Rumors on the BMW X4, X3 35iS, and X3M

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Rumors from a BMW insider says that the BMW X4 is on the design phase already. Because of the huge sales of the BMW X Series fleet, a smaller vehicle than the X6 would surely have its place. It will be based on the design cues of the X6 but the all other aspects like the underpinning, interior, engine, technology and manufacturing will all be based on the X3. Here is the report from BMW insider Scott26:

When X5 was introduced in 1999, we [BMW] went straight to the top of the segment bBy offering a car-like Sport Activity Vehicle. Customers appreciated that its core BMW attributes were enhanced and kept intact by the introduction of the X5.

When we [BMW] introduced X3 in 2003, we [BMW] created a new segment for a premium medium class Sport Activity Vehicle. A car that sits below 700,000 units sold since introduction and about to be replaced by the second generation X3.

In 2006, we introduced the second generation of X5 and inherited the E53 X5’s crown at the top of the segment. In late 2007, we introduced a new Concept to the Sport Activity field , an SAV with the appearance of a Coupe and the worlds first Sport Activity Coupe: The BMW X6.

At the the introduction of the X6, the original forecast of X6 sales was 40,000 units. Today, X6 sales have doubled that target, thanks to its blend of looks, performance and dynamics. X6 sales continue with sheer growth in each quarter with other key markets proving more popular than existing target markets.

The success of the X6 led to the creation of the X6M, mainly intended for developing premium markets. Both X5M and X6M have proved to be profitable for BMW’s M Division.

The introduction of the X1 falls in line with BMW’s current small, compact and D segment strategy. This is the first model to develop the 1er product portfolio further. The quest for an entry level Sport Activity Vehicle that enhanced the youthfulness of the 1 series in the solidity of a typical X vehicle began with another new segment for the premium market.

As X1 has brought customers from existing BMW products , X1 also has a higher amount of customers leaving other brands for this small premium SAV.  X1 has also reached its target demographic and appealed to a younger customer base. Since its November introduction to the market, BMW X1 has sold over 40,000 units , highly significant for a volume model ahead of a US introduction in the near future.

The second generation of X3 takes and progresses everything customers love about the E83 and reverse engineered everything they didn’t.  New X3 brings a new fresher looking, but taut exterior with a constantly improved and upgraded interior. Driving Dynamics improved to offer a more sporting drive and current technology signifies the X3 as a car of this era in fact then underpinnings are the first showing of the upcoming BMW 3er (F30).

And for the future?

BMW are keen to capitalize on the success of the X6 by offering a “downsized” version of the X6 Sport Activity Coupe Concept with an X4. Designed in a similar concept to the X6, BMW can make the X4 cost effectively by sharing underpinnings, interiors, engines, technology and manufacturing with the BMW X3.

With the X3 about to be launched, BMW will hold an establishment period of two years to determine if the second generation is a run-away success. And if so, they are in the process of evaluating an X3 35iS using the same engine from the relevant Z435iS and US only 335iS.

An X3M using the powerplant from the upcoming 1M is on the table also. No decision will be made until the car is deemed to have had a successful market integration and customer demand is evident.”

Source: BMW Blog