BMW's Tesla Model 3-fighter takes a different a tack to the earlier i3 and i8 models, which were largely distinct from the rest of the company's range.

The BMW i4 has been spied on the back of the trailer, and it doesn't look too different to how we imagine the next-generation 4 Series Gran Coupe might look.

If the electric iX3 and conventionally-powered X3 are a guide, the key differences between the i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe may be limited to a different front fascia.

The prototype here seems to have a closed-off, slim set of kidney grilles, but this may be a clever misdirection. It's possible the production car will feature a tall, blue-framed set like the ones used on the X3 and i Vision Dynamics concept.

This vehicle also seems to feature a lift-up door handles. There are a lot of false body panels under the camouflage wrap, so it's possible the i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe could harbour other differences too.