BMW X4M Being Developed as 'M3 on Stilts'
When Porsche finally releases its Macan model, packing a 370-hp V6 powerplant, it might not be the only compact performance SUV on the market. BMW is looking to compete head-to-head with its German automaker competitor with its own X4M model that could hit the market as soon as 2015.
Given how successful the X6M model has been – surprisingly to everyone in the world – the idea of a compact, performance SUV is garnering plenty of attention from automakers. BMW wants to match Porsche out of the gate in this new niche market by developing what will essentially be a ‘baby X6M’ model, featuring the same six-cylinder powerplant that will be found in the next-generation M3 model.
Internally, the project is being called ‘an M3 on stilts’, and the performance compact SUV will also incorporate BMW M’s Electro-mechanical steering technology, a revised M-DCT transmission, and will be packed with all of the automaker’s EfficientDynamics tech including engine stop-start, brake energy regeneration, and on-demand operation of engine ancillaries.
According to a BMW insider, the X4M will be about 1.6-inch shorter than the X6M model, with an appearance derived from the current X3 model. Of course, being an M-model means that the X4M will sport wider front and rear fenders and have an overall more aggressive appearance than its X4 counterpart.
To go along with the X4M model, BMW is also exploring the idea of offering M Performance brand variants of the X4.
[Source: XBimmers]
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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