DYNAMICALLY honed and sharply styled is what BMW are calling the new 4 series coupé, set to land in Australia in October, and featuring a myriad of enhancements over the existing model, headlined by its expressive design package.
Under-the-skin revisions also dramatically advance its dynamic potential, but it’s the striking front end that will generate the most chatter, with its large, vertically emphasised BMW kidney grille.
A defining element of the front end, the grille stands confidently at its centre. With its upright kidneys connected in the middle, it reprises a design feature from the company’s past, one shared with legendary models such as the BMW 328 and BMW 3.0 CSi.
Full-LED headlights with high beam assist are fitted as standard, while adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight are available as an option. The latter also comes with adaptive cornering functions and variable road illumination.
At speeds above 60km/h, BMW Laserlight increases high-beam range to more than 500 metres and dynamically follows the course of the road.
An elegant side profile combined with powerful rear design also feature, with the flanks of the Coupé shaped by precise and tautly carved surfaces. Short overhangs, slender pillars, long doors and frame-less windows add elegance.
A slim window graphic and a flowing roof-line accentuate the appearance of the new 4 Series. Large and distinct surfaces are also dominant influences at the rear, with slim and stylishly darkened full-LED rear lights underscoring the vehicle’s commanding looks.
Wholesale changes to its proportions are designed to provide a significantly updated appearance while aiding the driving experience.
On the inside, sport seats and a newly designed M leather steering wheel come as standard, while the coordinated design of the instrument panel and door trims create a focused style.
A high-set centre console and new acoustic glass windscreen also further improve comfort over long distances. The instrument cluster and control display form a large-surface group, while the engine start/stop button is now better positioned in the centre console.
Model-specific rear seats with integral head restraints and pronounced individual seat character have been designed to accommodate two passengers.
A range of engine variants incorporating enhanced BMW TwinPower turbo technology will be available to Australian customers when the 4 Series Coupé arrives in October, including two 4-cylinder options.
These will be utilised in the 420i and 430i, delivering 135kW/300Nm and 190kW/400Nm respectively, with a 6-cylinder unit in the M440i xDrive developing 285kW/500Nm. All three power plants are matched with a fast shifting 8-speed steptronic sport transmission.
Improved body rigidity and bespoke chassis tuning result in engaging dynamics and an elevated sporty character, thanks to a combination of model specific proportions, optimised aerodynamic properties, and a lower centre of gravity.
Bespoke body struts at the front end and in the rear axle area also play a key role in the coupé’s superb handling agility and precision. The standard M Sport suspension incorporate specially tuned lift related dampers as well.
Customers can also opt for adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers.
The rest of the M Sport package includes such things as large air intakes at the front and a prominently contoured rear apron, M Sport suspension, 19-inch M light alloy wheels, and even knee pads on the sides of the centre console.
Exterior accents in Cerium Grey form a further identifying feature of BMW M440i xDrive, while an M Carbon exterior package can also be optioned to add a motor sport inspired aesthetic.
A built-in SIM card with 4G LTE connectivity and standard BMW Connected Professional package enable use of digital services including BMW TeleServices and intelligent emergency call, real time traffic information, remote and concierge services.
The driver and passengers in the 4 Series Coupé will also benefit from enhanced digital services brought by the inclusion of BMW Operating System 7.0. Display content can now be configured individually, across a host of functions.
Intuitive multi-modal interaction between driver and vehicle can now take place, depending on the situation, via the control display’s touchscreen, the proven iDrive Controller, the steering wheel, voice control or optional BMW gesture control.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional 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.
Furthermore, the BMW head-up display fitted as standard provides important information directly in the field of view of the driver.
In addition to Apple CarPlay, the operating system for the 4 Series Coupé now also hosts Android Auto to broaden the technology offering to more users. Remote software upgrade also enables improved vehicle functions.
The new BMW 4 Series Coupé, in 420i, 430i and M440i xDrive variants, will go on sale in Australia this October, with pricing and specification details to be announced prior to launch.
