The IAA motor show 2019 is now well underway in Frankfurt. BMW took this opportunity to unveil the BMW Concept 4 — a future-focused interpretation of the BMW Group’s DNA that represents the coupe of tomorrow.
The Concept 4 will most likely become the new design guideline for the next 4 Series, and we are fortunate to have a closer look at what is coming next!
The front end of the Concept 4 is sharp and angular, with huge air intakes and aggressive use of lines. However, what takes the spotlight of the front facade is the new vertically-aligned kidney grille. According to Head of BMW Design, Domagoj Dukec, “The kidney grille has always been a signature feature of BMW cars. The BMW Concept 4 presents a confident and classy take on this iconic feature. At the same time, the BMW Concept 4 offers a look ahead to the expressive face of the 4 Series range.”
The vertical kidney grilles dominates the entire front of the Concept 4, and is an homage to the legendary classics such as the BMW 328 and BMW 3.0 CSi, highlighting the illustrious history of BMW in making coupes.
Within the kidney grilles, the horizontal trim elements with a faceted cut gives the grille an enhanced depth effect. Looking closer at the kidney grille and air intakes also reveals that the intricate gratings are made up of an array of small “number 4s” joined together, an elaborate attention to detail.
Another thing you might notice on the front of the Concept 4 are the slim headlights — they have no glass cover! The LED light elements are arranged directly into the body to give the front end a greater sense of modernity and technical sophistication.
Looking at the Concept 4 from the side, the silhouette of the vehicle is instantly unmistakable as a BMW coupe. The extended front bonnet, long wheel base, flowing roof line and short overhangs oozes the BMW coupe DNA from every angle. The new exterior paint tone named “Forbidden Red” accentuates the use of lines to form contours on the body of the Concept 4.
A lot of effort is put into the most minute details of the Concept 4, as we have just seen from the front grille details and three dimensional headlights. Another example of the attention to detail can be seen with the wing mirrors, which extends outwards directly from the weather strip, with split toning to ensure it blends well with the rest of the body. The designers even managed to hide a floating BMW logo within the wing mirror housing, which will only be seen if you are specifically looking on it!
The 21-inch alloy wheels on the Concept 4 are also a work of art and equally rich in details. The designers used differently finished surfaces to emphasise the contrast between the foreground and background.
The rear of the Concept 4 sits low to the ground, and the two large air outlets at the lower section further emphasizes the broad stance of the car. The iconic “L” shape of BMW rear lights makes a return on the Concept 4, with the LED rear lights consist of a single fibre-optic element, which lends the L shape a “heartbeat graphic” visual effect. Just like the front headlights, the BMW Concept 4 also does away the glass cover for the lighting elements.
The BMW Concept 4 manages to look modern and fashionable, yet retaining many of the existing characteristic BMW elements into the design. We think the Concept 4 looks incredible especially with the “Forbidden Red” paint work, and can’t wait for these design cues to make way to production ready cars!
