The X6 is getting a baby brother! Auto Express has learned that BMW is planning a head-turning smaller version of its coupé-styled SUV – and the newcomer could carry the X4 badge.

Following the success of the X6, which has exceeded sales expectations, BMW has identified that there’s room for a baby brother based on
the recently revealed X3. Codenamed X-Style by BMW insiders, the car would get a very similar appearance to the X6 with a rakish coupé-like roofline and a muscular body.

But there’s a twist to the story. Whereas the X6 gets a conventional tailgate, to make the newcomer stand out even more it is likely to benefit from a twin-hatch system, just like the 5-Series Gran Turismo. It will give the X4 an extra level of flexibility, allowing owners to open the entire tailgate or just the saloon-style boot.

Inside, there will be a four-seater layout with two individual rear seats, emphasising the X4’s more luxurious positioning within the X range. Under the skin, it would share engines and gearboxes with the X3, so expect a super-efficient 181bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel for the xDrive20d, capable of 0-60mph in around eight seconds, yet returning 50mpg and emitting just 150g/km of CO2. However, there will also be a range-topping xDrive35i petrol variant featuring a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine with around 300bhp. That would give it enough punch to do 0-60mph in around five seconds and a top speed in excess of 150mph.

The X4 has been on the drawing board for a while now, but the project was put on ice as a result of the financial crisis. It is now expected to make an appearance in concept form at a major motor show next year. If the public reception is positive, BMW will put the car into production and sales could start in 2012.

That’s not it for new BMW models, though. The firm is also planning to grow its sales with a refreshed 3-Series – also due in 2012 – and a front-wheel-drive version of the 1-Series to compete with Audi’s A1 supermini. The MegaCity electric car range is also imminent. The company will launch its new 6-Series coupé later this year, too.

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