In anticipation of its upcoming facelift, the BMW 4 Series lineup was recently caught testing at the Nurburgring. This update is particularly intriguing because it represents the final appearance of a new internal combustion engine version of the 4 Series. Moving forward, the 4 Series will follow in the footsteps of its 3 Series sibling and transition to an all-electric platform. As a result, witnessing the entire family of cars undergoing testing at the iconic racetrack is a thrilling sight before the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) release.
The spy shots showcase three out of the four 4 Series models currently available: the Coupe, Convertible, and M4. The 4 Series Convertible, depicted as a standard model, features a four-cylinder engine, although the exact variant is difficult to discern. The conventional mirrors and dual circular exhausts suggest it could be equipped with either a four-cylinder gasoline or diesel engine. On the other hand, the 4 Series Coupe captured in the photos is one of the M Performance models, either the M440i or M440d. The M mirrors and trapezoidal exhausts differentiate it, ruling out the possibility of being a true M4. However, it remains unknown which M Performance variant it represents, as the U.S. market only offers the M440i, while other markets include the M440d diesel model.
Completing the lineup is a BMW M4 Coupe, though it’s unclear whether it’s the standard version or the Competition model. The quad exhausts confirm its M4 status, and there appears to be a new small lip spoiler. Beyond these minor observations, there don’t seem to be any significant changes visible on any of the three cars captured in the spy photos.
Similar to previous BMW LCI facelifts, the upcoming updates for the 4 Series/M4 are expected to be subtle. Notable revisions include the introduction of new headlights featuring BMW’s inverted check mark design. Inside the cabin, the 4 Series will incorporate some updates, such as the inclusion of iDrive 8, aligning it with the BMW i4, and a toggle switch gear selector. However, the implementation of iDrive 8 means the removal of physical climate controls, prompting users to manage climate settings exclusively through the curved touchscreen display. This shift has drawn criticism from BMW enthusiasts since the introduction of iDrive 8.
The future of the 4 Series beyond this generation remains uncertain. While the next-generation Neue Klasse 3 Series is expected to be electric and draw design inspiration from the Vision DEE concept, which was a sedan, it remains to be seen if the 4 Series will follow a similar path or take on a distinct identity. As the next few years unfold, it will be fascinating to discover the direction BMW chooses for the 4 Series in the age of electric mobility.
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