Every new BMW X model is a
trailblazer. Indeed, the world premiere of the first BMW X model (the BMW X5)
in 1999 saw the BMW Group call into be-ing the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
segment – one in which BMW X models remain the market leaders. The BMW X3 and
BMW X1 were likewise the first SAVs in their class and continue to set the pace
among their rivals today. This development took on a new dimension in May 2008
with the introduction of the BMW X6 – the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC).
This still unique concept brought together the rugged looks of a BMW X model
with the emotional aura and sporting character of a BMW Coupe for the first
time. The enduring popularity of BMW’s first SAC is borne out by its
consistently high sales figures. The short history of the BMW X range is
already a successful one. Since the first BMW X model took to the stage,
average sales across the BMW X line-up have progressed on a constant upward
curve: one in four new BMW cars is now a BMW X model.
|
With the BMW Concept X4, the
BMW Group offers a preview of the future of the BMW X family. It takes no more
than a first glance to see how smoothly the qualities of a BMW X model can
blend with the genes of a BMW Coupe. The new Sports Activity Coupe concept from
BMW is poised to continue the success story of the BMW X6 in a new vehicle
class. Eye-catching proportions, tight con-tours and numerous high-quality
details produce an unrivalled product character brimming with emotional appeal,
dynamism and the sturdiness you would expect from a BMW X model, while at the
same time holding out the promise of out-standing performance and driving
dynamics. All of this can be experienced when the BMW X4 production model rolls
out of the factory for its market launch, scheduled for as early as 2014. The
second Sporty Activity Coupe in the brand´s model range will be built at BMW
Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the competence centre for BMW X models which also
produces the BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X3.
The sporting character of the
BMW Concept X4 is articulated by its dynamic line work as well as its
proportions. With a body length of 4,648 mm, a width of 1,915 mm and a height
of 1,622 mm, its exterior dimensions signal sporting elegance and powerful
robustness. In addition t a long bonnet, short overhangs and set back passenger
cell, its signature BMW features include a long wheel-base measuring 2,810 mm,
while 21 inch light alloy wheels lend an added flourish to the athletic bearing
of this Sports Activity Coupe.
A front end with an urban
sporting presence.
The front-end styling of the
BMW Concept X4 exudes hallmark BMW dynamics and the rugged purpose and presence
of a BMW X model in equal measure. Classical BMW features such as the kidney
grille and stylized twin circular head-lights give the front end a clear
identity and ensure it shines out as a BMW the first time you set eyes on it.
The BMW Concept X4 lavishes both these front-end design icons with meticulous
detail and three-dimensional depth. The large kidney grille stretches out
within a solid-looking surround. The high-gloss frame is open to the sides and
at its lower extreme, lending it an almost “floating” appearance in the centre
of the front end. The grille features prominently sculptured bars with
ultra-stylish detailing. The hollowed out, high-gloss black bars have a milled
lower third with a matt finishing, which lends the kidney structure extra
visual depth. And the grille also comprises additional air apertures to ensure
an increased supply of cooling air to the engine.
The kidney grille is flanked
by dynamically contoured full-LED headlights. Inside the light units, a
flowing, hexagonal interpretation of the familiar BMW twin circular appearance
points to an unwavering focus on the road ahead. The horizontal continuation of
the inner light elements creates a visual connection with the grille,
accentuating once again the width of the front end.
This dynamic impression
extends to the front apron. In keeping with BMW Coupe tradition, the side air
intakes are larger than the inner units and make a visual feature of the
increased cooling air requirement – while satisfying that need. Together with
the car’s wide track and low centre of gravity, the in-takes represent a
promise of exceptional performance capability. The side air intakes pick up on
a stylistic theme from the kidney grille; their black horizontal bars are, like
the grille’s, partly milled out but boast gleaming chrome edges. It all makes
for an enticing contrast of materials, a fusion of high-end quality with the
characteristic robustness of BMW X vehicles. This design theme concludes in the
underride protection element, where three milled out, gleaming chrome elements
present a high-quality take on the modern preference for minimalist solidity.
