BMW confirms new 4-series coupe

While described as a design study, the 4-series coupe concept is understood to closely preview the look of the upcoming production version. Only detailed changes are expected, including less flamboyantly styled bumpers and the incorporation of more conventional exterior mirrors, door handles and tailpipes.

The future two-door is longer, wider and lower than the outgoing 3-series coupe. It also rides on a larger chassis than the model it replaces, with the wheelbase extended by about two inches and the front and rear tracks increased as well. BMW hints this leads to improved interior packaging and greater levels of accommodation.

Despite aiming for a more individual look, BMW's designers have clearly taken inspiration from the latest 3-series in creating the look of the 4-series. The two cars share a similar front end, side lines and window graphic treatment. But with more acute screen angles, greater curvature to its roofline and a shorter trunk line, the two-door boasts a distinctly more sporting profile than its four-door sibling. The surfacing treatment also differs with greater contouring within the hood, added structure within the flanks and more defined shoulders.

Developed under the internal codename F32, the 4-series is based on the same high strength steel platform structure and uses the same aluminum intensive underpinnings as the latest 3-series sedan. Alongside standard rear-wheel drive models, BMW also plans to unleash selected all-wheel drive xDrive versions of the coupe.

BMW has not revealed the engine lineup.

The interior of the 4-series coupe is heavily based on that of the 3-series sedan. Apart from a liberal covering of leather featured on the concept car, the instrument binnacle, upper dashboard mold, center console, infotainment monitor and switchgear all appear to have been carried over virtually unchanged.

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