Mini X6: BMW X4 Concept Previews Future Production SAC

Mini X6: BMW X4 Concept Previews Future Production SAC The BMW X4 concept previews the automaker’s fifth addition to its X lineup, and is its second Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). Since the X4’s name has an even number, the crossover fits with other BMWs with coupe-like appeal, from the upcoming 4 Series line to the X6. The X4 that eventually makes its way into dealerships around the world will turn heads and please those who find the X5 too big and the X3 too popular.

Mini X6: BMW X4 Concept Previews Future Production SAC

Mini X6: BMW X4 Concept Previews Future Production SAC

 Mini X6: BMW X4 Concept Previews Future Production SAC

Mini X6: BMW X4 Concept Previews Future Production SAC

Mini X6 BMW X4 Concept Previews Future Production SAC1

Mini X6 BMW X4 Concept Previews Future Production SAC1

Mini X6 BMW X4 Concept Previews Future Production SAC1

Mini X6 BMW X4 Concept Previews Future Production SAC1

Mini X6 BMW X4 Concept Previews Future Production SAC1

Mini X6: BMW X4 Concept Previews Future Production SAC

BMW Concept X4 side 300x187 imageBMW says the X4 concept combines features from a traditional two-door and crossovers like the X1, X3, and X5. The first SAC, of course, is the X6, which BMW first introduced back in 2008. Sales of the X6 number 1264 units during the first quarter of 2013, up compared to the same period last year but below every other BMW model except the Z4.

The production-spec X4 will be produced at BMW’s U.S. plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina alongside the X3, X5, and X6 and should reach showrooms sometime next year. The concept’s overall length and wheelbase of 183 and 110.6 inches just about match the X3’s dimensions, but the X4 concept is 1.3 inches wider, at 75.4 inches. BMW didn’t provide any details on the X4’s interior, but it may arrive as a four-passenger hauler, with an optional fifth seat.

The BMW X4 that follows this X4 concept will cast a similar shadow as its bigger sibling, with a roofline that dramatically drops at the rear. The X4 concept, however, looks sharper than the X6 thanks especially from the side, which features two character lines with deep creases. All the trademark BMW design cues are found on the concept, including the twin-kidney front grille, quad-headlight design, the Hofmeister kink, and trapezoidal taillights. The concept is fitted with large 21-inch rims, but the BMW Concept X4 rear 300x187 imageproduction version will likely feature a smaller set. We also expect BMW to tone down the rear diffuser and the gaping front air scoops.

The base-model X4 should get the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 making around 240 hp and 260 lb-ft. The 300-hp 3.0-liter turbo I-6 should also be on the table, and we wouldn’t count out a diesel powertrain following the recent announcement of the 328d oil-burner coming to the U.S. With the X3’s starting price of $39,745, we predict the X4’s MSRP to come in around $46,000. For now, the X4 SAC will stand alone in its niche, but we expect Mercedes-Benz and Audi to join the coupe-like SUV party soon.

Source: BMW

2014 Toyota Highlander Refreshing or Revolting

Refreshing or Revolting 2014 Toyota Highlander Your eyes are not deceiving you – the refreshed 2014 Toyota Highlander is larger than its predecessor. As previously reported, the overall length of the new Highlander has increased from 188.4 to 191.1 inches and its overall width jumps from 75.2 to 75.8 inches. Perhaps more significant is that Toyota has widened the 3rd row by 4.3 inches, which allows room for three people and boosts the Highlander passenger capacity from 7 to 8.

 2014 Toyota Highlander Refreshing or Revolting

2014 Toyota Highlander Refreshing or Revolting

 2014 Toyota Highlander Refreshing or Revolting

2014 Toyota Highlander Refreshing or Revolting

2014 Toyota Highlander Refreshing or Revolting

2014-toyota-highlander-grille

2014-toyota-highlander-iphone-storage

2014-toyota-highlander-rear-view2

2014-Toyota-Highlander-dash-view2

2014-toyota-highlander-side-view-22

Toyota-Highlander-gear-shift-knob

Toyota-Highlander-rear

Toyota-Highlander-interior

2014-Toyota-Highlander-rear

2014-toyota-highlander-grille

 2014 Toyota Highlander Refreshing or Revolting

2014 toyota highlander side view 22 300x187 imageAdditionally, the 2014 Highlander has a new look, both inside and out. The front fascia is much bolder and more aggressive, thanks to its taller grille and larger headlights that extend well into the front fender. The side profile also showcases a few notable changes from the black plastic cladding that frames the wheel wells and the upward kinks featured on the front and rear-three quarter window trim. Character line creases are more pronounced, including the one below the beltline and right above the rocker panel. Finally, new wheel designs wrap up the changes on the side.

The refreshed Highlander has taillights that extend horizontally into the tailgate. The taillight design is fairly simple, with a red bar stacked on top of a clear bar. The lower edge of the rear glass window is more V-shaped, while the “Highlander” badge moves from the trim piece above the license frame to the lower edge of the tailgate. In its place is a larger Toyota badge.

Interior updates are fairly substantial as well. Like other recent Toyota and Lexus models, the dashboard and center stack have a more horizontal layout. For the 2014 Highlander, the center stack starts with an LCD on top, followed by a touch screen infotainment system below it. Directly underneath the climate control switchgear is a storage shelf, which continues to the 2014 Toyota Highlander dash view2 300x187 imagepassenger side air vent. The Limited model featured in press photos showcases metallic and wood-like accents. Those sitting in the driver’s seat will notice a new three-spoke steering wheel and an instrument panel with a larger LCD information screen flanked by round and simple gauges.  The layout for the center tunnel is largely the same, though the new gear shifter is chunkier and appears more substantial.

Do you think Toyota did a good job updating the larger 2014 Highlander? Sound off below.

Last week we featured the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, which karyun41 described as “sleek and aerodynamic, just like its sexy older brother which is the CLS. The interior also looks very nice.” Optima13000, however, said it “looks a little goofy, but compared to the dated C-Class this is much better.”

Source: Toyota