Concept 4 Series Coupe

With the launch of the BMW 4 Series coupe, we can officially say goodbye to the two-door 3 Series. As we've long reported, BMW is moving its coupe and convertible models up one digit (like the 5 Series/6 Series relationship); when the next-generation 1 Series launches in the States, it will actually be called the 2 Series. And while there are certainly a lot of 3 Series aspects to this new 4er, BMW says the new car "represents the zenith of a development curve" and that the automaker "has given the new model its own individual character and a standalone design."

Compared to the current 3 Series coupe, the 4 Series concept rides on a two-inch-longer wheelbase, adds 1.7 inches of width, and is just over half an inch shorter in height. The whole thing looks very sculpted and sleek, and there are plenty of design elements from the larger 6 Series, as well. The full-LED headlamps and aggressive lower fascia will certainly grab your attention, but if we're honest, some of us prefer the simpler, cleaner lines of past 3 Series models versus this somewhat overly stylized new coupe. From the rear, however, this thing is damn pretty.

The interior certainly looks good, too – premium leather is slathered on nearly every surface, and the overall design is modern and plush. A lot of what we see here is similar to the larger 6 Series, again, but that isn't a bad thing. Specific details have not been divulged for the production 4 Series, but expect a full suite of technological goodies to be packed inside the cabin, as well.

Speaking of specific details, we don't have any news to share regarding powertrain lineups just yet, though it's expected that both the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and 3.0-liter turbo-six from the 3 Series sedan will carry over. Under that logic, expect BMW to roll out 428i and 435i models, though remember that elsewhere in the range, cars powered by the turbocharged inline-six also wear the 40i designation, so we could just as well see 440i-badged cars. We'll have to wait and see.

The 4 Series Concept will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January, with the production car coming very shortly thereafter.

Article courtesy of: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/so-long-3-series-concept-4-series-coupe-previews-new-two-door/