The new BMW 4 Series has been divisive, to say the least. After being previewed by the BMW Concept 4, leaked photos and spy shots have confirmed our fears that the new BMW 4 Series will have a humungous kidney grille. Now, as final pre-production testing begins, BMW has released the first official photos and technical specifications for the new BMW 4 Series.

After testing the new BMW 4 Series in Arjeplog, Sweden; BMW's test center in Miramas in France; the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit; and other race tracks, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe has begun testing on the highways and country roads around the BMW Group's Research and Innovation Center in Munich, Germany.

To differentiate it from the 3 Series Sedan, the new 4 Series Coupe is 2.24 inches lower than its four-door sibling and its center of gravity is 0.8 inches closer to the road as a result. It also has an increased negative camber at the front wheels and a 0.9-inch wider rear track, while a new double-joint spring strut sharpens up the handling without sacrificing ride comfort.

The lift-related dampers that debuted in the new BMW 3 Series Sedan offering continuously variable, progressive damping control have also been tuned for an even sportier drive. Other improvements include more responsive steering and better straight-line stability and lateral acceleration.

Topping the new 4 Series range will be the new BMW M440i xDrive Coupe. BMW has confirmed it will be powered by a potent 3.0-liter straight-six engine delivering 374 hp. Expect the output to increase to 382 hp in the US to match the M340i. Unlike the 3 Series, the straight-six unit also features a 48V starter-generator and a second battery, offering increased efficiency and an extra 11 hp boost for "lightning-fast off-the-line getaways and in-gear sprints."

In the M440i xDrive Coupe, power will be sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. As standard, the M440i xDrive will come with an M Sport differential to deploy the power more efficiently, M Sport brakes and 18-inch M light-alloy wheels. BMW hasn't confirmed the technical specifications for other trims yet, but we're expecting the base model to pack a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 255 hp.

After the 4 Series Coupe breaks cover, new Convertible and Gran Coupe variants will join the lineup followed by the new M4. The new 2021 BMW 4 Series will make its official debut this June.