BMW: Beaming style

The BMW 4 series coupe will be available in New Zealand late 2013. Prices and engine sizes to come. Photo / Supplied

Luxury 4 Series coupe added to BMW's fine stable

BMW New Zealand is adding to its range with the introduction of the luxury 4 Series coupe next year.

The production of the concept vehicle was just announced by BMW head office with its arrival in New Zealand expected by late 2013, and pricing to be announced closer to launch date.

The company hasn't announced engine sizes yet but industry website Autoexpress.co.uk speculated the lineup would include a 2-, 3- and 3.5-litre petrol engines and maybe 2- and 3-litre diesels.

Sitting above the premium 3 Series models, the 4 Series coupe's wheelbase is 50mm longer than that of the existing 3 Series Coupe with 45mm added to the front track and 80mm to the rear track. At 1.826m wide, the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe is 44mm broader than its predecessor, its roof line is 16mm lower and it is also longer at 4.641m - all combining to give dynamic proportions.

"The latest addition sees BMW building on the fine tradition of its large BMW 6 Series and BMW 8 Series Coupes, with the '4' stands for greater sportiness, greater exclusivity and even clearer differentiation from the BMW 3 Series range," said Edward Finn, BMW Group Corporate Communications Manager.

Its long wheelbase, long sweeping bonnet, set-back passenger compartment and short overhangs will create the strong on-road impression for the BMW 4 Series Coupe.

The most eye-catching feature of the car's nose, beyond the familiar BMW kidney grille and twin circular headlights, is the large air intake in the front apron. Its wide opening hints at the extra air required by the powerful engines and guides the eye around to the muscular flared wheel arches.

The two vent surrounds on either side of the intake replicate the contours of the hexagonal headlight graphics to lend the front end an even wider and more sporting look. Three strikingly sculptured, satin-finish aluminium trim elements in the intake provide added presence.

The sides of the two flanking vents are of differing thickness and lend the front end a particularly dynamic appearance. At the same time, they mark off specific areas of the intake for brake and oil cooling and for the Air Curtain. This EfficientDynamics feature channels the incoming air around the outside of the wheels, ensuring the airflow "hugs" the wheel arches and fuel consumption is noticeably reduced.