BMW Concept 4: Chris Bangle Come Back, All Is Forgiven

BMW has previewed the design of the forthcoming M3 and M4 with the launch of the BMW Concept 4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It shows that the new 4-Series will be a radical departure from its predecessor and have a face dominated by a kidney grille so big it could swallow two children. If only Chris Bangle (who, at the time, got his fair share of flak) was still designing Bimmers…

The German car manufacturer’s press release appropriately starts out by discussing that grille. According to BMW, “the vertically oriented grille fits seamlessly into both the proportions of the front end and BMW’s illustrious past” and it evokes classics such as the 328 and 3.0 CSi.

“The kidney grille has always been a signature feature of BMW cars,” added head of BMW Design Domagoj Dukec. “The BMW Concept 4 presents a confident and classy take on this iconic feature. At the same time, the BMW Concept 4 offers a look ahead to the expressive face of the 4 Series range.”

Also Read: New BMW M3 And M4 To Be Unveiled In Mid-2020

Looking past the vertical kidney grille are slim and aggressive laser headlights as well as huge air intakes to gulp down air. The Concept 4 also features particularly expressive sides and slim, two-section mirrors that are partly finished in polished aluminium, as well as 21-inch wheels with a five-spoke pattern.

As controversial as the design of the front may be, we suspect people will be more accommodating for the rear fascia. The most noteworthy feature out back are the flowing LED taillights, an angular bumper with a gloss black diffuser and large, rectangular-shaped chrome tailpipes.

BMW hasn’t announced any tech details for the Concept 4, but they’re not particularly important as the show car has simply been meant to give us a taste of what the new 4-Series will look like. We already have confirmation that the new M4, as well as the M3, will utilize the same updated 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six as the new X3 M and X4 M pumping out 473 HP in standard form and 503 HP in Competition spec.