We might have seen the last of the legendary BMW M3, but the 4-Series is moving on with such a pace that the future M4 might actually be something worthy in replacing the iconic German machine. And preparing us for that is BMW’s new M-Performance Package for the 4-Series which actually looks properly good.
Made available from early 2014, the M-Performance Package range includes a more aggressive aerodynamic package with some interior tweaks. But unlike what most are doing by just giving a car some facelift and calling it ‘special’, the M-Performance Package also includes some performance upgrades, which could be fitted as the whole package or individual elements.
Feasting the eyes of the beholder, the M-Performance’s bodykit added a pair of fangs to the 4-Series. Styled and developed by BMW’s M Division, the aerokit adds a lower front bumper with integrated carbon fiber splitter and larger air intakes, darkened chrome trims throughout the exterior, carbon fiber exterior mirror caps, carbon fiber decklid spoiler and a new rear bumper with diffuser and air extraction ducts.
Over in the interior, the 4-Series gets a new three-spoke steering wheel, wrapped in Alcantara and given a dash of carbon fiber. But what caught our eyes on the steering wheel are definitely those F1-styled shift lights.
Under the hood, BMW had increased the power output for three of the four engines powering the 4-Series coupe. The 420d gains an extra 16-horsepower and 29 lb-ft of torque, increasing the output to 195-horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. The 428i gets 27 more horsepower and also 29 lb-ft, totalling to 269-horsepower and 287 lb-ft of torque. Last but not least, the top-of-the-range 435i gets 34-horsepower and 37 lb-ft, giving it 336-horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
BMW claims that the power and torque increases are possible thorugh software modifications and the addition of new exhaust systems, with the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions remaining unchanged.