Side view with an extrovert
edge.
The qualities of a BMW X model
merge with the values of a BMW Coupe in the muscular silhouette of the BMW
Concept X4. Its proportions present a persuasive case for the BMW Concept X4 as
the most dynamic vehicle in its segment. In hallmark BMW style, a longer
wheelbase, relatively long bonnet, short over-hangs and a set-back greenhouse
lend the car an undeniable dynamism even when standing still. The striking
interplay of surfaces creates a vibrant contrast of light and shadow that exudes
a feeling of agility and power. Prominently rising lines mould the flanks into
a wedge shape and give the car as a whole a forward-surging momentum.
The coupe-style roofline
sweeps elegantly downwards and makes the car ap-pear longer. Below, the windows
extend well to the rear, where they are bordered by a dynamic interpretation of
BMW’s signature Hofmeister kink. The stretched and shallow band of glass
creates a persuasively dynamic link between the greenhouse and vehicle body,
the slim glass surface giving the body an impressively powerful appearance. At
the same time the visual centre of gravity is lowered, underlining the sporting
mission statement summed up by the car’s flanks.
The BMW Concept X4’s contours
include a new interpretation of the familiar BMW swage line, a pair of dynamic
lines defining the eye-catching impact of the side view. A concave area under
each swage line lends the flanks an almost sculptural expression – at once
robust and dynamic. The surface volumes and definition of the contours deepen
as they extend towards the tail and imbue the rear end with added stature.
Here, the powerfully flared wheel arches team up with the concave surface below
the rear swage line to visualize the power rip-pling through the rear wheels.
The radiant exterior paint shade Long Beach Blue is a perfect match for the
elaborately structured volumes and contours, and brings particular depth to the
expressive design language.
Fitting the BMW X template,
the wheel arches of the BMW Concept X4 are large and almost square in design.
This prominent emphasis on the wheels draws further attention to the car’s
planted stance and long wheelbase, while at the same time providing a visual
showcase for the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The pared-back, matt
black protective cladding provides the final element of bodywork before the BMW
Concept X4 meets the road.
Expressive 21-inch bi-colour
light-alloy wheels round off the car’s appearance when viewed from the side.
Intricate, high-gloss polished spokes provide visual allure, while behind them
dark-coloured flame surfaces contribute an impressive feeling of depth.
Cutting-edge presence for the
rear.
The rear of the BMW Concept X4
takes the sporting, width-accentuating elements of the front-end design and
reproduces them with an emphatically horizontal flavor. The body’s lines and
the slim LED tail lights positioned at the outer edges of the rear emphasize
the muscular wheel arches and wide track. Be-low, horizontal lines split the
rear visually into sections, while light surfaces re-duce the car’s visual
height and underline its width.
The shallow rear window gives
the vehicle body an even more powerful impression and its broad shoulders a
show-stealing presence. Looking further down, the L-shaped rear lights of the
BMW Concept X4 underscore its consummate stance on the road. A full-sized inner
element in the tail lights, meanwhile, replicates the signature BMW “L” shape
in three-dimensional form and with impressive depth.
The most striking element at
the back of the car is the rear apron, which pro-vides a wide, full-length
interpretation of the front apron’s large outer air intakes. The apron’s
cut-out picks up the two exhaust tailpipes in a dynamic sweep be-fore diverting
the gaze to the wheels. Body-colour elements reaching well down towards the
road surface provide a high-quality border for the rear end and re-emphasize
the road-focused proposition of the BMW Concept X4.
The underride protection acts
as the body’s lowest edge. Matt black surfaces lower the car’s perceived height
and accentuate the robust BMW X character of the rear. As at the front of the
car, three milled elements in gleaming chrome add a sophisticated touch to the
underride protection.
Source: BMW Press
No comments:
Post a Comment
It's all about automotive conversation here at Exotics in India :)
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Be sure you check back again, because I do make
every effort to reply to your comments.