BMW’s upcoming M4 Coupé has been rendered ahead of plans to separate the 3 Series coupé and cabriolet from the saloon models and applying the 4 Series moniker, but apparently things are not going smoothly…
BMWBlog’s Roger Lighterness has created a rendering of the M4 that shows a sleek coupé body shape with frontal elements lifted from the F30 saloon and a slightly curved profile to the flanks. There are also such signature M touches as a deep chin spoiler, suitably aggressive rims and gills on the front wings. There are claims that the rear styling will borrow cues from the E92 coupé, but it’s rather difficult to decipher much from this particular rendering.
BMW has strongly hinted that a tri-turbo straight-six petrol engine developing around 335 kW will power both M3 and M4 models.
With regards to BMW’s decision to separate the 3 Series saloon and coupé/cabriolet models into 3 and 4 Series model lines, there has apparently been some resistance to such a move within the company. Those in favour of splitting the 3 Series line claim that such a move will create a more distinct identity for the two-door models. Opponents view the move as potentially diluting the overall 3 Series identity and spending the 4 Series/M4 moniker prematurely, potentially leaving the carmaker with little room to manoeuvre nomenclature-wise should plans for a model to slot into the line-up between 3 and 5 series materialise.