Like the bigger X6, the BMW Concept X4 aims to blend the genes of a sport-ute and a sport coupe.

The coming of the new BMW 4-Series Convertible created most of the pre-show buzz around the German maker’s appearance at the annual Los Angeles Auto Show. But BMW also has two other significant models, the Concept X4 and 5-Series Gran Turismo, making their North American debuts in L.A.

The BMW Concept X4 is meant to offer a preview of the future of the German maker’s X family, BMW designers looking to find a genetic balance, if you will, between a sport-ute and a coupe.  The show car gives a good hint as to what will come when the production X4 launches down the line at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina next year.

In addition to its long hood, short overhangs, swept roof and cab-rearward layout, the overall appearance of the Concept X4 is intended to capture the sportiness of a traditional BMW coupe, with familiar styling cues such as the split kidney grille and stylized twin circular headlights.

That’s not to say that the coupe-like crossover is just a design retread.

BMW goes for a coupe-like look with the 2014 5-Series Gran Turismo.

BMW designers suggest they have given the Concept X4 a new interpretation of the maker’s familiar lines to give the flanks of the show car a more sculpted appearance, flared wheel arches adding a sense, says BMW, of “power rippling through the rear wheels.”

As for the 2014 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, the maker is giving the four-door model a dramatic, coupe-like flair.

The new model receives a modified front that BMW describes as “exuding presence and solidity.” Its redesigned rear end creates a longer and lower visual impression.  Xenon Adaptive headlights are fitted as standard on all 5-Series models, while Adaptive LED Headlights join the options list for 2014. Elsewhere, the side indicator lights are now integrated into the exterior mirrors. Also new in the BMW 5 Series are the Luxury Line and Modern Line, in addition to the popular M Sport package, each containing select design and equipment features.

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BMW is expanding the engine range in the growing 5-Series family. The BMW 535 diesel has been added as the latest diesel variant in North America. Its inline-6 Advanced diesel with TwinPower Turbo technology makes 255 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque.  Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line 5-Series V-8 gets a bump up to a neck-snapping 445-hp and 480 lb-ft of torque.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo also comes with standard air suspension, including automatic self-leveling rear suspension. The Driving Dynamics Control switch on the center console is standard on all models as are the Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering systems.

The suite of fuel-saving technologies onboard the 5-Series Gran Turismo now includes Brake Energy Regeneration and a Start-Stop system.

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