Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW Deep Orange 4 unveiled

Students from Clemson University build BMW X3-based Deep Orange 4 concept that combines X4 looks with pick-up versatility

BMW Deep Orange 4 profile

This is the Deep Orange 4, a radical one-off concept from BMW’s US arm and students from Clemson University in South Carolina.

Based on the BMW X3, at first glance the design and manufacturing project appears to have been given little more than an BMW X4-style makeover, owing to the SUV’s sloping roofline. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

This is much more than an aesthetic revision though, as Deep Orange 4 is intended to target a niche market of customers who want performance, luxury and flexible storage space in one package.

Automotive engineering graduate students redesigned the bootlid to include an electrically retractable rear window and two-part sideways opening doors, as demonstrated in the video below.

It’s not the most well-oiled of prototypes, but it does provide both easy access to the boot and allows the concept to double up as a luxury pick-up.

You may well wonder just how many people are on the look out for this particular mix, but BMW specifically challenged the Clemson University team to develop a cost-efficient plan for the highly specialised Deep Orange 4.

“The ability to integrate more low-volume models without incurring capital-intensive retooling costs and efficiency losses will be key to success in the future as we strive to respond to changes in market needs faster and with more flexibility,” explained Rich Morris, BMW Manufacturing’s vice president of assembly. “The students working on this phase of the project did an excellent job of keeping costs down while finding optimal integration opportunities.”

As the name suggests, this is the fourth time Clemson University’s International Center for automotive Research has set its student the task of creating a Deep Orange concept vehicle based on an existing model from a major manufacturer. The objective is to provide an insight into all aspects of vehicle development, from design and prototyping to product planning and market research.

Although BMW hasn’t officially ruled out putting a Deep Orange 4-inspired X3 into production, it’s unlikely we’ll see anything quite like it in showrooms any time soon. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best mid-size SUVs to buy 2025 - our expert pick of the top options
July 2025 Best mid-size SUV - header image

Best mid-size SUVs to buy 2025 - our expert pick of the top options

Mid-size SUVs are hugely popular in the UK, and these are the very best of the current crop
Best cars & vans
10 Jul 2025
Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year 2025: BMW X3
Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year 2025: BMW X3

Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year 2025: BMW X3

The BMW X3 is the Auto Express 2025 Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year with the Lexus NX and Porsche Macan Electric commended
Awards
2 Jul 2025
New AC Schnitzer bodykit gives the BMW X3 an attitude injection
AC Schnitzer BMW X3 - front 3/4 static

New AC Schnitzer bodykit gives the BMW X3 an attitude injection

German tuner brings some performance-flavoured design to the X3, despite the lack of a hot M model
News
27 Jun 2025
Best SUVs to buy 2025
Best SUVs - header image

Best SUVs to buy 2025

There are plenty of great SUVs to choose from, so we’ve picked out the very best
Best cars & vans
9 Jun 2025

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025