Three minus two equals four according to BMW
The next generation BMW 3 Series coupé has broken cover and not only does it get a more aggressive look than the saloon, it also gets a brand new name.
Following on from the convention set by the 5 and 6 Series models (the 6 Series is essentially a 5 Series with two fewer doors), the new car will be christened the 4 Series to signify it's links to the 3 Series sedan and also allow BMW to charge significantly more for it. It's not as simple as just a name change though as according to BMW, the 4 Series "marks the start of a model with its own individual character and stand-alone design."
Officially, the car you see here is labelled as design study, hence the name 4 Series Concept, but we'll be amazed if the production car doesn't look exactly like it. Perhaps some of the more outrageous elements in the front and rear bumpers won't make it to production but the rest of the car should be a faithful representation.
If that's the case, then BMW has a winner on its hands. Lithe, muscular and broad shouldered, there is much more aggression in the wide-stance 4 Series than in its predecessors.
According to their official numbers, the 4 Series shares the same 2810mm wheelbase as the 3 Series saloon but with a 4641mm length, 1826mm width and 1326mm height it's 17mm longer, 15mm wider and a massive 67mm lower. Adding to the sporty stance are wider front and rear tracks with 3mm added to the front and 10mm to the rear of the car.
Looking at the exterior, it's clear that while BMW wanted their designers to distance the 4 Series from the saloon it's based on, they've not taken too much of a risk as the links are clear. There is a clear link to the 3 Series at the front where the headlights and kidney grilles are of a similar design. The rest of the body is more curvaceous with bold execution of the swage line and stylised pieces used for the door handles and front fender, which is what was needed to carry through on the aggressive stance.
New wheel designs (a must) and a new tail light arrangement (also a must) complete the exterior, which looks so complete in this form that it's hard to imagine what a further pumped up M4 version would look like.
As expected, the interior is closely based on the 3 Series, and is almost a direct carry-over from that car. Ignore the more impractical elements (woven leather cup holder anyone?) and it's probably an accurate reflection of what the new 4 Series will look like inside. In keeping with the trend set by the saloon, expect trims lines to be made available for the 4 Series. It's debateable whether a Luxury trim line should appear for an overtly sporting BMW but you Modern and Sport trim will definitely be on the kit list.
BMW hasn't provided any information on engine options but we should expect a range mirroring the sedan. So, Malaysians will probably be offered a 420i, 428i, 435i and if BMW were feeling brave, a 420d. There is also no word yet if BMW would ever consider dropping the number 4 from the model name. The main reason for this is because in Chinese, the number 4 sounds a lot like 'death' so it may affect local perceptions in this part of the world. Besides would you really like to tell your friends you drive a 'BMW-sei Series'?
