With the 2014 4 Series Coupe finally made official and Bimmer->ke178 outlining all of the juicy details, we were simply in a holding pattern waiting for the mighty M4. Well, BMW hasn't released that just yet, but it has unveiled a 4 Series model bearing all of the M Performance parts available for the new model during a press event in Lisbon, Portugal.

Sure, this isn't a 400-plus horsepower coupe, but the grouping of M Performance Parts hanging on the base 4 Series helps give us idea just what the M4 will look like. From the first details, we know that the M Division will offer up a full aero kit in carbon fiber, a fancy set of rims, a few interior updates and even a mild performance hike across the 4 Series range.

So, is this kit actually worth the king's ransom that BMW will likely charge for it?

Click past the jump to read our review of the M Performance Parts kit to find out

2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe M Performance Parts

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe M Performance Parts
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

While not as aggressive as the upcoming BMW M4, the new 4 Series equipped with M Performance Parts helps bring the M4 into focus a little more.

The 4 Series M Performance Parts is upgraded with the usual M Performance aerodynamic kit, which includes a new front bumper with a carbon-fiber splitter and larger air ducts, new front and rear carbon-fiber spoilers, new side sills, and a boot deck spoiler also made from carbon fiber.

Just like with any other M models, the new 4 Series M features the usual M Performance stripes, a set of 20-inch alloy wheels and several blackened chrome trims.

Interior

The interior is also upgraded with a sportier feeling. The car's dashboard and M Performance steering wheel with Race Display are wrapped in Alcantara, while a carbon-fiber trim graces the gearshift lever and hand brake lever. Customers also get stainless steel pedal covers and footrest, and M Performance floor mats.

Drivetrain, Suspension and Brakes

Buyers can also find a few updates under the hood, making each model ends up a little bit more powerful than the base version.

The 420d M Performance Parts delivers a total of 194 horsepower and 308 pound-feet of torque -- an increase of 10 horsepower and 28 pound-feet -- and the 428i gets an improvement of 23 horsepower and 28 pound-feet to a total of 268 horsepower and 287 pound-feet.

The most impressive update is on the 435i, which gets an additional 34 horsepower and 37 pound-feet to 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque.

In order to obtain these updates, BMW installed a new exhaust system and remapped the ECU.

On top of the extra pop from the engines, M Performance Parts also offers up M Performance calipers coated in red pain, an M Performance suspension system and a limited-slip differential for extra grip.

Power Upgrades

Model

Horsepower Gain

Torque Gain

420d

+16 Horsepower

+28 Pound-Feet

428i

+23 Horsepower

+28 Pound-Feet

435i

+34 Horsepower

+37 Pound-Feet


Prices

BMW offers up M Performance accessories for various models across its lineup and the 4 Series will be the latest. Each component will likely carry an individual price and Bimmer will reveal these prices later.

Competition

Audi A5 S-Line

When it comes to exterior look, Audi models are slowly gaining more of our interest, and the A5 Coupe is no exception. However, as seen from the spy shots, it appears that the 4 Series could easily become a BMW like no other and maybe it will give the A5 S-Line a run for its money.

Unfortunately, the A5 is limited to just the 2.0-liter four-cylinder for 2014, giving it 220 horsepower and a 6.2-second run to 60 mph. This puts it well ahead of the 420d, but behind the 428i and 435i.

On top of the already sharp looks of the A5, the S-Line adds in a sports suspension, a body kit, shift paddles and 12-way power sports seats, putting it close to the M Performance Parts offerings, but not quite on the same level.

Cadillac CTS Coupe

While we have no idea if the new generation Cadillac CTS will also offer a coupe version, the previous model proved itself as a true competitor for all those German models.

The CTS is powered by a direct injected 3.6-liter V-6 engine that delivers a total of 304 horsepower.

Conclusion

The M Performance Parts available for the 4 Series are good enough to pass our sniff test upon first look. We wil be able to further analize it once all of the details are released. The biggest question mark here is cost. If this is a $10,000 investment, then there is no way we'll see it favorably. However, if this upgrade stays at $5k or below, we see it selling like crazy.