X4 Sport Activity Coupe concept, a baby brother to the larger X6.

BMW hasn't released any technical details on the X4 concept, sticking to discussions of its styling instead, but we assume its relationship to the BMW X3 Sport Activity Vehicle (BMW refuses to call them SUVs) will be similar to the connection between the X5 and the X6.

That means the X4 could likely be powered by the X3's engines, including the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or turbocharged inline-six that resides in the X3. All-wheel drive is likely to be standard, according to previous BMW statements.

Stylewise, if you like the X6, you'll like the X4. The face features BMW's new look, with updated headlights and taillamps that are appearing on vehicles like the 6 Series Gran Coupe. The overall look, it must be said, is remarkably similar to the old 1980's AMC Eagle or perhaps a more attractive take on the failed Acura ZDX. It's a fastback four-door, but BMW insists on calling it a coupe, as German luxury brands continue to do despite its four doors.

No word on how compromised the rear headroom will be for passengers, but that dramatically sloping roofline suggests that it might not be too comfortable back there.