BMW X4

Text: Dan Strong / Photos: Stefan Baldauf

15th August 2007

It’s a case of X marks the spot for BMW’s future family car line-up, Auto Express can reveal.

Following hot on the heels of the upmarket X3 is a new off-road coupé, likely to be called the X4. Inspired by the forthcoming X6, the 3-Series-based four-wheel-drive model is revealed by this mule, spied testing on the roads around BMW’s German headquarters in Munich. With seating for four and a swooping body, the X4 will blend mud-plugging ability with fine on-road handling.

The sudden appearance of this car comes as a surprise, as the machine looks very different to the publicly acknowledged V3 compact MPV project, which was expected to be the next major addition to the 3-Series line-up. This mule appears to suggest that model has been dropped completely or significantly revised for greater off-road credibility.

The X4 will be offered with a wide choice of engines from the 3-Series range. Entry-level variants will feature a frugal yet powerful 2.0-litre diesel, which will be equipped with Efficient Dynamics, the manufacturer’s latest stop/start fuel-saving technology.

There will also be a range of six-cylinder units delivering up to 300bhp. But sources at BMW haven’t ruled out the possibility of an M-badged V8 version – which would be the first such car of its type.

Set to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show next year, the X4 should hit dealers in the UK in 2009.

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.