The BMW Concept 4 Looks Amazing, Apart From One Thing

If you thought BMW’s fling with gigantic kidney grilles couldn’t possibly filter down to smaller cars, we’re going to have to disappoint you. The German firm has just revealed the Concept 4, a 4-series-previewing car which - yes - has a huge set of gnashers dominating its front end.

BMW says that the “distinctive” grille and the “remarkable air intakes” that flank it “provide an immediate advert for the car’s performance and its engaging character as a driver’s car”.

We’ll have to get used to that ostentatious front-end, too, as it sounds like the production 4-series won’t deviate too far from this design. The Concept 4 “Offers a look ahead to the expressive face of the 4 Series range,” BMW says, with the Frankfurt show car described as 85 per cent production-ready.

The good news is the rear-three quarter view is handsome, yet distinctive in a less opinion-splitting way. The way the boot lid is pinched in at a right-angle, the cheeky kink just behind the door, the new and very clean take on the BMW side gills - it all comes together very nicely.

For better or worse, all this all points to the next 4-series presenting a much bigger styling departure from its 3-series relative than seen previously. It will still share underpinnings with the current ‘G30’ 3-series though, and most likely the same engine line-up. This will top out at a turbocharged inline-six-powered ‘M440i’, which will eventually be usurped in the 4-series pecking order by a new M4.

As for the concept version, that’s currently sitting on 21-inch wheels at BMW’s Frankfurt Motor Show stand, if you fancy a closer look.