BMW Concept 4 – New Look, Same Taste
The BMW 4-Series has been caught testing in its final protypes around the world and we were fairly confident that it would be unveiled soon. Instead, BMW took the world by surprise after they revealed this, the BMW Concept 4, at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in Germany this week. The concept made its debut flaunting a set of 21-inch alloy wheels and an interesting Forbidden Red paint finish that accentuates the swooping roofline and flared arches.
Apparently 85% of the Concept 4 will make its way into the next 4-Series, and there are probably a few enthusiasts that hope it’s the 15% of the grille that doesn’t. "The kidney grille has always been a signature feature of BMW cars," says Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design. "The BMW Concept 4 presents a confident and classy take on this iconic feature. At the same time, the BMW Concept 4 offers a look ahead to the expressive face of the 4 Series range."
We know that the next-generation BMW 4-Series will look different from the G20 3-Series, unlike the last-generation 4-Series which shared a lot of its design with the four-door relative. "The BMW Concept 4 embodies the aesthetic essence of the BMW brand. It combines perfect proportions with a clear and precise design," says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.
BMW hasn’t announced any performance details yet but the next-generation 4-Series will likely feature an identical engine line-up to the 3-Series. We can expect a 420d producing 140kW and 400Nm from a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, as well as a 430i producing 190kW and 400Nm from its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol motor. We can also expect a more potent BMW M440i at a later stage, featuring a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol engine to produce 275kW of power and 500Nm. The flagship BMW M4 will probably make use of the 3.0-litre twin turbocharged straight-six from the X3 M, with a power output somewhere between 353kW and 375kW, accompanied by 600Nm of torque.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW Concept 4 cost in South Africa?
The BMW Concept 4 is a concept car and won't be sold, but the production 4-Series it previews will likely start around R650,000 for the base 420d when it launches in South Africa.
Q: Is the BMW 4-Series worth buying over the 3-Series?
If you want a sportier coupe design and don't need rear doors, the 4-Series offers more style and exclusivity than the 3-Series sedan for about R50,000 more.
Q: What engine options will the new BMW 4-Series have?
The new 4-Series will offer a 420d with 140kW from a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, a 430i with 190kW from a 2.0-litre turbo petrol, and later an M440i with 275kW from a 3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder.
Q: When will the production BMW 4-Series be available in South Africa?
BMW hasn't confirmed local availability yet, but based on the concept reveal, expect the production 4-Series to reach South African showrooms by late 2020 or early 2021.
Q: How much of the Concept 4 design will make it to production?
BMW says 85% of the Concept 4's design will carry over to the production car, including that controversial large kidney grille that's dividing BMW fans.
Should You Buy It?
The BMW Concept 4 gives us a tasty preview of what's coming, but you'll have to wait for the production version. When the new 4-Series does arrive, expect pricing from around R650,000 for the 420d to over R900,000 for the M440i. If you're after the best sporty coupe under R700,000 in SA right now, the current BMW 430i at around R680,000 or the Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe are your best bets. The new 4-Series looks promising with its bold design and expected performance upgrades, so if you can wait and that massive grille doesn't put you off, it should be worth the patience.
