BMW 4 Series Coupe concept premieres in Detroit

The BMW 4 Series Coupe concept has been unveiled in the flesh for the first time at the North American international auto show in Detroit.

The BMW 4 Series Coupe concept â€" first revealed in December last year â€" provides a strong indication of what the next fourth-generation BMW 3 Series coupe will look like. While technically not a production model (powertrain details remain secret), expect few changes from the concept car’s styling.

The BMW 3 Series will exist in sedan and touring body styles only, while the upcoming 4 Series will assume the two-door versions of the mid-range 3 Series line-up.

Dimensionally, the BMW 4 Series Coupe concept is larger than the existing 3 Series coupe in terms of length, width and wheelbase, while the roofline is 16mm lower. The front and rear tracks have also been widened by 45mm and 80mm, respectively.

In addition to marking the start of a brand new BMW model, the 4 Series sees BMW building on the tradition of its large BMW 6 Series and BMW 8 Series Coupes, where the “4” stands for extra sportiness, exclusivity and a clearer differentiation from the 3 Series range.

The low-profile face includes all the hallmark BMW front-end features, most notably the signature kidney grille and twin circular headlamps. There’s also a clear link with current 3 Series range.

The kidney grille is actually closed off in the interests of aerodynamics and reduced fuel consumption, while the LED headlamps are hexagonal and offer a more technical take on the familiar BMW circular design.

The rear-end of the BMW 4 Series Coupe concept features the signature BMW “double L” rear lights, along with integrated exhaust tips.

Inside, the 4 Series Coupe concept follows the usual driver-centric recipe, but using high-grade materials for a more luxurious finish.

Expect the production version of the BMW 4 Series Coupe to hit Australian shores before the end of 2013.

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