The production version of the 4 Series Coupe Concept is expected in showrooms by the end of 2013, with a 4 Series convertible and more practical four-door Gran Coupé following. From the looks of the car displayed at the Detroit Auto Show, this "concept" is ready for the road.
“In the past, the resemblance and the DNA between the 3 Series sedan and coupe were obvious; this time we want to take a much larger step,” Ian Robertson, BMW's sales and marketing director, told AutoExpress. “It’s more than a 3 Series sedan—it has more presence, and it’s more dynamic. It’s time to change to the 4 Series.”
Setting the 4 Series apart from the more sensible 3 Series sedan is a sportier profile featuring a low-slung rear end. The car looks far more dynamic than the current 3 Series coupe, with a track that’s 45 mm wider at the front and 80 mm at the rear. The roofline is 16 mm lower, too.
The Hofmeister Kink in the rear window is a theme repeated in details all around the new car, such as the air vents behind the front wheels—BMW calls them Air Breathers—the door handles, and the LED signature in the lights.
Apparently, the styling updates aren’t just for show. A gaping lower front bumper with air curtains at its edges works with the air breathers to improve air flow round the wheels, which, in turn, enhances aerodynamics.
BMW has also closed off the new satin-silver grille to help the 4 Series cut through the air more easily. At the rear, the shape of the lower grille is mirrored in the bumper, but early spy shots thought to show the production 4 Series indicate that this feature could be ditched.
Inside, the concept car has the same dash layout as the 3 Series sedan—but what really stands out is how the materials are used. The seats are covered in hand-braided leather, which even extends to the cup-holders in the center console and door panels.
Matte-effect Natural Chestnut wood trim helps to provide the interior with more of a unique, premium feel than the 3 Series. While some of the more opulent touches won’t make it through to production, we can be sure that the two-plus-two seating arrangement will appear in the final showroom 4 Series.
BMW hasn’t confirmed any details on the engine lineup, but as the new car is the more performance-orientated brother of the 3 Series, only the most powerful engines from the sedan's line-up are likely. So expect the range to kick off with a 181-horsepower 420i model, while the 242-horsepower 428i and the 302-horsepower 435i will complete the 4 Series gas-powred lineup. Diesel options—for other markets, at least initially—will comprise the 181-horsepower 420d, the 254-horsepower 430d, and a new 309-horsepower 435d. As with the 3 Series, buyers can expect a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic boxes.
A four-wheel-drive version of the 420i will also be offered, and at the top of the range will be an M4 coupe and convertible, to sit alongside the soon-to-be-launched M3 four-door. All three cars will use the same engine, which is reported to be a three-liter twin-turbo inline six with around 450 horsepower.
Every engine in the 4 Series range—including that in the M4—will focus on increasing efficiency. As the new car is expected to be lighter than the 3 Series, and it has a more aerodynamic shape, it could improve on that model’s economy. This means that we can expect the 420d to be capable of 48 mpg (U.S.).
The 4 Series coupe will go head-to-head with the Audi A5 in showrooms. It’ll be priced competitively with the A5, which means it’ll also be more expensive than the 3 Series. A price tag close to $40,000 is likely for the entry-level 4 Series, and for that buyers will get more equipment than those who go for the 3 Series. The convertible will appear in showrooms shortly after the coupe—early in 2014—and the 4 Series Gran Coupé won’t be far behind. The latter will be differentiated from the coupe by an extra set of doors, and a stretched wheelbase to free up more space in the back seats.––Paul Duchene
