Mild hybrid technology, the latest weight-saving chassis technology and the first BMW to be available with the specialized M Sport Pro Package, form part of the offering in the all-new BMW 4 Series Coupé that is set to raise the standard in the premium midsize segment.

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé delivers both stunning performance and supreme handling capabilities, but gets a sleek and distinctive new exterior design, high quality interior, upgraded driver assistance technologies and even greater efficiencies from the introduction of the mild hybrid technology. The vehicle will have its worldwide launch commencing in October 2020.

A defining element of the striking front end is the BMW trademark kidney grille and, with its upright elements connected in the center, it reprises a design feature from the company’s past but adds a modern twist. It is framed by surfaces with a three-dimensional structure and, like the contours of the headlights, the bonnet’s arrow-shaped lines zero in on the grille. At the outer edges of the front apron, the vertically designed intakes for the Air Curtains accentuate the width of the car.

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé can be ordered in M Sport model format. Large outer air intakes in the front apron and a striking rear apron with an inlay in Dark Shadow and a diffuser element in High-gloss Black showcase the two-door model’s performance credentials. Other M Sport model design features are air intake trim elements, side window surrounds and exterior mirror bases in High-gloss Black.

As well as the body features in the M Sport model, the BMW M440i xDrive Coupé and BMW M440d xDrive Coupé also come with a kidney grille surround, air intake trim, exterior mirror caps and trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe finishers in Cerium Grey metallic. A rear apron inlay in High-gloss Black provides an additional flourish. Added to which, BMW M440i xDrive Coupé and BMW M440d xDrive Coupé models can be specified with an M Carbon exterior package, which comprises front-wing air intake finishers, exterior mirror caps, a diffuser element in the rear apron and a specially moulded rear spoiler made from the lightweight material.

Cleanly designed surfaces, high-quality materials and the driver-focused layout of the cockpit define the premium and performance feel of the interior. The structure of the instrument panel is based around horizontal lines, with its width further emphasized by the contours and electroplated strips extending into the door areas. The outer edges of the high-set center console have knee pads to cater for a sporty driving style.

The start/stop button for the engine is now positioned in a control panel in the center console, where the newly designed selector lever is joined by the iDrive Controller and the buttons for the Driving Experience Control switch and electromechanical parking brake.

Newly developed front sport seats are standard, featuring contoured side bolsters to provide maximum support during hard cornering. All models also include front-seat heating as standard, and electrically adjustable sports seats including memory function are available for customers who choose to upgrade to the Comfort Plus package.

Practicality hasn’t been overlooked either, the car featuring a 40:20:40 split backrest, an array of larger storage areas and boot space that has been increased to 440 litres.

Building on the M Sport model, the new M Sport Pro Edition combined the M Sport Pro package with a choice of 3 exclusive Individual Metallic exterior paints – Dravit Grey, Tansanite Blue and Aventurin Red (07/21). The new edition gains an even sportier edge with a unique 19” Jet Black Double Spoke wheel, Black High Gloss Mirror Caps and the choice between Individual Aluminium Fabric High Gloss or Piano Black interior trim.

The powertrain technology developed for the new BMW 4 Series Coupé is another area where significant advances have been made over the outgoing model. All the petrol and diesel engines belong to the Efficient Dynamics family and feature BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The introduction of mild hybrid technology with a 48V starter-generator ensures even sharper power delivery combined with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

The range will be spearheaded by a new BMW M440i xDrive Coupé model, which features a powerful six-cylinder in- line petrol engine. The new BMW 4 Series Coupé will also be available with a choice of two four-cylinder petrol units and a four-cylinder diesel from launch. The line-up is set to expand further with the arrival of two straight-six diesel engines scheduled for March 2021.

All the engines link up as standard with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, which can now be specified with the new optional Sprint function. BMW xDrive is also available on the four-cylinder diesel model, while the intelligent all-wheel-drive system features as standard on all six-cylinder variants.

This is the first time that every BMW 4 Series Coupé has been fitted with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. The latest version of the automatic transmission has been revised to provide even sharper shift characteristics with greater efficiency and refinement. All models are fitted with shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Besides the Launch Control function for traction-optimized acceleration off the line, the eight- speed Steptronic Sport transmission is also the first to feature the brand-new Sprint function, designed to maximize performance when putting in a sudden burst of speed or overtaking. The Sprint function features as standard in the BMW M440i xDrive Coupé and BMW M440d xDrive Coupé and is available for all other model variants in conjunction with the M Sport package Pro.

The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system likewise helps to sharpen the car’s driving properties, relaying power to the wheels as required. Where all-wheel drive is not needed, all the power is directed to the rear wheels – guaranteeing the driving experience for which BMW is renowned.

