A hint of what the BMW X4 could look like in production trim? A concept version is due in 2011.
How many models is too many? While proliferation in the luxury car market has been intense in recent years, it looks like the high-line German marques are only beginning.
Both BMW and Porsche are well underway with the development of downsized crossover coupes that could hit market in the next couple years, according to media reports and company insiders – though Porsche’s new Cajun project is at least temporarily on hold.
The BMW offering has been dubbed the X4, and is sportier, coupe-bodied counterpart to the new 2011 X3 – or, if you prefer, a downsized alternative to the big BMW X6 coupe/crossover.
It will be offered with various 4- and 6-cylinder offerings, and probably a mix of gas and diesel powertrains for Europe. Gearboxes will include BMW’s new 8-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive appears likely to be the only torque delivery system on the planning books.
An X3 M version of the 4-seat coupe/crossover is also under development, according to reports in AutoWeek and several other media outlets.
Word of the X4 has been circulating for at least two years but BMW apparently has given the project the go-ahead and a concept version is expected to surface on the auto show circuit sometime in 2011.
About the same time, a concept take on the Porsche Cajun was originally expected to make its own debut. That project has been cautiously confirmed by the Stuttgart maker, but now could be in for trouble – or at least a brief delay.
Matthias Muller, the long-time Volkswagen executive who took the reigns as Porsche CEO last month, has ordered all new projects put on hold pending a formal review of the company’s business strategy. That was not entirely unexpected as the bigger German maker moves forward with its planned takeover of the small sports car company.
While updates of existing Porsche models will continue, two new offerings under development will have to justify their existence, the Cajun, a downsized version of the Cayenne, and a small sports car being referred to as the “baby Boxster.”
A decision on both models is likely by year’s end, Porsche sources say.
One question likely to need resolution is whether to bring the Cajun to market, at least initially, in 2- or 4-door form. Either way, it would share many of the mechanicals used in the Audi Q5. The Cayenne is partnered with the Q7 and VW Touareg.