Why the next BMW M4 is ready for a revolution
In September 2023, BMW announced to the world that it would turn to one of its most revolutionary—and controversial—design strategies. First seen in the 1960s, BMW’s “Neue Klasse” design philosophy introduced bolder lines, sharper edges, and an automotive styling so captivating that it pulled the brand out of a financial crisis. The Neue Klasse models were the first BMWs to introduce the famous Hofmeister Kink, which has been featured in almost every BMW since. This philosophy also introduced BMW’s iconic overhanging front end, which, in my opinion, reached its peak with the E24 6-Series, famous for its “sharknose” look. Eventually, around the time Chris Bangle took the helm of BMW’s automotive design division, the Neue Klasse design philosophy died out in favour of a rounder, more modern aesthetic. Now, though, BMW says Neue Klasse is back.
BMW
Although BMW debuted its revived Neue Klasse design language through a series of concept cars, aptly named “Vision Neue Klasse,” in 2023, the brand’s first production car to make use of its new styling direction—the all-new iX3—will arrive sometime next year. Drawing from Neue Klasse designs of the past, the iX3 blends BMW’s modern EV proportions with the signature design elements that made the styling philosophy so distinctive in the past, including the imposing front overhang, tall yet narrow kidney grilles, and, of course, the unforgettable Hofmeister Kink in the rear side window.
BMW
Now that BMW has officially shown off what its updated Neue Klasse design philosophy looks like on an actual production car, the world of automotive enthusiasts is beginning to wonder how this new styling language will translate across the rest of BMW’s lineup. From Z8-like roadsters to full-size SUVs and luxury sedans, Neue Klasse is set to breathe fresh life into the automaker’s lineup, which has been the victim of incredibly divisive styling in recent years.
Personally, I couldn’t help but wonder how BMW’s new design language would translate when applied to one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates: the M4. After all, the model’s polarizing “clout snout” drew heavy criticism when it first arrived on the scene, and it’s one of the few initially-shocking modern design elements that hasn’t begun to look better with age; at least not to my eyes. So, with the help of Gemini 3 Pro, Midjourney 7, and Adobe Photoshop, I decided to take an imagined look at what the next-gen BMW M4 might look like, blending BMW’s modern Neue Klasse design language with the aggressive nature of the brand’s most iconic sports car. Of course, these renders are purely speculative and do not depict any actual BMW products, but man, do I hope the real thing looks this good.
Cole Attisha Using Gemini 3 Pro, Midjourney 7, and Adobe Photoshop
Reimagining the M4 with Neue Klasse: A modern take on an icon
As you can see, I’ve done away with the G82 M4’s horrible nose and instead replaced it with the subtler, more elegant kidney grilles of the all-new iX3, which are still taller than they are wide, but much less imposing. A vented hood and fender gills will allow its potent powertrain to breathe more freely, and a carbon fiber roof and lower-body aerodynamic accents afford the coupe an aggressive presence without adding unnecessary weight. The subtle spoiler over the bootlid signifies its “M-ness” and enhances the car’s aerodynamics. Of course, wheels stolen from the M2 CS are the cherry on top, in my opinion.
Cole Attisha Using Gemini 3 Pro, Midjourney 7, and Adobe Photoshop
For the rear end, I’ve gone and taken the taillights straight from the 2022 BMW 3.0 CSL, which was developed to celebrate BMW M’s 50th anniversary. Their wire-like LED design looks both aggressive and modern, a sentiment that perfectly suits BMW’s modern Neue Klasse design language. In fact, the rear end draws plenty of inspiration from the limited-production 3.0 CSL model, serving as an accurate middle ground between the outgoing M4 and the ultra-modern Neue Klasse iX3.
Cole Attisha Using Gemini 3 Pro, Midjourney 7, and Adobe Photoshop
Final thoughts: Is this the future that M enthusiasts want?
All in all, I feel like BMW’s move towards historically-inspired Neue Klasse design will be a blessing for the M4 and its four-door sibling, the M3, which were traditionally adored for their understated appearance. That legacy was jolted in an entirely different direction with the G82 generation as a likely result of society’s newfound love affair with social media, and, of course, showing off. With more subtle styling elements that let the M4’s inherent aggression speak for itself, I think BMW’s next-gen super coupe will continue the model’s tradition of unbridled performance while also affording it some of the elegance it lost years ago.
Cole Attisha Using Gemini 3 Pro, Midjourney 7, and Adobe Photoshop
About the author
Cole Attisha
Staff Writer, Autoblog