BMW is putting the finishing touches on the 4-Series
Coupe and Carscoops reader Niek recently spotted a prototype undergoing testing
in France. Dressed in heavy camouflage, the redesigned model will follow in the
footsteps of the 3-Series and adopt an evolutionary design that blends upscale
styling with sportiness.
While these pictures only give us a glimpse of the
rear end, previous spy photos have shown the model will have a prominent grille
which is flanked by slender headlights with integrated LED daytime running
lights. We can also expect a rakish windscreen, an upward sloping beltline and
a sporty rear end that echoes the 3-Series.
An assortment of engines will be available, but this
particular prototype appears to be the M440i as it features the same exhaust
system as the M340i. As a result, it’s likely powered by a turbocharged
3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that develops 382 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
The engine should be connected to an eight-speed
automatic transmission which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive
system. The latter configuration allows the sedan to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 4.2 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 250
km/h.
Besides the M440i, we can expect a 430i with a
turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine developing 255 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It too will likely come equipped with an
eight-speed automatic transmission and a choice of rear or all-wheel drive.
We’ll likely learn more about the 4-Series next week
as BMW will reportedly use the Frankfurt Motor Show to introduce a 4-Series
concept. It should be a thinly veiled preview of the production model which
will be introduced sometime next year.
