This is the new face of BMW – do you like it?

The famous BMW ‘kidney grille’ has grown so much they might need to change the name to a bigger organ – lung grille perhaps?

The German brand calls it’s new 4-Series look “striking” and “defining” but the bold design is sure to split opinions, as it has done since it was first previewed on the Concept 4 at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.

CHECK OUT AN EXTENDED GALLERY OF THE NEW BMW 4-SERIES.

The look is the most obvious talking point of the new model, with BMW trying to claim it harks back to the brand’s iconic 3.0 CSi of the 1970s. However, while the 3.0 CSi did have a slightly taller grille, it’s dwarfed by the elongated twin grille openings on the 4-Series. This new model extends all the way from the bonnet to the lower edge of the bumper.

BMW is no stranger to controversial design language, its “flame surfacing” period during the early 2000s, most famously with the 2002 Z4 convertible.

Underneath the surfaces the new 4-Series will feature the choice of three powertains – at least initially when it goes on sale in Australia in October – with the four-cylinder 420i and 430i and the six-cylinder M440i xDrive.

The 420i uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot to make 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque, while the 430i uses the same size engine but tuned to produce 190kW and 400Nm for extra performance. The M440i sits at the top of the range (at least until the M4 arrives) and produces 285kW and 500Nm from its turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine.

As the naming suggests, the 420i and 430i are rear-wheel drive, while the M440i xDrive adds the company’s all-wheel drive system. All three engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing and specifications for the new 4-Series range won’t be revealed until closer to its local launch.