The BMW brand is constantly innovating. They’re known for creating cutting-edge vehicles and pushing the edge of design. The soon-to-be-released BMW 4-series is no exception. When a teaser video of the new model was revealed during an online event, it immediately created a worldwide buzz. While most feedback was positive, one feature, in particular, stirred a bit of controversy.
What can you expect from this exciting new release? Let’s take a look.
Dramatic Style
Designed to be a sportier, sleeker, and more luxurious version of the popular 3-series, the new 4-series features aerodynamic curves and a noticeably low center of gravity. The coupe’s wide chassis, flared wheel arches, and smooth lines combine to create an impressive exterior design. The darkened LED rear lights add extra visual impact, drawing the eye to the vehicle’s sporty rear.
In addition to the standard 4-series coupe, BMW is also releasing a 4-Series Gran Coupe, 4-Series Convertible, and M4 Coupe and Convertible.
Impressive Performance
The 4-series isn’t just fun to look at, it also provides an impressive driving experience. It features your choice between an agile 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder advanced TwinPower Turbo engine, which can deliver up to 320 horsepower. You’ll also enjoy the superior handling you’ve come to expect from a BMW. The almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution and advanced suspension give the 4-series excellent directional stability and precise steering capabilities.
It also offers optional enhanced technology features like a dynamic digital instrument cluster, head-up display, wireless charging, WiFi hotspot, and BMW Connected’s digital services.
The Controversial Buck-Toothed Grill
Despite everything there is to love about the new 4-series, one design feature created a bit of a backlash. The new front grille, which features angular, semi-conjoined kidney bean openings was a massive design risk on BMW’s part. Unfortunately, critics — and many on the internet — were not impressed.
After the big reveal, Twitter users took to the platform with an array of hilarious tweets comparing the grille to many different things, none of them flattering. References ranged from two slices of bread to Hitler’s mustache, a large mouth with braces, and even a butt crack. For many, the major design flaw is not necessarily the size of the grille, but the way the front license plate splits the design.
If you’re in the camp that believes all press is good press, then BMW has nothing to worry about. However, those who are concerned can breathe a (small) sigh of relief. Although the latest teaser image shows that BMW is sticking with the kidney-grill, the final version is likely to be less aggressive and bucked-tooth-looking than what was originally shown.
It’s also likely that this grille design will remain exclusive to the 4-series, rather than spreading out to other models. And, who knows, the masses could simply get used to it. There’s a good chance the 4-series will become another one of BMW’s iconic models.
Coming Soon from BMW in 2020
The 2021 BMW 4-series will go on sale worldwide in October of this year. It will have a starting price tag of $46,595. Will you be one of the first to test it out?