Peter Vardy Newsroom
The new BMW 4 Series Coupé has arrived, and it is more distinctive and sportier than ever. The overall vehicle concept behind the two-door car – from its proportions and bespoke design features to the model-specific chassis tuning – displays a rigorous commitment to a richly engaging driving experience. The spotlight on dynamic driving pleasure puts clear water between the new BMW 4 Series Coupé and the latest BMW 3 Series Sedan and gives it a significantly sharper character than its predecessor.
The new BMW 4 Series Coupé was developed with the aim of redefining the essence of driving pleasure in the premium midsize segment. Its aura of athleticism and exclusivity sees it following in the BMW brand’s coupé tradition – shaped by a succession of legendary sporting machines – which now stretches back almost 90 years. 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 (fuel consumption combined: 7.1 – 6.8 l/100 km [39.8 – 41.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 163 – 155 g/km) – will take 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, and the more powerful of these two units will be fitted in another BMW M model. The new BMW 4 Series Coupé will be built at BMW Plant Dingolfing.
Exterior design: an exclusive blend of elegance and dynamism.
The appearance of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé brings both the familiar styling of BMW’s sporty two-door models and the brand’s new design language to the fore. A small number of crisp lines and the use of clear, generously sized surfaces come together into a body design which exudes unadulterated driving pleasure from every angle. The dynamically stretched proportions of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé are the result of greater exterior dimensions than its predecessor. Length has increased by 128 millimetres to 4,768 mm, width by 27 mm to 1,852 mm and the wheelbase by 41 mm to 2,851 millimetres. Vehicle height is up by just 6 mm, to 1,383 millimetres, making the car 57 millimetres lower than the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. Its tracks have increased in width over the previous-generation model’s – by 28 millimetres at the front and 18 millimetres at the rear – and are also 23 millimetres wider than those of the latest BMW 3 Series Sedan.
An expressive and distinctive front end with a nose for tradition.
The striking front end of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé shines the spotlight on its standalone character. The large, vertically emphasised BMW kidney grille angles forwards and extends down almost to the lower edge of the front apron. Its standard air intakes have a mesh structure of the sort only previously seen on M models. As a defining element of the front end, the grille stands confidently at its centre. With its upright kidneys connected in the centre, it reprises a design feature from the company’s past – one shared with legendary brand classics, such as the BMW 328 and BMW 3.0 CSi – and adds its own modern twist. The slim headlights of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé reach well into the front wheel arches. Full-LED headlights are fitted as standard, while Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Laserlight are available as an option. This equipment item also comes with the cornering light and adaptive cornering functions with variable road illumination optimised for urban and motorway driving. At speeds above 60 km/h (37 mph), BMW Laserlight increases high-beam range to a maximum 550 metres and follows the course of the road dynamically.
Elegant and dynamic side view, powerful rear.
The flanks of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé are shaped by precise and tautly carved surfaces. Short overhangs, slender pillars, long doors with frameless windows, the slim window graphic and a flowing roofline accentuate its elegant appearance. The glasshouse – heavily tapered in its rear section – and muscular shoulders accentuate 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: driver-focused cockpit, two individual-style rear seats.
Cleanly designed surfaces, high-quality materials and the driver-focused layout of the cockpit define the premium ambience and 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. The instrument cluster and Control Display in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé form a large-surface display grouping. The start/stop button for the engine is now positioned in a classy control panel in the centre console. And the model specific rear seats with integral head restraints and pronounced individual seat character have been designed to accommodate two passengers.
Engines: upgraded BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and mild hybrid technology for greater dynamism and efficiency.
The new BMW M440i xDrive Coupé is equipped with mild hybrid technology, as are the diesel models. Fitting a powerful 48V starter-generator and a second battery allows far more brake energy to be regenerated and stored. This energy is used not just for supplying the electrical system, but also for lightening the combustion engine’s workload and boosting 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. As well as the 275 kW/374 hp straight-six engine under the bonnet of the flagship model, there is also a choice of two four-cylinder petrol units, generating output of 135 kW/184 hp in the new BMW 420i Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 5.8 – 5.3 l/100 km [48.7 – 53.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 132 – 122 g/km) and 190 kW/258 hp in the new BMW 430i Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 6.1 – 5.7 l/100 km [46.3 – 49.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 141 – 131 g/km). A 140 kW/190 hp four-cylinder diesel engine powers the BMW 420d Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 4.2 – 3.9 l/100 km [67.3 – 72.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 112 – 103 g/km) and BMW 420d xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 4.6 – 4.3 l/100 km [61.4 – 65.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 121 – 112 g/km). This particular unit, like the straight-six engine in the BMW 430d xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 6.2 l/100 km [45.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 146 g/km*), is equipped with a two-stage turbocharging system. The BMW M440d xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 6.7 l/100 km [42.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 158 g/km*) also combines two turbochargers of different sizes to produce superbly eager power delivery. All models comply with the Euro 6d emissions standard.
Eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard for all model variants, with the option of shift paddles and new Sprint function.
This is the first time that all model variants in the BMW 4 Series Coupé range have been fitted with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. The latest version of the automatic transmission goes about its task of relaying drive torque from the engine with optimised shift characteristics and even greater efficiency. The eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission fitted as standard in the BMW M models and available as an option for all other model variants offers even sharper shift dynamics and comes with shift paddles on the steering wheel. It also has the new Sprint function, which adjusts the engine and shift characteristics to bring maximum dynamism to mid-range acceleration and overtaking manoeuvres.
