BMW’s new 3-Series based coupe, which officially adopts the 4-Series moniker, has been making the rounds for quite some time now. Just a few hours ago, the first pictures of the car that will make its debut as a concept at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show were leaked online, so BMW decided there was no point in keeping it a secret anymore.
The brand with the roundel logo says it ditched the 3-Series Coupe moniker in favor of the “4” because it wants to differentiate it from its compact saloon and at the same time, underline the new model’s stature in its line-up that will use even numbers for coupes (or four-door sports saloons in the case of the Gran Coupes).
The new 4-Series measures 4,641 mm long, 1,826 mm wide and 1,362 mm tall, which means it’s longer (by 29 mm /1.1 inches), broader (by 44 mm /1.7 inches) and lower (by 16 mm / 0.6 inches) than the current 3-Series Coupe.
Compared to the model it will replace, it also boasts a 50 mm (2-inch) longer wheelbase that stands at 2,850 mm. Moreover, its 1,545 mm front and 1,593 mm rear tracks are 45 and 80 mm (1.8 and 3.1 inches) wider respectively.
The new coupe stays loyal to familiar BMW motifs like the long bonnet, setback cabin, minimal overhangs and long wheelbase. The front end is obviously similar to the F30 3-Series’ novel interpretation of the company’s hallmark kidney grille and twin circular headlights, with the main change being the large air intakes on the front bumper.
In its profile, the 4-Series retains the 3-Series “double swage line” (in BMW-talk), while the so-called "Air Breather", an aerodynamic aperture behind the front wheels, reduces drag around the wheels – which, in the case of the concept, are 20-inch multi-spoke alloys.
At the rear, the L-shaped taillights (another time-honored BMW tradition) resemble that of the 6-Series Gran Coupe and are set to the outer edges of the bodywork, while the rear arches are the widest point of the whole car, further emphasizing its wide and aggressive stance.
The design of the rear bumper is quite striking, mimicking the three-way split of the front bumper and incorporating the exhaust pipes in each of its outer edges – though it remains to be seen whether this will make it into the production car.
The interior is also production-ready, with the driver-centric dashboard being borrowed straight from the 3-Series Sedan and Touring models. Of course, the doors are longer than the saloon’s and their trim panels converge, according to BMW, via the B-pillar into the rear connecting the two passenger compartments.
BMW doesn’t mention powertrains, but when the production model is launched, probably at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show (unless they surprise us earlier, that is…) it will be powered by the company’s new generation TwinPower units, with the range-topping M4 switching from a naturally aspirated V8 to a turbocharged in-line six.
By Andrew Tsaousis
12 Comments:
Interior is amazing, looks nicer than my living room!
Really good job ! Look agressive and classy. But the rear bumper is so busy... I just wonder what they could add for the M4 ? The interior is an "all you can eat" material and texture. They surely tone it down for the production model.
Oh lord - it's absolutely hideous. German cars used to have brilliantly restrained styling with gorgeous attention to detail. This the overall profile is reasonably elegant and not dissimilar to the Merc C class coupe and Audi A5 (both of which are far better looking IMHO) but the details are garish and clumsy like the contrived sidescoops and the hideous "nostrils" with integrated LED lights make it look like a surfacing hippo. Just to show that the classily restrained 3 and 5 series were merely a diversion from the stream of willfully ugly BMWs like the upcoming 3 series hatchback (GT or whatever)...
can't imaging how nasty that cup holder would become after couple years....
I like it, great interior (although the cupholders in still not sure about) and great exterior the rear bumper is quite busy but gives it a unique look. The Mercedes C class coupe just doesn't do it for me (mostly the rear) and the A5 while still attractive is getting a little old. Cant wait to drive this thing, manual please I'm old fashioned.
wasn't sure about the gaping bumpers, but then they totally lost me with the plated leather - like a pair of old man 80's plated boat shoes, which they never stopped wearing... eek.
WOW...what a great job...very sexy...it will sell heaps..cant wait
I like M5 and M6 more even the old M3 Coupe. This new direction of front look is really awful but some people can actually like it but it´s really not for me.
they couldve done a better job at the dials, looks really old fashioned
FANTASTIC...
Just sexxxyyyyy
Very beautiful. Cannot wait to see if the production one will look like this!
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