The New 4 Series Is More than Just a 3 Series with Fewer Doors

BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
8471 photos
43 videos
has explained it decision to double its nameplates with odd numbers for sedans and even numbers for coupes, ignoring the 6 Series Gran CoupeBMW 640i Gran CoupeGermany, 2012 > present7 photos
that is, by saying that it plans to further differentiate the style of its cars, and the best way to do that is creating new model lines. Believe that if you would like, but the 4 SeriesBMW Concept 4 Series CoupéGermany, 2013 > 201319 photos
is the first of these new even-numbered BMWs to arrive.

The 4 Series Coupe shares its platform with the F30 3 SeriesBMW BMW 3 Series Gen.6 [F30/F31]Germany, 2012 > present115 versions
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, but it gets new sheet metal from nearly every angle. Compared to the previous-generation 3 Series CoupeBMW 335is CoupéGermany, 2011 > present3 photos
, the 4 Series is also wider, has a longer wheelbase and lower ride.

The 4 Series takes its design inspiration from BMW’s brand style. It has short overhangs and a long hood with the passenger compartment sent towards the rear. From straight on, the 4 Series and current 3 Series are nearly identical. It set off its style, the 4 Series has cooling vents behind the front wheels, and the rear gets more aggressive, extended wheel arches.

Compared to the current 3 Series, the 4 Series also has more direct steering and the lowest center of gravity of any BMW currently on sale.

At launch the 4 Series will be available with as the six-cylinder 435i, four-cylinder petrol 428i or four-cylinder diesel 420d. All of them come standard with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic. They also all come with start/stop, brake energy regeneration and with the automatic transmission a coasting mode. The 435i and 428i will be optionally available with all-wheel drive.

The 4 Series will be offered in four trim packages – Sport Line, Modern Line, Luxury Line and M Sport. Normal BMW options like navigation, head-up display and active cruise control will also be available.

BMW has not revealed European pricing for the 4 Series yet, but US pricing starts at $41,425 for the 428i and $46,925 for the 435i. Adding all-wheel drive increases each price by $2,000. The cars will go on sale in the late summer.