BMW launches the SUV X4 coupe (segment D)
- BMW launches a coupe version of its X3 SUV (segment D), called the X4. This new four-door coupe SUV is manufactured in the United States like the X3, X5 and X6. It completes the Bavarian manufacturer's range that is already fairly well developed (X1, X3, X5, X6) and answers a global demand for SUVs, a segment that is still growing strongly. Its engines will be identical to those of the BMW X3.
- The United States has played a pioneering role in this field, since the SUV segment developed very early in this country (in the 80s) and now represent a third of the market. Other countries followed the trend much later. The increase in the SUV market in Europe dates back to 2000 and they now represent 15% of the market. In other global markets, the development of SUV sales is currently on the rise in (more than 15% in China).
- Premium manufacturers have quickly launched themselves on the SUV market, and now BMW, Audi and Mercedes together account for more than one million SUVs sold worldwide (2013 figures).
- For BMW, the next step in the SUV segment will be the renewal of the X1 (segment C) at the end of 2015, followed by the coupe version called X2 by the beginning of 2016. The BMW SUV Range will thus be complete with the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.
