share on BufferThe lines of the production version of the BMW 4 Series Coupe – except from a number of minor details – are practically identical to the ones previewed with the Concept 4 Series Coupe, revealed in January 2013 at the Detroit Show.
The model, which is now separated from the 3 Series line-up, is larger in width (+43mm) and wheelbase (+50mm) and has a reduced height (-16mm).
The typical BMW proportions, with short overhangs, long hood, a set-back passenger compartment with flowing roofline are in this case even further underlined, and matched by a clearer technical differentiation from the BMW 3 Series range.
Among the distinctive elements are the Air Breathers, positioned rearwards of the front wheel arches to reduce drag in this area.
Above: comparison between the Concept (left) and the production version of the 4 Series Coupe
Compared to the concept, the production 4 Series Coupe has more conventional front headlights and rear bumper, without the distinctive rear air openings that spanned the entire length, echoing the lower air intake on the front bumper and integrating the pipe exhausts.
The 4 Series Coupe will be available with a choice of one six-cylinder and two four-cylinder engines, with an output ranging from 135 kW/184 hp to 225 kW/306 hp. and coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox or eight-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Below we report the full design details from the official release.
From the official Press Release:
Exterior Design
BMW 4 Series Coupe represents a paragon of balanced proportions and the final chapter in a story of development. The “4” in its title headlines this new era for the Coupe and emphasizes not only its stand-alone design, but also its even sharper sporting dynamics, increased exclusivity and clear technical differentiation from the BMW 3 Series range. At the same time, BMW is using the new nomenclature to latch onto the fine tradition established by the large BMW 6 Series and BMW 8 Series Coupes.
The dynamic proportions of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe differ significantly from those of the outgoing BMW 3 Series Coupe. Although only 26 millimeters have been added to the car’s length (4,638 mm), a 50-millimetre longer wheelbase (2,810 mm) and a roofline that now runs 16 millimetres lower than before (1,362 mm) shine a particularly vivid spotlight on the dynamically stretched coupe outline.
These dimensions combine with the BMW 4 Series Coupe’s BMW-typical short overhangs, long bonnet, set-back passenger compartment and flowing roofline to produce a silhouette boasting impeccable visual balance. The athletic appearance of the BMW 4 Series Coupe is rounded off by the 43-millimetre increase in the Coupe’s width (1,825 millimetres). For the first time, the rear wheel arches mark the car’s broadest point – a clear statement of dynamic intent.
The resultant 45- millimetre-wider front track (1,545 mm) and full 80 millimetres of extra width at the rear axle (1,593 mm) promise – before so much as a wheel is turned – further improvements in the already superlative sporting characteristics for which BMW is renowned.
Signature BMW front-end design features, such as the double-kidney grille and twin circular headlights, identify the BMW 4 Series Coupe as a BMW without the need for a second glance. Indeed, it is undeniably keen to show off its close family ties with the BMW 3 Series. However, the BMW 4 Series Coupe displays a more sporting approach to its work, underlining its dynamic convictions.
The car’s head-turning front end is a demonstration of precise contours and multifaceted surfaces. The eye-catching full-LED twin headlights (optional), with their hexagonal design, team up with the slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille to form a single stylistic unit and strengthen the athletic presence of the BMW 4 Series Coupe on the road. Below the headlight line, the BMW 4 Series Coupe features a large air intake in the front apron. Its extremely width-accentuating design creates the impression of a sporty three-way split. On the far left and right-hand edges of the air intakes are the additional, aerodynamically motivated small vertical apertures for the Air Curtains. These vents improve the airflow around the outside of the front wheels and lead to a reduction in fuel consumption at higher speeds.
Powerfully taut surfaces and precise, sweeping lines define the athletic outline of the BMW 4 Series Coupe. The gently sloping roofline – a hallmark coupe trait – creates a smooth transition into the rear, stretches the car’s overall appearance and elegantly accentuates the sporting profile of the flanks. Added to which, the shallow, homogeneous side window graphic with frameless glass and the signature slimline BMW Hofmeister kink at the trailing edge of the C-pillar generate a dynamic visual tension. Below the windows, the double swage line – made up of two character lines running alongside each other – familiar from the BMW 3 Series teams up with the striking door sill line to strengthen the body’s dynamic wedge shape. The small, shrinking shadow below the swage line above the rear wheel accentuates the flared rear wing, emphasising the car’s dynamic potential and hallmark BMW rear-wheel drive.
Located just rearwards of the BMW 4 Series Coupe’s front wheels are Air Breathers designed to reduce drag around the wheel arches. Together, the Air Breathers and Air Curtains underline the sporting character of the car’s design and are among the aerodynamic solutions devised by BMW as part of its BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy.
Prominently flared wheel arches offer a clear window into even greater sporting ability. The prominent horizontal lines and broadly stretched tail lights positioned at the outer edges of the rear draw extra attention to the muscular wheel arches and wide track. The sharply angled rear window has a lowering effect on the car’s tail and gives the body as a whole an even more powerful look. It also shows off the car’s broad shoulders with satisfying clarity. The L-shaped rear lights of the BMW 4 Series Coupe blend harmoniously into the car’s overall design. They continue the path of the swage line from the flanks, creating a seamless link to the rear end.
(Source: BMW)
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