[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/the-new-4-series-is-here-and-bmw-fans-arent-happy\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/the-new-4-series-is-here-and-bmw-fans-arent-happy\/","headline":"The New 4 Series Is Here and BMW Fans Aren’t Happy","name":"The New 4 Series Is Here and BMW Fans Aren’t Happy","description":"2020 BMW 4 Series grille is huge, the diffuser is fake and there\u2019s no manual option. The long-anticipated BMW 4 Series redesign is finally here and as expected, many BMW fans are not liking the drastic change at all. If you have been keeping an eye on things you would know that these huge grilles were hinted at back in September of last year when BMW revealed the \u2018Concept 4\u2019 which closely resembled the production model we now have before […]","datePublished":"2020-06-05","dateModified":"2020-06-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-2020-BMW-4-Series-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-2020-BMW-4-Series-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/the-new-4-series-is-here-and-bmw-fans-arent-happy\/","about":["BMW","Cars","LATEST CAR NEWS"],"wordCount":606,"keywords":["bmw","BMW 4 Series 2020"],"articleBody":"2020 BMW 4 Series grille is huge, the diffuser is fake and there\u2019s no manual option.The long-anticipated BMW 4 Series redesign is finally here and as expected, many BMW fans are not liking the drastic change at all.If you have been keeping an eye on things you would know that these huge grilles were hinted at back in September of last year when BMW revealed the \u2018Concept 4\u2019 which closely resembled the production model we now have before us.Here\u2019s the production model (blue) alongside the concept (red).Even though BMW stated the concept was 85% production-ready, there were plenty of optimistic BMW fans hoping that the huge new grille was part of the 15% that wasn\u2019t production-ready.The new BMW 4 Series is great in some ways and not so great in other ways. Not only has the grille design split opinions but then there\u2019s also the case of the exaggerated exhaust tips, fake rear diffuser and interior that\u2019s a copy and paste from the 3 Series. Oh, and it\u2019s only available in automatic!Why, exactly, did BMW redesign their iconic kidney grille which has been roughly the same size and shape for decades? Well, if you know about classic BMW cars then you will know that this elongated, more vertical design has existed before.From BMWs in the 1930s, such as the famous 328 roadster, all the way up to Bimmers in the 60s, such as the BMW 3.0 CSL (E9) – all of the BMWs of this period had vertical kidney grille designs. The grille we now see on the new 4 Series is actually inspired by the tall grilles of the famous 328 roadster, as confirmed by the Bavarian automaker themselves.That being said, there\u2019s another reason for the change. You see, if this new 4 Series had the same refreshed grille that the new 3 Series has then the 4 Series would look too much like the new range-topping 8 Series, a car that costs easily double the amount with options.Here\u2019s the new 4 Series alongside the current 8 Series.Interestingly, the head of design at BMW, Domagoj Dukec, said himself that they “didn’t want [the 4 Series] to look like a small 8 Series.”Interestingly, he also mentioned that other cars in the BMW portfolio will not have this new grille, making it exclusive to the 4 Series line-up, including the upcoming electric \u2018i4\u2019.“It’s not changing for all BMWs…We wanted to give [the 4 Series] a very particular kidney.”The new design certainly has successfully differentiated it from the pack but at the cost of some backlash and ridicule. Of course, as with anything, you can\u2019t please everyone and when making a bold move such as this, some disagreement is inevitable.It\u2019s certainly different and that means when people see one on the road they\u2019ll point and stare. This 4 Series won\u2019t go unnoticed, that\u2019s for sure. The shock factor is already kicking in with every Bimmer fan in the world talking about it with their friends, which, in the end, will play in BMW\u2019s favour.As with most redesigns, the brave new look will likely grow on us. Looking back, the new Supra, BMW 7 Series, Aston Martin Vantage, Honda Civic Type R and even the Mazda MX-5 all took big leaps in design that upset a fair amount of people but in the end, they grow on us. Well…mostly.Let us know what you think of the new 4 Series. Is it a certified stunner or is it \u201ca face only a mother could love\u201d?If you enjoyed this, why not read about everything that\u2019s wrong with the legendary Lamborghini Countach?"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The New 4 Series Is Here and BMW Fans Aren’t Happy","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/the-new-4-series-is-here-and-bmw-fans-arent-happy\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]