Improved body rigidity and bespoke chassis tuning result in eye-catching dynamism.
Its model-specific proportions, optimised aerodynamic properties, increased body rigidity, a centre of gravity 21 millimetres lower than the new BMW 3 Series Saloon's, and careful tweaks to the chassis geometry, mounting and set-up give the new BMW 4 Series Coupé a sporty character all of its own. An intelligent material mix has been employed to optimise the weight of both the body and chassis technology. And the bespoke body struts at the front end and in the rear axle area can also take credit 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. Variable sport steering is included with the two optional suspension variants. 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 for the ultimate in intense driving pleasure.
The design and equipment lines are also a clear reflection of the uncompromising focus on dynamic driving pleasure underpinning the overall vehicle concept. An M Sport model is available as an alternative to standard specification, comprising 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. Exterior accents in Cerium Grey metallic form a further identifying feature of BMW M models, which can also be specified with an M Carbon exterior package. The M Sport package Pro offered for a BMW model for the first time elevates driving pleasure intensity levels another notch. 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 Hi-Fi loudspeaker system. In addition to this, an extensive selection of M Performance Parts will also be available from the launch of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé.
Top-class customisation options.
A vast array of optional extras can be specified to inject an individual sense of style into the car and enhance driving comfort. Cloth/Sensatec upholstery is available as an alternative to the sports seats’ standard cloth covers, while there is also the option of Vernasca leather trim, extended BMW Individual Merino leather trim or BMW Individual full leather trim. As well as electrically adjustable sports seats and heated seats, climate seats are also now available for the first time. Also to be found on the options list are BMW Individual interior trim strips of particularly exquisite quality, a Sensatec-trimmed instrument panel and a leather-covered BMW Individual instrument panel. Three-zone automatic climate control and a Storage package come as standard in the 4 Series Coupé. An auxiliary heating system and ambient lighting including Welcome Light Carpet can be ordered as options. The likewise optional tilting/sliding roof has a 24-millimetre-longer glass surface than on the outgoing model. The rear backrest in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé has a 40:20:40 split as standard and its individual sections can be released and folded flat by pressing a button in the boot. The boot is able to hold 440 litres of gear. A trailer coupling that extends and retracts again electrically is available as an option.
Far wider choice of driver assistance systems.
A significantly broader selection of driver assistance systems compared to the preceding generation of the BMW 4 Series Coupé serves to boost comfort on long journeys and increase safety in situations where the driver does not have a clear view. Front collision warning with brake intervention, Lane Departure Warning including lane return (with steering assistance) and the Speed Limit Info system are all now included as standard. The optional Driving Assistant Professional adds a number of features including the Steering and Lane Control Assistant with new Active Navigation, which uses navigation data to detect any necessary lane changes. There is also a new automatic formation of emergency lane function for guiding the new BMW 4 Series Coupé to the most appropriate side of its lane in tailbacks on the motorway. The optional Parking Assistant now also features the reversing assistant, while Parking Assistant Plus includes the BMW Drive Recorder, which shoots videos of the vehicle’s surroundings up to 40 seconds in length. The new-generation BMW Head-Up Display beams driving-related information onto a projection area enlarged by 70 per cent. The new 3D visualisation of the surrounding area available in conjunction with BMW Live Cockpit Professional shows graphics of the vehicle and the traffic situation in its immediate vicinity in the fully digital instrument cluster, and provides information on the possible courses of action offered by activated driver assistance systems.
New digital services: BMW Maps, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, smartphone integration, Remote Software Upgrade.
The standard-fitted Live Cockpit Plus comprises the iDrive control/operation system with 8.8-inch Control Display and a Touch Controller, a black panel instrument cluster centred around a 5.1-inch colour display, multimedia and navigation systems, two USB ports for data transfer and a WiFi interface. A built-in SIM card with 4G LTE connectivity and the likewise standard Connected Package Professional make it possible to use digital services such as BMW TeleServices and Intelligent Emergency Call, Real Time Traffic Information with hazard warning, Remote Services and Concierge Services. The driver and passengers in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé will also benefit from the enhanced options for intuitive operation and the innovative digital services brought by the inclusion of BMW Operating System 7.0 in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé. Display content can be configured individually while the intuitive multimodal interaction between driver and vehicle can take place – depending on the situation – via the Control Display’s touchscreen, the proven iDrive Controller, the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, voice control or optional BMW gesture control. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with added functions is also at the customer’s service as a standard feature in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé. The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional, meanwhile, features a fully digital screen grouping comprising a digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches and a 10.25-inch Control Display. The fully digital instrument display in the cockpit provides enough room to accommodate an excerpt from the navigation map, status indicators for the driver assistance systems or 3D visualisation of the surrounding area. When it comes to digital services, one of the standout new features for the new BMW 4 Series Coupé is BMW Maps. As well as calculating routes and arrival times with remarkable speed and precision, and updating real-time traffic data at short intervals, the new cloud-based navigation system also lets drivers enter any word when searching for a destination. BMW Live Cockpit Plus and BMW Live Cockpit Professional also come with optimised smartphone integration. Alongside Apple CarPlay, the operating system for the new BMW 4 Series Coupé now also hosts Android Auto. Remote Software Upgrade is another new feature that enables improved vehicle functions and additional digital services to be imported into the car over the air.