BMW 4-Series Coupé: 4 Is The New 3

Time to add another number to the BMW range. Apparently, 4 is the new 3...

18 May 2015

BMW’s been making a two-door version of the 3-series since the very beginning - in fact, the original 3-series was a two-door to begin with. Over the years, the 3-series coupe has always been a bit closer in form to the saloon than a true coupe, especially compared to rivals like the Audi A5, Mercedes CLK/E-Class Coupe, and others.

Check out our exclusive rendering and news of the 450bhp M4

While the 3-series coupe is great (after all, it gave us the M3!) BMW is now looking to further distance the 2-door version of the 3-series with the current generation. Thus, the 4-Series.

It’s still clearly a 3-series coupe (sort of like how Mazda decided the 3rd generation Miata would just be the MX-5), but compared to the saloon it has a profile all its own: wheelbase and length are slightly larger, width is up a smidge, and the roof is a significant 70mm lower – giving the 4-series a more planted, low-slung stance.

The front end is mostly the same as the saloon, except the more aggressive open-mouth lower valence, while the side profile is remarkably similar to the E90 3-series: a subtle Hoffmeier kink, wheels-to-the-edges proportions, and clean flanks. The air extractors built into the front fenders give the 4-series almost a hint of Jaguar XK to it, and the bluff nose line is especially attractive in profile. Around back, the tail lights echo the shape of the 6-series Gran Coupe, and the exhaust outlets are integrated into the bumper.

Inside, it’s what you’d expect from a newer BMW – a series of the things BMW design cues (lots of black, IP aimed at the driver) with more luxurious and interesting material choices. The swath of wood surrounding the center air vents leading to the airbag is a nice touch; I’m not as convinced by the woven-leather cup holders though. I hope that hits the chopping block. The fact the concept car is presented with a traditional six-speed manual is always a good sign, too.

While this 4-series coupe is labelled as a concept car, with BMW they pretty much show you what the new models will look like ahead of time. Expect some of the details to be toned down (like the exhausts in the bumper) but this is likely 95% of what we’ll be seeing in around a year’s time. As this is just a styling concept, there’s no information on powertrain options – but expect offerings to be similar to the 3-series saloon, with a raft of gas and diesel, 4 and 6 cylinder engines, as well as optional AWD. The 4-Series Coupe Concept is debuting at the Detroit Auto Show this January, with production to follow later next year.