What's the news?

The new mid-size SAC (Sports Activity Coupé) from BMW might still officially just be a concept but we don't expect this new X4 to change very much by the time it reaches production. Think of it as a smaller and better looking X6; it could prove to be a rival for the highly successful Range Rover Evoque when it eventually hits the road.

Exterior

The aggressive front end design gives the BMW X4 a purposeful look and places particular emphasis on the iconic kidney-grille design. Sitting either side of that are contoured full-LED headlights that make up a hexagonal interpretation of the familiar twin circular light design.

In side profile the X4 maintains a very coupé-like roofline, which adds to its sporty nature and sets it very clearly apart from the more conventional BMW X3 and bigger X5. The X4 appears longer than it is thanks to reduced overhangs while the sloping roofline gives the impression that it is more spacious than the 2,810mm wheelbase might suggest.

Interior

So far only exterior photos of the X4 have been released but we expect that the interior will reflect the latest BMW design language and should prove to be roomy - although, being an SAC (BMW's phrase), it could prove to be a strict four-seater.

Mechanicals

As the BMW X4 is still only at concept stage officially there's no word on engine options but we would expect the usual range of petrol and diesel units to be offered whenever the X4 officially goes on sale. Given the sportier nature of the X4 don't expect BMW to offer rear-wheel drive only versions like it does with the X1 and X3 - at least not initially.

Dynamically BMW has learned quite a bit in recent years when it comes to making its X-drive vehicles handle. Having released M versions of the bigger X5 and X6 we'd expect the X4 to follow suit.

Anything else?

The BMW X4 may leave many people asking 'Why?' but there's no denying that BMW has made a clever move by unveiling this model to the market now. Other brands may have been the first to dip their toes into this niche but BMW has seen how demand has risen for this type of vehicle and has reacted with what looks to be the prettiest of all their X-drive vehicles to date. In a similar vein to how the new 3 Series Gran Turismo improved on the 5 Series GT in the looks department, the X4 has a less awkward stance than the X6 did, proving once again that smaller can be better.

BMW will display the Concept X4 at Auto Shanghai this month.

Dave Humphreys - 5 Apr 2013