The next-generation BMW 4 Series has broken cover and it packs a striking new design language, that strikes differently to some from the front and looks a lot sportier from the side while widening the rear profile. It’s designed to be sportier than ever and be a proper sports coupé from the outset with a focus squarely on delivering dynamic driving pleasure and a clear differentiation from the new 3 Series. In its previous generation, it was a proper two-door 3 Series with the “3” actually having four doors.
It replaced the 3 Series Coupé model. A four-door 4 Series Gran Coupé arrived later, but never mind… the new 4 Series Coupé has a sharper character with a specifically optimized structure and chassis technology to ensure maximum dynamic performance.
A bespoke package of bracing elements increases rigidity, while the centre of gravity is 21 millimetres lower and the rear-axle track 23 mm wider than the 3 Series’. The weight has been minimized and features a 50:50 weight distribution. BMW targeted optimized aerodynamics and lift reduction at the rear axle.
in terms of equipment, dampers with bespoke tuning are standard. Options? M Sport suspension with an even firmer set-up for dampers, mounts, and anti-roll bars, plus additional body struts and variable sport steering.
Further options include adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M Sport brakes, and an M Sport differential with a fully variable locking rear differential.
inside, it is a driver-focused cockpit with a 10.25-inch Control Display or optional 12.3- inch cluster. A sports steering wheel and sports seats are standard.
Acoustic and thermal comfort are enhanced with a windscreen that uses acoustic glass and standard three-zone automatic climate control. The glass roof’s transparent surface is extended by 24 mm. There’s ambient lighting with Welcome Light Carpet, a Harman Kardon surround-sound system, and an optional BMW Display Key.
A slew of driver assistance systems are onboard, including collision warning with brake input, optional Driving assistant Professional, active navigation with cloudbased Maps, and a 70 per cent larger new BMW Head-Up Display. BMW Operating System 7 enables individual and personalised screens plus use of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
BMW 48-volt mild-hybrid technology is now on all their four- and six-cylinder engines, sharpening response and optimizing efficiency.
The integrated startergenerator (iSg) assists the engines with an extra 8.0 kW or 11 hp. In addition, all diesel engines now have two-stage turbocharging. all variants of the new 4 have a standard eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, with the option of a Steptronic Sport transmission with new Sprint function that allows for instantaneous and dynamic acceleration manoeuvres.
The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system is available for two model variants from launch and will also be seen on four more variants from March 2021.
