BMW looks ahead with X4 and 3 Series Gran Turismo

Dr Ian Robertson introduces the BMW Concept X4. [Shanghai Daily]

BMW'S Concept X4 made its world debut at Auto Shanghai 2013 yesterday, as the luxury carmaker looks to continue its stunning success in the Chinese market.

The German car manufacturer has brought a full range of models to the show, including the all-new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, which should be available to China's BMW enthusiasts by the middle of the year.

The company, which posted a 40 percent growth in China last year, sees more normalizing growth figures in the years ahead, said Ian Robertson, a member of the board of management, for sales and marketing.

"I think this year the market will mature somewhat," he said in an interview yesterday at Auto Shanghai 2013.

Still, a "strong single-digit or a low two-digit" growth in China, underpinned by the country's growing middle class, as well as strong performance in the US, will continue to help the German company post another record year, despite headwinds in Europe, Robertson said.

He said new models, new concepts and new segments with a focus on engineering and design, are vital in sustaining the company's continued success worldwide.

China is now the largest market for the BMW brand. The world debut of the BMW Concept X4 at Auto Shanghai 2013 - where BMW is renting its largest space for an industry fair in the company's history in China - typifies the company's commitment to innovation.

Just like its big brother - the BMW X6 - the Concept X4 represents the first Sports Activity Coupe in its class.

"With its low profile and dramatic roofline, you can see it has the DNA of a BMW coupe," Robertson said. "But the wide stance and muscular build leave no doubt that it's a BMW X vehicle."

The company in 1999 ushered in the Sports Activity Vehicle segment with its BMW X5 - the first in the BMW X family.

In 2008, the development entered a new dimension when the X6 - the first Sports Activity Coupe - was unveiled, which for the first time combined the robust aesthetics of a BMW X vehicle with the emotionality and sporting character of a BMW Coupe.

Today, one out of four BMWs sold out worldwide is a BMW X model.

"The new Concept X4 shows, yet again, that BMW is always looking ahead, offering our customers the most emotional, innovative and desirable vehicles available," he said.

"This pioneering spirit is also captured in the entire BMW X Family of vehicles, which continue to set the benchmark." Robertson added.

Also on show in Shanghai is the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, a model the company plans to bring to the Chinese market in mid-June after the popular BMW 5 Series GT.

The all-new 3 Series Gran Turismo, featuring typical BMW proportions - four doors with frameless windows, a coupe-style, gently downward-sloping roofline and a large automatic tailgate - is both an elegant business carriage and a dynamic, comfortable tourer, the company says.

It's a bit longer and taller than the current BMW 3 Series but the clever use of proportions, surfaces and lines ensure that it's immediately recognizable as a member of the new 3 Series range.

It also has an active rear spoiler - the first of its type on a BMW - which provides visual lightness and reduces lift at touring speeds.

BMW is starting to take preorders for the all-new 3 Series Gran Turismo during the Shanghai auto show. Price starts at 450,000 yuan (US$72,790).

"Looking ahead, we aim to continue our growth in China. To stay on the right track towards achieving this goal, the BMW Group remains focused on creating revolutionary, aesthetic, and sustainable vehicles." Said Mr. Engel, the newly onboard President and CEO of BMW Group Region China.

The company delivered a record total of 86,070 vehicles in China's mainland in the first quarter, up 7.6 percent from a year earlier.

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