BMW has confirmed via an official release
that the second-generation G22 4 Series will make its official debut on June 2.
To go along with the announcement, a teaser image was also provided, giving us
a rough look at the new coupe’s styling that is heavily inspired by the Concept
4 revealed several months ago.
Appearing smaller in size than on
the Concept 4, the grille comes with pin inserts that look similar to those
found on M Performance models like the G20 M340i xDrive, albeit in a horizontal
orientation. Said grille is flanked by a pair of slim
headlamps, which feature hexagonal-shaped “corona” LED daytime running lights,
while the corners of the bumper sport aggressive air inlets. If BMW intended on
making the 4er more distinctive than just a 3 Series with two doors chopped
off, they’ve succeeded.
Based on previous spyshots, we know it will have a
sloping roofline that leads to a lipped boot spoiler, with the rear also
carrying some sleek taillights. As for the interior, it will be similar to the
current 3 Series, with a Live Cockpit Professional system, as well as an almost
identical steering wheel design and centre console layout.
BMW has already released preliminary
details of the G22 at end-April, where the line-up will be helmed by the M440i
xDrive that should share the same B58 3.0 litre turbo straight-six as the M340i
xDrive. The mill is said to make 374 PS and 500 Nm, with electrical
assistance from a 48-volt mild hybrid system – something the company has been
aggressively pushing lately.
As for the rest of the setup, the engine
channels power to all four wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic
transmission and BMW’s obligatory xDrive all-wheel drive system. There’s also
an electronically-controlled M Sport differential to help distribute power to
the rear wheels properly. Other variants that will be offered include the 430i,
which uses a B48 2.0 litre turbo-four with 258 PS and 400 Nm. It too will come with an eight-speed automatic
gearbox, but makes do with a rear-wheel drive layout instead.
