• Thu. Nov 7th, 2024

North East Connected

Hopping Across The North East From Hub To Hub

THE ALL-NEW BMW 4 SERIES COUPÉ

ByDave Stopher

Jun 2, 2020
  • Revised coupé delivers class-leading performance, handling and sporty styling.
  • Model-specific chassis builds on technology from latest 3 Series Saloon.
  • Mild hybrid technology features on all diesel engines and straight-six petrol unit of the flagship BMW M440i xDrive Coupé.
  • First BMW to be available with the specialised M Sport Pro Package.
  • New range to launch in October 2020.

Mild hybrid technology, the latest weight-saving chassis technology and the first BMW to be available with the specialised 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 new BMW 4 Series Coupé will be built at BMW Plant Dingolfing, with its worldwide launch commencing in October 2020.

Distinctive exterior design
At 4,768 millimetres, the new car is 128mm longer than its predecessor and 27mm wider (now 1,852mm), and its wheelbase has grown by 41mm to 2,851mm. Only 6mm has been added to the vehicle height, which is now 1,383mm. Increased track widths (+ 28mm at the front and + 18mm at the rear), short overhangs, slender pillars, long doors with frameless windows and a flowing roofline combine to deliver a sleek look.

A defining element of the striking front end is the BMW trademark kidney grille and, with its upright elements connected in the centre, 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 flanks of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé are shaped by precisely carved surfaces with a slim window graphic and a stretched roofline flowing smoothly into the tail. The design incorporates reduced surfacing above the front wheel arches, while at the rear large and distinct surfaces emphasise the new BMW 4 Series Coupé’s width and low centre of gravity. The rear end styling also incorporates slim and stylishly darkened full-LED rear lights and dual-branch tailpipes.

Full-LED headlights are fitted as standard, with two U-shaped fibre-optic light guides in the lower section serving as the daytime driving lights. Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Laserlight, including BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam assistant, are available optionally. Slim LED fog lights are standard on all models except the BMW M440i xDrive Coupé and BMW M440d xDrive Coupé.

M Sport model format
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.

Four-seat interior with driver-focused cockpit design and modern premium ambience
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 emphasised by the contours and electroplated strips extending into the door areas. The outer edges of the high-set centre 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 centre 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.

Vernasca leather trim comes in a choice of five colours and includes special decorative quilting and seam patterns. Extended BMW Individual Merino leather trim and BMW Individual full leather trim are also available for M Sport Pro Edition models, as well as BMW M440i xDrive Coupé and BMW M440d xDrive Coupé. LED ambient lighting is standard across the range.

M Sport models come complete with Sports seats with M-specific upholstery, an M leather steering wheel with more user-friendly multi-function buttons, door sill plates and digital instrument cluster display bearing the M logo, an Anthracite-coloured BMW Individual headliner and interior trim strips in Aluminium Tetragon with accent strips in Pearl-effect Chrome. The Harman Kardon surround sound system is optionally available.

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.

Premiere for M Sport Pro package, wide choice of model-specific M Performance Parts
The BMW 4 Series Coupé two-door model is also the first BMW to be made available with the new M Sport Pro package.

This option includes all the elements of the M Sport model and adds the Sprint function for additional bursts of speed and a sporty engine soundtrack in the cabin when SPORT mode is activated. In addition, the M Sport brakes are featured on the BMW 420i Coupé, BMW 420d Coupé and BMW 420d xDrive Coupé, as well as 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, a rear spoiler in High-gloss Black, BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim with extended features and BMW Individual lights Shadowline and M seat belts.

The M Performance Parts portfolio offers retrofit items that available include 20-inch M Performance forged light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design with a Jet Black matt finish, a carbon-fibre front grille, front splitter and side skirt attachments, as well as aero flicks for the front apron in High-gloss Black.

Introduction of the 4 Series M Sport Pro Edition
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.

Engines: Instantaneous power delivery, effortless performance
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.

