The 2011 BMW X4 may resemble BMW's X coupe concept, which is shown here. See pictures of the 2010 BMW X6.

Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2011 BMW X4

Imagine a junior edition of the new X6 crossover based on the redesigned X3SUV and you have the newest all-wheel-drive Bimmer. The X4 looks good to go, even though the jury is still out on its big brother.

What We Know About the 2011 BMW X4

BMW is the automotive world's top-selling premium brand, so they're obviously doing something right. But we're still puzzled by reports that BMW is prepping a junior edition of its new X6 "sport activity coupe," even though the market has yet to render a verdict on that all-wheel-drive model. The rumored X4 is not quite a done deal, as BMW is said to be awaiting initial X6 sales returns before giving final approval. But the X4 is apparently penciled-in for a late-2010 launch, soon after the introduction of a redesigned 2011 X3 premium-compact SUV.

The X6 is essentially BMW's X5 premium-midsize SUV with a sleek, sloped-roof hatchback body instead of squarish wagon-type styling. The 2011 BMW X4 relates to the redesigned X3 in the same way, except for having two doors instead of four like its SUV parent and the X5/X6. Some sources believe the X4 will look like a scaled-down X6, but others believe it may resemble the swoopy 2000 X coupe concept, which served to introduce the major elements of current BMW styling.

As a spin-off of the next X3, the 2011 BMW X4 will share the SUV's general footprint and underskin components, though the coupe-like styling reportedly shaves several inches from the wagon's overall length and height, not to mention some rear-seat room and cargo space. Like X6, this smaller "sport activity coupe" is aimed at mostly urban types who prefer style over utility with their AWD, plus perhaps a little extra handling agility. And make no mistake: The X4, like other X-models, tilts heavily to on-road ability, not off-road adventuring. What else from "The Ultimate Driving Machine" company?

For more inside information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out:

• C­onsumer Guide New Car Reviews and Prices: Road test results, photos, specifications, and prices for hundreds of new cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs from the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide.
• BMW: Read Consumer Guide's full reports, including ratings, prices, specifications, and fuel economy.
• Premium Compact Cars: The 2011 BMW X4 will compete in the premium compact car class. Here's Consumer Guide's roundup of all the premium compact cars on sale today.
• 2008 Consumer Guide Best Buy and Recommended Award Winners: Check out which cars won our Best Buy and Recommended awards for 2008.
• Future Cars: Step into the automotive showroom of tomorrow with reviews, analysis, pictures, prices, and preliminary specifications on scores of vehicles that will be appearing next year and beyond.