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé utilizes an enhanced version of the 3 Series Saloon chassis to offer improved handling and reinforce its sporting character.

An almost completely sealed underbody, improved air flap control and numerous other measures have led to a reduction in drag, reflected in a Cd as low as 0.25 (BMW 420d Coupé). The extra 23 millimetres of track width at the rear axle compared with the new BMW 3 Series Saloon, 50:50 weight distribution and a centre of gravity that is 21 millimetres lower than the Saloon significantly aid agility.

The M Sport differential is standard in the BMW M440i xDrive Coupé and BMW M440d xDrive Coupé and optionally available on the BMW 430i Coupé and BMW 430d xDrive Coupé if the M Sport Pro Package is specified.

The standard and optional driver assistance systems in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé have undergone a major upgrade over the outgoing model. They process camera images and the data gathered by ultrasonic and radar sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings to warn of potential hazards and to minimize the risk of an accident with corrective braking or steering inputs. Intelligent system control enables them to enhance both comfort and safety, paving the way for automated driving in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé as well.

Cruise control with braking function comes as standard, while Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function is available within the Driving Assistant Professional package.

The Driving Assistant Professional is a complete package of measures designed to enhance comfort and safety in all traffic situations. As such, it embodies the latest progress towards automated driving. The system takes all the elements of the Driving Assistant and combines them with Active Cruise Control.

The standout feature is the Steering and Lane Control Assistant. This system takes its bearings from road markings and vehicles driving ahead courtesy of the data from a trifocal camera and a front range radar, enabling it to work with the driver to help centre the vehicle in the detected lane with corrective steering inputs.

Active Navigation helps the driver to keep to the route calculated by the navigation system on motorways. When approaching a motorway intersection or exit, a display in the instrument cluster indicates the need to change lane. In preparation, the system adjusts the car’s speed to make it easier to

The optional BMW Head-Up Display projects driving-related information onto the windscreen in the driver’s field of vision. It now has a 70 per cent larger projection area, optimised graphics and additional content.

The 3D visualisation of the surrounding area in the instrument cluster provides the driver with an overview of the activated assistance systems and the functions they can offer.

Drivers of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé are also able to rely on extensive assistance systems fitted as standard in the UK. The Parking Assistant, which simplifies the task of selecting and making use of spaces either parallel or perpendicular to the road. The system takes care of steering the car, accelerating and braking, and makes any necessary gear changes. Reversing Assistant is also standard on every 4 Series assisting the driver by recording the forward trajectory of the car and at the request of the driver reversing back without steering assistance for up to 50 metres.

Parking Assistant Plus with Drive Recorder is optionally available and offers customers 360° view around the vehicle with a three-dimensional visualization of the vehicle from different perspectives on the Control Display. BMW Drive Recorder uses the cameras of the various driver assistance systems to record and store video footage from different points around the vehicle. When activated, the Drive Recorder shoots and stores 40 seconds of video. In the event of a collision, a period of up to 20 seconds either side of the moment of impact is automatically recorded and saved.

With the inclusion of BMW Operating System 7 in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé, individually configurable display content and intelligent connectivity underpin seamless interaction between driver and vehicle.

The enhanced intuitive multimodal interaction allows the driver to take their pick of control interface for the situation at hand: Control Display touchscreen, proven iDrive Controller, multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, voice control or optional BMW gesture control.

The standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional, offers a fully digital screen grouping comprising a high-resolution 12.3 inch instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch Central Control Display. Connected Package Professional is included on all models, comprising BMW TeleServices, Intelligent Emergency Call, Real Time Traffic Information with hazard warning, Remote Services and Concierge Services and more.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and Connected Music are offered standard on the new BMW 4 Series Coupé, as are additional new enhancements to navigation and parking digital services.

The switch to BMW Operating System 7 also brings the Remote Software Upgrade function to the new BMW 4 Series Coupé, keeping the vehicle up to date with the latest software. All updates can be imported over the air, either on a smartphone via BMW Connected or directly into the car using its built-in SIM card.

BMW Live Cockpit Professional come with optimised Smartphone integration; in addition to Apple CarPlay, the operating system for the new BMW 4 Series Coupé will also host Android Auto. This enables access to such digital services as Google Assistant, Google Maps, music streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music, and the WhatsApp messaging service.

The latest version of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant takes the connection between driver and car to a new level in the new BMW 4 Series Coupé. Activated by a spoken prompt (for example “Hey BMW”) or at the touch of a button, this digital companion acquires new capabilities all the time. Naturally formulated spoken instructions can now also be used to adjust the air conditioning. In addition, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is also capable of learning routines that increase both convenience and driving pleasure in specific situations.

SHARE

THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN BY

Jose Eledra

Author Profile