As the next-generation 4 Series Coupé nears production, teaser images and details of the prototype have been released by BMW. It’s covered in camouflage still, so you’ll have to wait until the summer to see the finished model, when prices are likely to start from around £40k. When a concept version of the car was revealed at last year’s Frankfurt motor show, the big talking point was the huge kidney grilles, however, on the production car, these appear to have been toned down.
The 4 Series is in the final phase of dynamic testing according to BMW, after being put through its paces in Northern Sweden, the Miramas test facility in France and at the Nürburgring Nordschleife test track. It will be sharper and more aerodynamic than the 3 Series it’s based upon, with a 57mm lower roof and a centre of gravity that is 21mm closer to the ground than the four-door saloon. More negative camber for the front wheels and a 23mm wider rear axle will alter the car’s handling characteristics, and engineers have increased chassis rigidity further with extra bracing to improve lateral acceleration and stability.
While the diesel engine range has yet to be confirmed by BMW, the closely related 3 Series is currently offered with 2.0-litre (318d and 320d) diesel engines and a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder unit in the 330d, with power outputs ranging from 148 to 261bhp. In addition, a 335bhp mild hybrid M340d xDrive has just been added to the line-up, and it’s likely that the same powerplant will be offered on the newcomer, to make a flagship diesel M440d xDrive. It’s unlikely that an entry-level 418d Coupé will be available, leaving a range of 420d, 420d xDrive, 430d, 430d xDrive and M440d xDrive versions to be offered here in the UK. As with the outgoing car, it’s expected that Sport and M Sport trim levels will feature.
The two-door Coupé will be the first out of the blocks for the second-generation 4 Series range, though this will be followed up by a two-door Convertible and a five-door Gran Coupé. Both derivatives have already been spotted testing out on the road by spyshot photographers.
