BMW Concept 4 takes centre stage at Frankfurt Motor Show

Amid the expected flock of far-out concept cars at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW's Concept 4 coupe sits closer to what might soon end up in your driveway. The German marque describes the Concept 4 "a future-focused interpretation of the BMW Group’s enduring DNA."

Hovering close to the road, the front of the low-riding Concept 4 reshapes the brand's distinctive kidney grille into an oversized vertical maw.

"The kidney grille has always been a signature feature of BMW cars,” reflects Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design, who says the revamped grille "presents a confident and classy take on this iconic feature."

It's flanked by a pair of twin high-intensity LED headlights, slightly angled and worked into the body as if they were part of a 3D sculpture, while the long thin wing mirrors emerge out of the weather strips.

The stretched bonnet, long wheelbase, flowing roofline and short overhangs all combine into a modern, elegant and dynamic coupe outline, BMW proclaims, where "the interplay of tautly-chiselled volumes and a small number of extremely precise contours create a sense of emotion and dynamism."

The 21-inch alloy wheels represent a heavily “dished” take on the sporty five-spoke design. The fronts of the intricate spokes have a high-polished finish, while the set-back surfaces are finely ground to create a slightly darker effect and give the rim design a sophisticated contrast.

The rear of the BMW Concept 4 flows into a prominent tail graphic with a 'glasshouse' indented into the body. Vertical air outlets frame the lower section, with LED rear lights consisting of a single fibre-optic element framing a striking diffuser integrated into the muscular rear apron.

There's no room to doubt that the Concept 4 is built as much for go as for show.

“The BMW Concept 4 embodies the aesthetic essence of the BMW brand. It combines perfect proportions with a clear and precise design,” expounds Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.