Driving the New BMW 4 Series Coupé

BMW’s singular focus when designing the new BMW 4 Series Coupé has been to redefine the essence of dynamic driving pleasure.

The significantly sharper character of the new coupé, coupled with its aura of athleticism, certainly makes for a richly engaging driver experience.

Exterior Design

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé boasts a striking front end, with a large, vertically emphasised kidney grille. It angles forwards and extends down almost to the lower edge of the front apron.

While the familiar styling of BMW’s sporty two-door models is evident, the brand’s new design language delivers a stretched silhouette that is more aggressive and sleeker than ever.  Generously-sized, uncluttered surfaces and a few crisp lines come together in a body design which exudes power and a promise of unadulterated driving pleasure from every angle.

The slim headlights reach well into the front wheel arches, with full-LED headlights fitted as standard.

Similarly, precise and tautly carved surfaces shape the flanks of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé. Short overhangs, slender pillars, long doors, frameless windows, the slim window graphic and a flowing roofline, accentuate its elegant appearance. Muscular shoulders and a glasshouse that tapers heavily in its rear section emphasize its powerful stature.

At the rear, too, large and distinct surfaces are the dominant influences. Slim and stylishly darkened full-LED rear lights with consistently illuminating light bars underscore the car’s powerful looks.

Interior Styling

The cockpit layout is specifically driver-focused.  The instrument cluster and Control Display form a large-surface display grouping. Also, the start/stop button is positioned in a classy control panel in the centre console. Cleanly designed surfaces and high-quality materials define the singularly performance-centric interior design of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé.

Sports seats and a newly designed sports leather steering wheel come as standard. Together with the coordinated design of the instrument panel and door panel trim, the high-set centre console generates an enveloping environment for the front seat occupants. The standard acoustic glass for the windscreen further improves comfort over long distances.

In addition, the model-specific rear seats, designed to accommodate two passengers, have integral head restraints and pronounced individual-seat character.

Under the Hood

Both the new BMW M440i xDrive Coupé and the diesel models use mild-hybrid technology. The powerful 48V starter-generator and a second battery allow far more brake energy to be regenerated and stored.  This energy supplies the electrical system and also lightens the combustion engine’s workload and boosts its power.

The starter-generator produces an electric boost effect that instantly puts an additional 8 kW/11 hp on tap for more dynamic overtaking or acceleration off the line. What is more, the powerful starter-generator also increases efficiency by assisting the engine while driving at a constant speed and improves comfort when the Auto Start Stop and coasting functions are in use.

The flagship model boasts a 275 kW/374 hp straight-six engine under the bonnet. Besides that, there is a choice of two four-cylinder petrol units, generating an output of 135 kW/184 hp in the new BMW 420i Coupé and 190 kW/258 hp in the new BMW 430i Coupé.

A 140 kW/190 hp four-cylinder diesel engine powers the BMW 420d Coupé and BMW 420d xDrive Coupé. Like the straight-six engine in the BMW 430d xDrive Coupé, the BMW 420d xDrive Coupé also has a two-stage turbocharging system. The BMW M440d xDrive Coupé also combines two turbochargers of different sizes to produce superbly eager power delivery. All models comply with the Euro 6d emissions standard.

Transmission

All model variants in the BMW 4 Series Coupé range feature an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. The latest version of the automatic transmission relays drive torque from the engine with even greater efficiency.

BMW M models have the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission fitted as standard. It is also available as an option for all other model variants. This offers even sharper shift dynamics and comes with shift paddles on the steering wheel. The new Sprint function adjusts the engine and shift characteristics to bring maximum dynamism to mid-range acceleration and overtaking manoeuvres.

The Undercarriage

The BMW 4 Series Coupé has a sporty character all of its own. Its optimised aerodynamic properties, model-specific proportions and increased body rigidity all contribute to this. It also has a centre of gravity 21 millimetres lower than the new BMW 3 Series Sedan’s. Careful tweaks to the chassis geometry, mounting and set-up also play their part. The intelligent mix of materials optimises the weight of both the body and chassis technology. Finally, the bespoke body struts at the front end and in the rear axle area are responsible for the car’s superb handling agility and precision.

The standard and M Sport suspension each incorporate specially-tuned lift- related dampers. Customers can also opt for Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. The two optional suspension variants include variable sport steering. The new BMW 4 Series Coupé rides as standard on 17-inch light-alloy wheels. The optional M Sport brakes are available with a choice of blue or red callipers.

The standard equipment roster for the new BMW M440i xDrive Coupé and new BMW M440d xDrive Coupé features 18-inch M light-alloy wheels and an M Sport differential with electronically controlled, fully variable locking function in the rear differential. This item is also available as an option for the BMW 430i Coupé and BMW 430d xDrive Coupé in conjunction with M Sport suspension or Adaptive M suspension.

Premiere: M Sport package Pro

An M Sport model is available as an alternative to the standard specification. This comprises features such as extra-large air intakes at the front and a prominently contoured rear apron, M Sport suspension, 18-inch M light-alloy wheels, knee pads on the sides of the centre console and other specially designed interior elements make their appearance. Exterior accents in Cerium Grey metallic form a further identifying feature of BMW M models. The M Carbon exterior package can also be specified.

For the first time, BMW offers the M Sport package Pro. It takes the features of the M Sport model and adds items including 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, a rear spoiler, a sporty soundtrack fed into the cabin and a Harman Kardon surround sound system. In addition to this, an extensive selection of M Performance Parts will also be available.

Top Class Customisation

A vast array of optional extras can be specified to inject an individual sense of style into the car and enhance driving comfort. These include various upholstery and trim finishes, different seat fittings, an auxiliary heating system and ambient lighting.

Driver Assistance and Infotainment

The BMW 4 Series Coupé offers a significantly broader selection of driver assistance systems compared to the preceding generation. This serves to boost comfort on long journeys and increase safety in situations where the driver does not have a clear view.

In addition, BMW Maps, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, smartphone integration and Remote Software Upgrade form part of the digital services in the BMW 4 Series Coupé.

The Range

The makeup of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé range reflects the emphasis placed on dynamic potency in the car’s conception. At market launch in October 2020, the BMW M440i xDrive Coupé – powered by a 275 kW/374 hp six-cylinder inline petrol engine took its place at the top of the range. It will be joined initially by a pair of four-cylinder petrol engines and a four-cylinder diesel. The plan is then for two six-cylinder in-line diesel engines to be added to the line-up in March 2021. The more powerful of these two units will be fitted in another BMW M model.

For more information visit www.bmw.co.za.