In 2014, BMW will debut a new crossover. Dubbed BMW X4, the compact Sports Activity Coupe will join the X family as a smaller sibling of the BMW X6 SAC. The X4, based on the X3 SAV and will be built in BMW Spartanburg, South Carolina’s plant along side the X3, X5 and X6.
With the BMW X6 M being successful in some markets, the initial expectations were that an X4 M model will follow suit also. But BMW representatives have constantly denied the idea of an M-built X4. “The question is what customers are we talking to?” said BMW product communications manager, Bernhard Ederer in a previous interview. “And are we talking to someone that is [currently] willing and able to afford [an X6M]?”, says Ederer.
Furthermore, the BMW spokesperson says the success of the X6 had led to the creation of the smaller X4, but the same case might not apply for the M variant. “It is a little bit selfish, as it is not always about what a number of customers would like but what for us is the best business opportunity.”
And while a full X4 M model is off the table, a latest article from The Motor Report says that BMW might be instead planning an M Performance version of the “baby-SAC”.
“There is some discussion about, not an M car, but an M Performance car. Potentially with a diesel engine, but I’m not sure that that’s actually a confirmed product as yet,” said BMW Group Australia Managing Director Phil Horton to TMR.
“But that would probably be a natural expansion of the M Performance range and I’m sure that would go with diesel rather than petrol.”
The current lineup of M Performance Automobiles includes two other SUVs, the X5 M50d and X6 M50d.
