BMW prepares X4 crossover for 2014 debut

BMW, taking into the consideration the rise of crossovers demand in Europe and the United States, expands its brand new 4-series lineup with the X4 vehicle that will go on sale in a year.

BMW presented images of the X4 crossover last Thursday and will show the car at the Shanghai auto show this month.

The X4 will be added to 4-series coupe that goes on sale this year and the 4-series convertible that is planned for sale in 2014. All three cars are constructed to attract young customers, who are looking for more fashionable models and they are also ready to pay a little bit more.

BMW's X-badged vehicles (X1, X3, X5 and X6) summed for 26 % of the autobrand's sales in Europe during two months this year while approximately four in 10 BMW sales in U.S. this year amid March were X vehicles, up from 3 in 10 in all of 2012.

Moreover, 2012 European sales of high class SUVs rose 24 % up to 407,512 compared 2011, according to JATO Dynamics. To illustrate the difference, total European car sales fell 8 % previous year.

The X4 will be based on the more utilitarian X3 model. The 4-series coupe and convertible are constructed on the base of 3-series sedan but are elegant and will be cost more.

All-wheel drive will be accessible on the X4 but nobody knows for sure whether it will be regular.