At this point, BMW doesn’t have much to hide. The new Series 4 with its mega-grill has already been discovered, and we have known for a long time that the hot M edition would see the same treatment. However, these new spy images are the first time that BMW has been so bold in public with its test vehicles.
By bold, we mean running with nothing more than a mind-blowing camouflage wrap. The latest spy shots simply hide smaller details regarding body lines, exposing the large grill with its bisection plate. There is no way to hide the horizontal bars that will define the new face of the M4, and if you take a close look at the top right quadrant of the grid, you will see an M4 badge hidden under the black ribbon. Like it or not, this is your new BMW coupe.
If you’re not excited about the controversial design direction, at least there’s no question about what’s going on behind that grill. Packing the turbocharged B58 inline six, the power will be prolific with more than 500 horsepower (373 kilowatts) offered in premium models. Shifting will occur with a dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive will be the norm.
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However, automotive purists will still have the ability to paddle gears with a six-speed manual, sending power only to the rear wheels. This “pure” model will not be available with the high-performance engine, but with only 480 hp (358 kW) a barrel, we suspect enthusiasts will survive.
One thing that enthusiasts won’t have to do is wait much longer. BMW has confirmed that the new M4 will debut in September. It should also be a grand gala, as BMW will also remove the wrap from the long-awaited M3 sedan. If you’re not a fan of the M4’s big grille but desperately want the high-powered BMW experience, the M3 will have a more traditional face similar to the rest of the current Series 3 lineup.