Model

Maximum Power (hp)

Peak Torque (Nm)

Acceleration (0-62mph)

Top Speed (mph)

Fuel economy (mpg)

CO2 emissions (g/km)

OTR Starting Price

420i M Sport

184

300

7.5

149

48.7-53.3

132-122

£39,870

430i M Sport

258

400

5.8

155

46.3-49.6

141-131

£44,055

M440i xDrive

374

500

4.5

155

39.8-41.5

163-155

£53,875

420d M Sport

190

400

7.1

149

67.3-72.4

112-103

£42,440

420d xDrive M Sport

190

400

7.4

148

61.4-65.7

121-112

£44,030

430d xDrive M Sport (est. available March 2021)

286

650

5.2

155

45.6 mpg (provisional)

146 g/km
(provisional)

TBC

M440d xDrive (est. available March 2021)

340

700

4.7

155

42.2 mpg
(provisional)

158 g/km
(provisional)

TBC


Immediate response off the line and superior efficiency thanks to mild hybrid technology
Mild hybrid technology has been included with all diesel engines and with the straight-six petrol unit of the flagship BMW M440i xDrive Coupé. Fitting a 48V starter-generator and second battery greatly increases the scope for utilising Brake Energy Regeneration and the electrical power it produces.

The recuperated energy collected by the 48V battery can be supplied to the 12V electrical system or used for generating additional drive power when fed back to the 48V starter-generator. When the car is accelerating, the generator is also able to offer the driver an electric boost effect that instantly makes an extra 11hp available.

Sublime performance: new six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the BMW M440i xDrive Coupé
The trio of petrol engines available for the new BMW 4 Series Coupé feature latest-generation BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, including a twin-scroll turbocharger, an enhanced High Precision Injection system, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing.

Developed with the expertise of BMW M GmbH, the straight-six unit powering the BMW M440i xDrive Coupé ticks all the right boxes for sporty driving pleasure. The special racing division’s influence means the engine, eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, intelligent all-wheel drive and bespoke chassis technology (including M Sport differential) complement one another.

The new 3.0-litre. six-cylinder in-line unit comes with weight-optimised pistons and con rods, a twin-scroll turbocharger with indirect charge air cooling, and water-cooled exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head. It generates 374hp and maximum torque of 500Nm. The car can sprint from 0-62mph in only 4.5 seconds, while still returning average fuel consumption of 39.8 – 41.5mpg, equating to CO2 emissions figures of 163 – 155g/km.

Powerful yet efficient petrol engines
The BMW 430i Coupé and BMW 420i Coupé benefit from extensively upgraded four-cylinder petrol engines. The more powerful of the 2.0-litre pair generates 258hp and peak torque of 400Nm. This enables the new BMW 430i Coupé to accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds. The engine’s optimised efficiency levels result in combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures of 46.3 – 49.6mpg and 141 – 131g/km respectively. 

The four-cylinder engine in the new BMW 420i Coupé has a maximum output of 184hp and peak torque of 300Nm, enabling it to get from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds. The new BMW 420i Coupé returns average fuel consumption figures of 48.7 – 53.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 132 – 122g/km.

New: two-stage turbocharging for all diesel engines
A new, highly responsive two-stage turbocharging system now forms part of the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology integrated into all diesel engines for the new BMW 4 Series Coupé.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel unit in the BMW 420d Coupé and BMW 420d xDrive Coupé additionally uses an advanced version of the common-rail direct injection system. The engine generates maximum output of 190hp and peak torque of 400Nm, enabling a 0-62mph sprint times of 7.1 seconds (BMW 420d Coupé) and 7.4 seconds (BMW 420d xDrive Coupé). Efficiency has likewise improved, with combined fuel consumption of 67.3 – 72.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 112 – 103 g/km for the new BMW 420d Coupé, and 61.4 – 65.7mpg and 121 – 112 g/km for the BMW 420d xDrive Coupé.

Multi-stage turbocharging technology also features in the 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line unit powering the new BMW 430d xDrive Coupé (due to become available from March 2021). The turbocharging system’s variable turbine geometry ensures a high level of responsiveness, with 650Nm of peak torque on tap. Maximum output is 286hp, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds.

The new BMW M440d xDrive Coupé (due in March 2021) features a straight-six, 3.0-litre diesel engine producing 340hp. Peak torque, meanwhile, has increased to 700Nm. For optimum response and power delivery, the new power unit’s high-pressure and low-pressure stages both feature variable turbine geometry. The new BMW M440d xDrive Coupé requires just 4.7 seconds to reach 62mph from rest.

