2011 BMW X4 Review and Prices

magine a junior edition of the new X6 crossover based on the redesigned X3 SUV and you have the newest all-wheel-drive Bimmer. The X4 looks good to go, even though the jury is still ou

What We Know About the 2011 BMW X4

BMW is the automotive world’s top-selling premium brand, so they’re obviously doing something right. But we’re still puzzled by reports that BMW is prepping a junior edition of its new X6 “sport activity coupe,” even though the market has yet to render a verdict on that all-wheel-drive model. The rumored X4 is not quite a done deal, as BMW is said to be awaiting initial X6 sales returns before giving final approval. But the X4 is apparently penciled-in for a late-2010 launch, soon after the introduction of a redesigned 2011 X3 premium-compact SUV.

The X6 is essentially BMW’s X5 premium-midsize SUV with a sleek, sloped-roof hatchback body instead of squarish wagon-type styling. The 2011 BMW X4 relates to the redesigned X3 in the same way, except for having two doors instead of four like its SUV parent and the X5/X6. Some sources believe the X4 will look like a scaled-down X6, but others believe it may resemble the swoopy 2000 X coupe concept, which served to introduce the major elements of current BMW styling.

As a spin-off of the next X3, the 2011 BMW X4 will share the SUV’s general footprint and underskin components, though the coupe-like styling reportedly shaves several inches from the wagon’s overall length and height, not to mention some rear-seat room and cargo space. Like X6, this smaller “sport activity coupe” is aimed at mostly urban types who prefer style over utility with their AWD, plus perhaps a little extra handling agility. And make no mistake: The X4, like other X-models, tilts heavily to on-road ability, not off-road adventuring. What else from “The Ultimate Driving Machine” company?

The U.S.-market 2011 BMW X4 will likely offer two 6-cylinder engines with efficiency-enhancing direct fuel injection and other gas-saving features. The base engine is reportedly a 2.5-liter unit, possibly a 3.0, with around 230 horsepower. An optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter should deliver at least 300 horsepower. Both powerplants will probably team with a 6-speed automatic transmission, but a new 7-speed automated-manual gearbox or an 8-speed conventional automatic could be available. BMW’s “Efficient Dynamics” technology will be standard to enhance mpg. See “Notable Feature” below for more details on that.

Typical of this brand, the 2011 BMW X4 will come with four-wheel ABS disc brakes, now with electro-hydraulic actuation as another fuel-saver versus a power-sapping, engine-driven hydraulic booster. An antiskid system and traction control should be standard, too. Ditto front, rear, and curtain side airbags, the usual premium-brand conveniences and power assists, and likely 17-inch wheels.

Expected options begin with 18- and/or 19-inch rims; BMW’s Active Steering, designed to quicken low-speed helm response; and the X6’s Dynamic Performance Control, which works with the AWD to apportion power between the rear wheels as well as fore and aft. BMW’s Active Roll Stabilization, designed to counter cornering lean, may be available. So, too, an “active” suspension with shock absorbers that automatically adjust firmness to suit the road surface. Also unconfirmed, but a strong prospect, is “smart” cruise control with automatic low-speed braking; it would be similar to setups already offered on certain Audi and Volvo models. Last and maybe least, the X4 is sure to list an optional navigation system tied to BMW’s still-controversial iDrive infotainment systems controller.

The 2011 BMW X4 would be built at BMW’s Spartanburg, S.C., facility alongside the parent X3 and the larger X5 and X6. BMW is consolidating global X-model production in the U.S. because this market accounts for most sales of these vehicles and because the weak dollar has the advantage of lower manufacturing costs compared to the Euro zone.

So, the 2011 BMW X4 looks good to go, provided the X6 proves popular enough to make a solid business case for the junior edition. We still suspect BMW may be rushing things. But given this brand’s recent sales success, it probably knows what it's doing.t on its big brother.A Notable Feature of the 2011 BMW X4

BMW has been talking up “Efficient Dynamics” since 2005, and has already applied some of these technologies to showroom models for reducing emissions and fuel consumption. Prime examples include direct fuel injection and the company’s Valvetronic variable valve-timing system that uses “by-wire” electronic controls to eliminate the conventional mechanical throttle. The 2011 BMW X4 is expected to get one or more additional elements of the "Efficient Dynamics" suite, appropriate now that gas prices are heading out of sight in the world’s richest car market. The most probable features are an engine start/stop system, like that on many gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles, and a so-called Intelligent Alternator Control that de-couples the alternator drive except when coasting and braking to eliminate that drain on engine power. There’s also talk of the X4 and redesigned X3 offering an “active” suspension that lowers the vehicle slightly at higher speeds to reduce fuel-wasting air drag. The idea has been around for at least 10 years, but it would be a new talking point for a compact vehicle.

Again with an eye to soaring gas prices, the 2011 BMW X4 might well offer a diesel engine. BMW thinks the U.S. market is ready for diesel power, and it’s already announced an “oil burner” option in its 3-Series passenger-car line. Though U.S. marketers may decide otherwise, this same 6-cylinder engine could be listed for both the X4 and X3, which are based on the 3-Series platform. The most likely candidates from the European lineup are a 3.0-liter unit with some 245 horsepower or a turbocharged version with around 300 horsepower. Both engines also offer a lot more low-end torque than their gasoline equivalents. Stay tuned.

Buying Advice for the 2011 BMW X4
The 2011 BMW X4 will be as unusual for the premium-compact class as the X6 is among premium-midsize cars. Though the market may not be clamoring now for coupe-styled crossover vehicles with all-wheel drive, BMW obviously thinks buyers will take to the idea, especially those who just have to be different from everyone else. As noted, X6 sales will tell the tale. The X4 will certainly have the advantage of no direct competition when it goes on sale, though the Audi A4 comes close with its svelte looks and Quattro AWD. And we’ve heard that Mercedes-Benz is working on a swoopy AWD version of its compact C-Class sedan as a possible 2011 or 2012 addition. One thing’s for sure: If the “sport activity coupe” concept does prove popular, other automakers won’t be long in copying it.

2011 BMW X4 Release Date: All the sources we’ve checked say the 2011 BMW X4 will bow late in calendar 2010, soon after the rollout of its redesigned X3 parent. As with the X6, the X4 will likely preview as a little-disguised “concept” at a major 2009 auto show, perhaps as early as next January in Detroit.

2011 BMW X4 First Test Drive: The above launch timing suggests the 2011 BMW X4 will first meet the press in late spring or early summer of 2010.

2011 BMW X4 Prices: Fashion usually has a price, and the X4 is almost sure to mimic the X6 in costing a good deal more than its parent SUV. With X6s running $6,600-$8,500 above equivalent X5s, and with the 2008 X3 starting at $38,000, we expect the X4 to open at $44,600--more or less. A lot will depend on how lavish BMW is with standard content and on price pressure from the continuing steep rise in global commodity costs, especially for steel.