BMW X4 Concept

The styling of the X4 is the work of BMW head designer Karim Habib and his team, who lifted the template from the X6 and applied the same recipe on the more compact platform of the X3, with the front and rear ends of the crossover drawing inspiration from the latest 3-Series F30 and the upcoming 4-series Coupe.

Like many other concept models from BMW, this one too is well over 90 percent ready for production, as only minor details will change, such as the door mirrors, the trims of the bumpers, and the use of smaller wheels (the study rides on 21-inch rims).

With a body length of 4,648mm (183-inches), a width of 1,915mm (75.4 inches) and a height of 1,622mm (63.9 inches), is very close in dimensions to the X3, with which it shares the same wheelbase length of 2,810mm (110.6-inches).

BMW doesn't show the interior nor does it mention anything about the X4's powertrain lineup, but it's almost guaranteed that both will be sourced from the X3 (the cabin likely with some subtle trim differences).

That said, if you take a look at the more powerful diesel and gasoline engine options available for the X3 in your region then you will have a very good idea of what the X4 will be offered with next year. These will include the 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four for the X4 28i, and the 300-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six for the X4 35i in North America.

BMW has confirmed that the X4 will be built alongside the X3, X5 and X6 at its Spartanburg plant in the USA.

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2014 BMW 4-Series Coupe Concept

The brand with the roundel logo says it ditched the 3-Series Coupe moniker in favor of the “4” because it wants to differentiate it from its compact saloon and at the same time, underline the new model’s stature in its line-up that will use even numbers for coupes (or four-door sports saloons in the case of the Gran Coupes).

The new 4-series measures 4,641 mm long, 1,826 mm wide and 1,362 mm tall, which means it’s longer (by 29 mm /1.1 inches), broader (by 44 mm /1.7 inches) and lower (by 16 mm / 0.6 inches) than the current 3-Series Coupe.

Compared to the model it will replace, it also boasts a 50 mm (2-inch) longer wheelbase that stands at 2,850 mm. Moreover, its 1,545 mm front and 1,593 mm rear tracks are 45 and 80 mm (1.8 and 3.1 inches) wider respectively.

The new coupe stays loyal to familiar BMW motifs like the long bonnet, setback cabin, minimal overhangs and long wheelbase. The front end is obviously similar to the F30 3-Series’ novel interpretation of the company’s hallmark kidney grille and twin circular headlights, with the main change being the large air intakes on the front bumper.

In its profile, the 4-Series retains the 3-Series “double swage line” (in BMW-talk), while the so-called "Air Breather", an aerodynamic aperture behind the front wheels, reduces drag around the wheels – which, in the case of the concept, are 20-inch multi-spoke alloys.

At the rear, the L-shaped taillights (another time-honored BMW tradition) resemble that of the 6-Series Gran Coupe and are set to the outer edges of the bodywork, while the rear arches are the widest point of the whole car, further emphasizing its wide and aggressive stance.

The design of the rear bumper is quite striking, mimicking the three-way split of the front bumper and incorporating the exhaust pipes in each of its outer edges – though it remains to be seen whether this will make it into the production car.

The interior is also production-ready, with the driver-centric dashboard being borrowed straight from the 3-Series Sedan and Touring models. Of course, the doors are longer than the saloon’s and their trim panels converge, according to BMW, via the B-pillar into the rear connecting the two passenger compartments.

BMW doesn’t mention powertrains, but when the production model is launched, probably at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show (unless they surprise us earlier, that is…) it will be powered by the company’s new generation TwinPower units, with the range-topping M4 switching from a naturally aspirated V8 to a turbocharged in-line six.

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BMW Active Tourer Concept

The Active Tourer Concept as well as the production vehicle it will spawn next year are based on the BMW Group's UKL1 platform that will be available in two lengths.

The tall-five door hatchback has an exterior length of 4,350mm (171.2-inches), a width of 1,834mm (72.2-inches) and a total height of 1,560mm (61.4-inches), while it rides on a relatively long wheelbase of 2,670mm (105.2-inches).

For reference, the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class measures 4,359mm long, 1,786mm wide and 1,557mm tall.

According to BMW, the study is geared towards "customers of the premium segment who appreciate a high level of comfort, a raised seating position and a generous amount of space," adding that it will also be attractive to families "who attach importance to functionality and versatility as well as lifestyle and athletic flair."

The design of the Concept Active Tourer is in line with BMW's newest creations, namely the 1-Series, 3-Series and 5-Series models.

While the exterior won't change much (think of less fancy trim and 16- instead of 20-inch wheels), the design of the five-seat interior will evidently be toned down several notches when the car enters production within the next year.

Some notable features include the large panoramic glass roof, the versatile luggage compartment thanks to the variable rear backrests, which can be split 40/20/40, and a clip-on track system that allows folding tables to be easily added to the back of the front seats.

Under the hood, the concept sports a plug-in hybrid drivetrain comprising BMW's newly released 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels, and a synchronous electric motor that acts on the rear axle, and which if necessary, can power the car on its own.

BMW says the total system output is in excess of 188hp (190PS), which is good enough for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of under eight seconds and a top speed of around 200km/h (124mph).

It returns an average fuel consumption of less than 2.5lt/100km (94mpg US or 112.9mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of less than 60g/km. Keep in mind the aforementioned consumption figure is with the use of the battery that can power the car by itself for more than 30 kilometers (19 miles).

It remains to be seen if the production 1-Series GT will be offered with hybrid / plug-in hybrid drivetrains, but it is certain that BMW's new 1.5-liter turbochaharged petrol and diesel engines will be on the list.

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