We’ve seen previous G22-generation BMW 4
Series test mules where the new production grille had been concealed, and here
it is, out in the open. On this development unit photographed, the full-height,
double kidney grille appears to closely resemble the shape of those on the
Concept 4 which made its debut at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
Much of the Concept 4’s front-end styling
cues also appear to now be productionised, with a lower central air intake
beneath the new kidney grilles that also has a similar shape to that on the
concept car. The side intakes on the front bumper now appears slightly less
sculpted than on the Concept 4, but remain instantly recognisable. Similarly,
the production headlamps have more height to them compared to the concept
units.
The rear end of the G22 4 Series Coupe
here remains in a similar state of camouflage to its previous sighting,
however, and the trapezoidal exhaust outlets on this unit possibly mark this
out as an ‘M440i’, which was previously spotted running track tests at the
Nurburgring Nordschleife last August.
Powertrain for this particular unit will
likely mirror that in the equivalent M340i xDrive, which produces 374 hp and
500 Nm of torque from a 3.0 litre turbocharged inline-six, driving all four
wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The launch model is likely to
be a four-cylinder version in the form of the 430i, which should use the same
258 hp/400 Nm turbo petrol four-cylinder from the 330i sedan.
