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And So it begins... The dawn of a new era.

Many thought that BMW would not be so brave to cancel a successful piece of history as the last time when it came to the decision for the E92/E93 as a 4er they pulled out because of the M3 name.

Now the advent of the 4er is here and aims to bring a more upmarket perspective to the 3er line. The 4er (in Germany ) is projected at just over euro 2000 more than the equivalent 3er Sedan.

Although this a concept , like all BMW "production" concepts the 4er Coupe is 90% the production car. The stylish elements of the car will be reinterpreted for production the form and function will remain but the exotic detailing will be more realistic.

The Concept premieres at the NAIAS in Detroit this coming January along with the BMW M6 Gran Coupe which is imminent. The Concept 4er will also be shown at Geneva in March to gauge reaction from european customers.

BMW are keen to favour launching the 4er in production form at the Shanghai Autoshow in late April due to the chinese reaction of the name "4". Although BMW have successfully tested the car via focus groups in China who have accepted the car's designation with BMW previewing all three concepts of the 4er to prospective customers.

Now it is all systems go although people question BMW's decision to semi abandon the M3 which will return in Sedan guise only. The M4 is potentially BMW M's opportunity to create a new iconic M car , a car with literally no history and a very promising future.

The Cabrio variant retains the folding hard-top (with lighter aluminium roof panels) in order to build on its success in markets where the car oozes exclusivity. In the Chinese market and the defining market which made BMW question the decision of the folding roof hardtop over a soft top. The 3er Cabrio outsells the Coupe thanks to its popularity with female customers.

The exciting addition to the 4er is the downsized Gran Coupe model offering the exclusivity and individuality of the larger 6er model but using the more aesthetic and dynamic appearance of the 4er Coupe, effectively the 4er Coupe with two extra doors on each side. The Gran Coupe model will then launch as an M4 offering M customers more exclusivity , style and flexibility over the Coupe

In 2013 BMW will also whet enthusiast appetites as they have with the 4er Coupe with a 2er Coupe concept car. Iconic in every respect the 2er has a similar variation to the face of the 4er but closely linking to the 1er - The bloodline remains but the details are very much different from the Sporthatch. Like the 4er, the 2er Coupe will drop its roofline another few inches but retain its compact proportions. An additional cabrio model will appear as will an exciting four door model that will be continued under the Gran Coupe designation.