OFFICIAL: BMW WILL BUILD X4 SUV IN AMERICA

BMW is investing about US$900 million (nearly R7.3 billion) in its Spartanburg factory in South Carolina, United States, over the next three years. Around 300 jobs will consequently be created by the end of this year. Great news for the region. Better news for consumers and fans of the brand is the X4 compact sporty SUV is finally coming to life.

BMW’s Production Director Frank-Peter Arndt said the X4 is definitely on the cards and will be produced at this particular plant, alongside other models such as the X3 and X5. Incidentally the car will be positioned between these two, and since it has an even number in its moniker, it would be a coupe. An SUV coupe, like the X6, but measuring about 4.7 metres long (just 70cm longer than a MINI Countryman) and with smaller “boot” space than an X3.

The engine lineup could include the 3.0-litre turbo engines in both petrol and diesel, making 225kW and 190kW respectively. A possible high-performance X4 M could reach over the 300kW threshold using a six-cylinder twin turbo engine of some sort. Drive will go through the brand’s xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system using an 8-speed automatic gearbox.