BMW 4 Series Coupe Spied With Barely Any Camouflage
BMW’s upcoming 4 Series Coupe has been spotted with minimal disguise, revealing the production-ready shape and hinting at a clear break from the 3 Series lineage.
BMW’s new 4 Series Coupe has been caught on test with only light camouflage, offering the clearest look yet at the model set to replace the 3 Series Coupe. The nearly undisguised prototype confirms BMW’s intention to give the 4 Series a distinct identity, separating it visually from the F30 3 Series saloon.
The latest images show a coupe with a lower roofline, wider stance and more pronounced wheel arches compared to the outgoing 3 Series Coupe. The bodywork appears almost production-ready, with only the front and rear fascias lightly masked. This suggests the car is close to its official debut, which is expected later in 2013.
BMW’s new coupe strategy
The move to launch the 4 Series Coupe forms part of BMW’s new naming convention, which reserves even numbers for coupes and odd numbers for saloons and estates. This approach, already seen with the 6 Series Gran Coupe, is intended to position the 4 Series as a more premium and dynamic offering than the 3 Series saloon. BMW’s sales and marketing director, Ian Robertson, has said the company wants a greater distinction between its coupe and saloon models than in previous generations.
The 4 Series Coupe is expected to be slightly larger than the current 3 Series saloon, with a longer wheelbase and wider track. This should translate to improved cabin space and a more planted appearance. The car will compete directly with the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.
Expected engines and variants
Engine choices for the 4 Series Coupe are set to mirror those of the 3 Series, with a mix of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel options. The diesel range is likely to start with the 420d, producing 181bhp, followed by the 430d at 254bhp and the 435d with 309bhp. Petrol models are expected to include the 420i (181bhp), 430i and the 435i with 302bhp. A high-performance M4 variant, with power around 450bhp, is anticipated to join the range after launch.
- 181bhp 420d diesel
- 254bhp 430d diesel
- 309bhp 435d diesel
- 181bhp 420i petrol
- 430i petrol (power TBC)
- 302bhp 435i petrol
- M4 performance model (approx. 450bhp, post-launch)
BMW is also expected to offer SE, Sport and M Sport trims, with the possibility of xDrive all-wheel drive on some versions, although this has not been confirmed. The coupe will be joined by a convertible and, possibly, a four-door Gran Coupe variant in future.
Market timing and rivals
The 4 Series Coupe is due to reach showrooms towards the end of 2013. Its main rivals will be the Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, both of which have established positions in the premium two-door segment. BMW’s move to a dedicated coupe line is aimed at strengthening its appeal among buyers seeking a more distinctive and upmarket alternative to the 3 Series saloon.
