BMW Killing Off Another Crossover, But It Won’t Be Missed

The BMW X4 isn’t long for this world, with reports from Italy confirming that the oddly-styled crossover will be killed off with no third generation in the pipeline. Motor1 Italy spoke to BMW officials at the Italian X3 launch, who confirmed that there will not be a new X4.

Why has BMW decided to do this? There’s very little space for the X4 in the automaker’s lineup. The new X2 has grown in size and is more refined and sophisticated than before. It will satisfy the needs of entry-level X4 buyers, whereas the larger X6 will continue to cater to upper-class consumers. BMW officials explained that the X2 would appeal to younger consumers and first-time BMW customers, something the $55,000 X4 couldn’t do.

No Space For The X4 In BMW’s Crowded Lineup

If you feel the X2 is too small (and the X6 is too expensive), BMW insists that the all-new X3 will fit the bill nicely. The automaker has not confirmed when the X4 will reach the end of the line, but we anticipate it will be discontinued very soon. After all, BMW plans to start delivering the new X3 to customers in Q4 2024, so the X4 will likely be given its marching orders before then.

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CarBuzz has contacted BMW USA for more information and will update the story once we receive a reply. While not confirmed, rumors suggest that BMW won’t give up on the segment entirely. An all-electric model, known as the iX4, will reportedly arrive in 2027. Whether it will retain its coupe-crossover body style remains to be seen, but offering the X4 as a battery-electric vehicle may appeal to niche customers.

The Sales Figures Tell An Interesting Story

Compared to other BMW crossovers, the X4’s sales are relatively low. In Q2 2024, BMW reported sales of just 2,300 units. That’s not much more than the larger and more expensive X6 (2,199) and far behind the X3 (18,101), X5 (18,677), X7 (7,394), and iX (3,545). The controversial XM SUV (rumored to be killed off before 2030) is the only SUV to have fared much worse, with a dismal 537 examples sold in Q2.

At the midway point of 2024, this is how BMW’s SUV sales have stacked up:

Related

BMW X4 Generations: Everything You Need To Know In One Place

The coupe-styled compact premium crossover has evolved over the years, trading practicality and rear headroom for a dash of style.

Rumors suggest the iX4 will enter production at BMW’s Debrecen plant in Hungary. If there’s any merit to these claims, we have a few years to wait, but it’s nice to see a crossover get the ax and not another sedan or sports car. While we’ll shed no tears for the X4, it’s worth noting that the X4 M was one of the most entertaining vehicles to drive in its class, with thrilling dynamics and performance.

Sources:
Motor1 Italy
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BMW