First let me say that coming to the Detroit Auto Show, I was a bit apprehensive about the new 4 Series. A whole new series out of what was previously just a model within a series? That’s gonna mean there are some pretty darn big expectations with the 4 Series. Now, having seen the BMW 4 Series Coupe and talked to the designers in person, I am sold. Like really sold. Like figure out how to make room for it in the garage sold.
Though it can be seen it in the pictures, in person the 4 Series really impresses with a seriously aggressive and low stance. Wheels seem to come all the way out of the fenders and there is not much wheel space left because it’s all used up for grip and what fender gap was left has been lowered for better handling. The wheelbase has been stretched, and to me, honestly it looks nothing like the F30 3 Series Sedan. The sedan looks conservative but the 4 series is so much more sleek.
The 4 Series is also much more technical. How so? One example is that the air intake is actively managed – kidney grills have the ability to remain closed to allow quick heating up of the motor to help with efficiency and they can open up to allow more cooling capacity if you’re hammering it.
Prior to the Detroit Auto Show, my favorite new BMW was the 6 Series Gran Coupe and I was really looking forward to the M6 Gran Coupe. And yes the M6 Gran Coupe is stunning. However, after seeing the new 4 Series Coupe Concept in person, I am torn. Yes. It’s that good looking.
I was fortunate to spend quite a bit of time at the Detroit Auto Show talking with the designer of the new 4 Series Coupe Concept, Won Kyu Kang. Most of the information learned in these discussions will come out in an interview later when transcribed but here is one cool detail: to save weight spaces were created in structural spokes. Very cool, but look like they would be nightmare to keep clean from BMW’s patented brake dust flinging pads.
However, let me summarize and say that his goal with the new 4 Series was to merge the Technic with the Aesthetic, and I think he nailed it. What’s more, he’s a young die hard BMW enthusiast in addition to being a talented designer. BMWBLOG is looking forward to seeing more of his work in the coming years.
Hopefully the video I took will help show more angles and communicate how awesome the new 4 Series looks. The only thing that might not be much fun for an enthusiast is that there are so many nooks and crannies in the wheels for brake dust to collect I asked the designer about this and he said that part of the spacing holes in the spokes are there to help keep the wheels light weight. Hadn’t thought of that. Guess will make cleaning the wheels easier knowing it’s helping keep rotating mass down.
Misha Nikolich – Contributor
Designed To Be Driven
The goal for the designers and engineers of the 4 Series Coupe was to build the best coupe BMW has ever done and set the benchmark in the market segment in terms of design aesthetics, driving dynamics, and top quality. My initial reaction to seeing this concept car in person for the first time was – beautiful proportions that embodies pure BMW design philosophy. The rest of the day I could not help but to keep thinking how it would drive.
BMW’s first ever 4 Series has a much lower wider stance compared to the current 3 Series Sedan (F30) and previous 3 Series Coupe (E92). The unique c-shaped led headlights, sleek roofline, and strong rear shoulder give it unmistakable dynamic presence – which will make a statement to other drivers on the road. The 4 Series Coupe Concept is truly an elegant sporty car which leaves a lasting impression when seen in person.
Please have a look at our walkaround video from the BMW stand at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit; and also stay tuned to BMWBLOG for an exclusive interview with the 4 Series Coupe Concept exterior designer, Won Kyu Kang, in which we will discuss the car in greater detail.
