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G82 BMW M4 gets a Neue Klasse‑inspired virtual facelift
The BMW G82 M4 has divided opinions since its arrival, largely because of its bold front end. Now a UK-based CGI artist has applied BMW's new Neue Klasse design language to the second‑generation M4 in a tasteful virtual facelift that imagines what an LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) could look like.
Built on the wide-bodied G82 coupe platform, the M4 arrived in production in November 2020 and has since expanded into a full family: standard and Competition models, the driver-focused M4 CS, and headline-grabbing limited editions such as the M4 x Kith, the reimagined 3.0 CSL, 50 Jahre, and the extreme M4 CSL. Despite this breadth, aesthetics remain a hot topic — particularly the oversized kidney grilles that some fans love and others lampoon.
From oversized grills to Neue Klasse restraint
The render from avantedesigns_ (Avante) swaps the current megagrille look for a Neue Klasse take, but crucially keeps the G82’s identity intact. This is presented clearly as a mid‑cycle facelift rather than a new generation, with most changes concentrated at the front.
Highlights of the virtual LCI include:
- New LED headlights with signature LED daytime running ‘claws’
- An illuminated visor bridging the bonnet and grille
- Much smaller—but still vertical—kidney grilles that sit inside the new fascia
- Revised front bumper and intake geometry to match the updated lighting
"I wanted to see the M4 speak the Neue Klasse language without losing its M character," the artist noted alongside the images. The reaction from BMW enthusiasts online was overwhelmingly positive, showing there’s appetite for a softer, more contemporary front end on the G82.
Design, performance and positioning
Though this is a visual exercise, it also speaks to BMW’s broader strategy. The Neue Klasse aesthetic is guiding the brand’s shift toward electrification and modern minimalism, but BMW must balance that with the M division’s performance heritage. A tasteful LCI that pares back the grille while keeping aggressive proportions could help the G82 remain relevant in a crowded sports coupe market.
Performance specs are unchanged in the render — the facelift is purely cosmetic — but the production M4 range already spans a wide spectrum:
- Engines: inline‑6 twin‑turbo in various states of tune (standard vs Competition)
- Drivetrain: rear‑wheel drive and xDrive all‑wheel options
- Variants: coupe (G82), convertible (G83), CS and CSL special editions
These mechanical choices keep the M4 competitive against rivals such as the Porsche 911, Mercedes‑AMG C63 derivatives, and Alfa Romeo’s Giulia GTA in the performance coupe segment.
What this CGI LCI tells us about BMW's next steps
Render projects like this one are useful thought experiments. They don’t predict BMW’s actual LCI decisions, but they show what could resonate with buyers and critics. If BMW opts to introduce Neue Klasse cues on the M4’s LCI, expect changes focused on the front fascia and lighting technology rather than a wholesale redesign.
Quote:
"A facelift should refine identity, not erase it," — digital designer avantedesigns_.
In short, the virtual facelift for the G82 M4 demonstrates a plausible middle ground: adopting cleaner, more modern styling cues while preserving the aggressive stance and performance DNA that buyers expect. Whether BMW will follow suit with a production LCI remains to be seen, but fan reactions suggest a Neue Klasse‑inspired refresh could be a hit.
Quick takeaway
- The CGI facelift integrates Neue Klasse design into the G82 M4’s front end.
- Changes are largely cosmetic: new LEDs, smaller vertical kidneys, revised bumper.
- Community response is positive, hinting at consumer appetite for subtler styling.
For enthusiasts tracking BMW’s evolution, renderings like this are both entertainment and a barometer of sentiment — useful signals as BMW prepares future LCIs and design directions for its performance models.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
turbo_mk
Whoa this actually cleans up the M4's face, love the smaller grille, keeps menace without the clown look. If BMW did this i'd buy one faster lol
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