The BMW X3 is an SUV manufactured by BMW since 2003, based on the BMW 3 Series platform. Now in its fourth generation, BMW markets the car as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's proprietary descriptor for its X-line luxury vehicles.
The BMW X4 is a compact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by BMW since 2014. The X4 is widely considered as a "coupé" version of the X3, trading its practicality with a sloping rear roof which offers a sportier styling. BMW has indicated 2025 will be the X4's final model year.
It's somewhat pecuilar that both on X4 concept and 4 series concept the front headlights have this angular and "technical" look to them while the rear lights have a flowing, more "organic" feel. Don't know what to make of it and the fusion, even if I quite like them individually, especially the front ones. Wonder if we'll get them as a full LED option on 4er and X4 or if we'll have to wait 4+ years until the facelift. That would be a shame.
That's news.
EnI
Piston Pioneer
I've noticed the same as well. The rear light graphic is very soft, organic, rounded. While the front, headlight graphic is somehow techno, angular, hard. It's a paradox. Not flowing well. Not only the headlight graphics, but also front vs rear suffers from the same issue: rounder rear, and more angular front. Not a very consistent & coherent design.
And the sheet metal in between? Usually a mix of round & angular elements.
But I guess that's the same theme that's been going on from Bangle era (eg. E60 5er, E85 Z4 etc), yet a bit more pronounced & radicalized, perhaps.
I'd like to see contrasts: round details & graphics on more angular&hard designs, and / or angular details & graphics on more round&soft designs. I'm not really a big fan of the design mix we are getting here with the latest concepts.
But it seems BMW refuse to design cars that are 100% easy on the eyes.
It's a part of "incoherency = controversy = debate = maximum publicity" mantra, I guess.
I am not hot for BMW's fastback rears for its coupe SUVs and even BMW realizes this, so they will make Sport versions of X5, X3 ala Range Rover Sport. I think it will look way better than these fastback SUVs.
Evoque vs X4, you can't say X4 is better looking. It looks weird.
Evoque vs X4, you can't say X4 is better looking. It looks weird.
klier
Premium
Head of lipstick division and vapourware?
SCOTT27
Drift Dynamo
No they were also responsible for the VISION cars aswell as the icars.
I have noticed some comments regarding the proportions of the X4 but in a design medium there is constraints when it comes down to downsizing a concept. Both the X4 and upcoming BMW 4er Gran Coupe are downsized variants of the BMW X6 and 6er Gran Coupe respectively.
If we look at the length of those cars there is design freedom to play with the outline. The longer wheelbase allows much sleeker and dramatic rooflines. The BMW X4 and BMW 4er Gran Coupe sit on a mid-sized platform which means there is constraint to the length of the car , allowing for less sleek proportions but still retaining the typical drama of a four door coupe or Sport Activity Vehicle.
It's when you get smaller and of course in around two years time we will see the next stage of the down sized luxury concept in the guise of a BMW 2er Gran Coupe and of course the BMW X2. And again because there is a smaller wheelbase there is constraints on the proportions .
It is not deliberate but for these segments they still have to challenge the limits provided such as headroom and rear passenger space.
Yet still look like a Gran Coupe or indeed a Sport Activity Coupe.
bmwownage
Kraftkurve King
About the un-coherent between the front and rear, i couldn't agree more. IMO the rear is fine though i think it's a tad too soft for a car like this, but it's pretty sporty and flowing. But the front just, i don't know, it doesn't look bad but nothing about it looks particularly good. It doesn't have the character it should have. Look at the X6, how characteristic it is, it wants to say to the world it is different, it is not a SUV(SAV) but a SAC(or a sporty cool offroader). If that render on auto motor and sport is accurate, the X4 is pretty dull, it could well be just a X3 facelift, it doesn't have that character, that wow thing the X6 has. I would say X4 is, put it in a very bad way, a cheap combination of the 3er, 4er, X3, X6. Perhaps can't avoid it for something like this, i mean there are just way too many models now, not long ago the 3er GT was unveiled and now we have this. Hopefully this is not the start of a BMW design crisis. Please BMW, i don't think we need fancy stuff, just keep doing what you are good at, lines that make sense, dynamic, and don't over do it. And god don't rely on headlight GRAPHICS to make a face, the car should look good without lights on!
Padi
Headlight Hero
Well TBF, it's easier when you just apply the same looks on every car..
Human
You. The Road. Nothing else.
Still overwhelmed, like it alot and better lookng than the already stunning X3 IMO. As with the very successful BMW F20 1 series hatch, BMW does do and know their job, that's why they have been The No.1 Selling Luxury Brand for a long time now. That is a fact and it is time that fact speak for itself again, fact is fact. The cleverness of the now it all's is getting on my nerves lately. I like the BMW way as it is and still not personally convinced about the i-Brand - factual debate for the appropriate thread off course
SCOTT27
Drift Dynamo
When you look at X4 to X3 you can see how that kin-ship and bloodline has been retained but there are noticeable differences to separate both cars. The next X6 Sport Activity Coupe will also show more in carving its own look like the X4 but still retaining that bloodline with the new X5.
We will see the X6 2nd generation prototypes very soon as will we see the X4.
We will see the X6 2nd generation prototypes very soon as will we see the X4.
-=Hot|Ice=-
High-Rev Hero
I like it. Will probably sell really well.
EnI
Piston Pioneer
Similar threads
BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, abbreviated as BMW is a German multinational
manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
The company was founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, which it produced
from 1917 to 1918 and again from 1933 to 1945.
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
