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In-Box Review
143
BMW X4
BMW X4, mineral white metallic
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by: Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]

Introduction
Herpa offers this 1/43 metal model of the BMW X4 as part of their Private Collection series. First announced in Cars & Trucks News 09-10 2015 this model features opening compartments.
    New type! After the X6 success the Bavarian car manufacturers now also developed the little brother. Herpa realized it in the 1/43 scale with details like articulated hatchback and engine hood.

This BMW X4 is one of 385 BMWs in Herpa's catalogue, including two X4s and 355 models in the Private Collection series.

The model
Herpa makes their 1/43 (O scale) cars of cast metal and plastic and rubber parts. The model is secured with screws to a black base and held inside a hard plastic display case, which is contained in a Herpa carton.

This X4 is cleanly cast or molded with crisp panel lines. Rubber-plastic composite tires surround detailed rims to support the car. Separately attached side mirrors are factory applied.

Clear plastic 'windows' show off the interior without any distortion. Herpa uses clear and tinted lenses for the headlamps and brake lights.

Walk-around
Herpa added a couple of new features to this model. The hood and rear hatch both open to display interiors. The X4 is built with three engines - a 4-cylinder and two 6-cylinder - with outputs of 240 to 355 horses. Under the opening model hood is a representation of one of the TwinPower Turbos.

Open the rear hatch and look inside the baggage compartment.

Beyond that compartment is the pasenger compartment. It is highly detailed with molded seats, detailed dashboard and a center console with raised and recessed items, and a rear view mirror on the windshield interior.

Outside are side mirrors with reflective surfaces.

The grille has deep louvers. The tires have good tread detail. Overall a well detailed and cast/molded collector model.

Paint and Markings
Herpa does not use decals and that makes the crisp BMW emblems and model logos all the more impressive. Chrome appears to be both painted on and applied via plating. Where painted, here and there it looks like the painter's hand became a wee bit shaky.

In normal light and using The 3-Foot Rule of modeling this model looks great. Yet some of the closeup photos show a very slight texture in the paint. This model is painted mineralweiß metallic / mineral white metallic.

Conclusion
Herpa's 1/43 Private Collection BMW X4 is an impressive model. It is the first one I have seen with an opening hood and hatch, which is not surprising considering Herpa likes to add functioning components to increase the authenticity of their models.

Inside and out the level of detail is exceptional. Inside are molded seats, a detailed dashboard and a center console with raised and recessed items, plus a rear view mirror on the windshield interior. Outside are side mirrors with reflective surfaces. The grille has deep louvers. The tires have good tread detail. As good as the paint is, magnification shows very slight texture in the paint.

Herpa's BMX X4 is an impressive collector model that will also look great on display shelves or in diorama. Recommended.

Please remember to tell Herpa and retailers that you saw this model here - on Auto Modeler.
SUMMARY
Highs: Crisp BMW emblems and model logos, chrome appears to be both painted on and applied via plating. Opening hood and hatch, highly detailed interior.
Lows: Magnification shows very slight texture in the paint.
Verdict: Herpa's BMX X4 is an impressive collector model that will also look great on display shelves or in diorama.
  Scale: 1:43
  Mfg. ID: 070911
  Suggested Retail: 39,50 EUR
  Related Link: Cars & Trucks 2015 / 09-10
  PUBLISHED: Feb 22, 2016
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.04%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.46%

Our Thanks to Herpa!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR)
FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES

I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art. My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling! My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...

Copyright ©2021 text by Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of ModelGeek. All rights reserved.



   


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