Standard on all models: eight-speed Steptronic transmission with optimised shift dynamics and increased efficiency
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-optimised acceleration off the line, the eight- speed Steptronic Sport transmission is also the first to feature the brand-new Sprint function, designed to maximise 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.


Lightweight design minimises weight and maximises rigidity and passive safety
The weight-minimising design of the BMW 4 Series Coupé’s body and chassis components feature an intelligent mix of steels and alloys to minimise vehicle weight and deliver enhanced body rigidity and crash safety.

Underneath, the car uses an engine side member (made from extruded aluminium profiles) and die-cast aluminium spring struts, while the exterior features an aluminium bonnet, front side panels and doors. A material made from natural fibres is used for the bootlid lining.

A comprehensive passive safety concept maximises occupant protection. Alongside the super-stiff passenger cell and highly resilient supporting structures, it also includes integrated safety electronics that deploy the restraint systems in the right sequence, at the optimum moment and with the required effect for the type and severity of the collision. The new BMW 4 Series Coupé is also equipped as standard with an active bonnet system to optimise pedestrian protection.

Chassis technology that delivers driving pleasure
The new BMW 4 Series Coupé utilises 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.

Customers can tailor the driving experience with options that include M Sport suspension, Adaptive M suspension with variable sport steering, M Sport brakes and the M Sport differential.

Stiffened body structure and suspension mountings
Targeted measures for increasing the stiffness of the body structure and suspension mountings strengthen the distinct driving qualities of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé. Model-special features include a shear panel for connecting the front spring strut towers to the bulkhead and integral tower-to-front end struts. Bracing elements have also been added to increase stiffness in the rear axle area.

Weight-minimised axle design, lift-related dampers with specially tuned characteristics
The design principle of a double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle offers an outstanding basis for combining precise handling with impressive long-distance comfort.

The standard lift-related dampers aid performance and comfort, reducing body movement on bumpy road surfaces as well as improved handling on cornering.

Increased damping forces, firmer springs and anti-roll bars have been employed to give the new BMW 4 Series Coupé supreme handling characteristics. The M Sport suspension, standard across the range, includes stiffer settings for the lift-related damping and the likes of additional body struts, more rigid mounts, firmer anti-roll bars and increased negative wheel camber.

The optional Adaptive M suspension combines all the qualities of M Sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers. Continuously adjustable valves allow the damping force to be metered at each wheel individually and as a function of vehicle load. Switching between the various Driving Experience Control switch modes produces a clearly perceptible variation in the damping characteristics.

An extra mode can also be selected using the Driving Experience Control switch on models with Adaptive M suspension. In the ADAPTIVE setting, the steering, damping and accelerator responses along with the Steptronic transmission’s shift characteristics are automatically adjusted to suit the driving style.

Electric Power Steering including Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance is fitted as standard. Variable sport steering, with a ratio that adjusts to changes in the steering angle, is part of the M Sport suspension and Adaptive M suspension set-ups.

M Sport models come with 18-inch M light-alloy wheels whilst M Sport Pro package upgrades to a 19-inch M light-alloy wheels. M440i xDrive Coupé and M440d xDrive Coupé are fitted as standard with unique Cerium Grey Double Spoke 19-inch light-alloy wheel. 20-inch light-alloy wheels for the new BMW 4 Series Coupé are available from the Original BMW Accessories range.

The brake discs consist of a grey cast iron friction ring with an aluminium brake disc chamber. The optional M Sport brakes (standard on the new BMW M440i xDrive Coupé and BMW M440d xDrive Coupé) provide excellent braking performance and intuitive feel. The performance-focused set-up includes four-piston fixed callipers at the front and single-piston floating callipers at the rear. The callipers bear the M logo and are painted in a blue as standard for M Sport Models. BMW M440i xDrive Coupé and BMW M440d xDrive Coupé models are differentiated with the newly introduced red brake callipers, but customers can choose to replace these with blue callipers for no-cost if desired.

M Sport differential increases directional stability
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 DSC system optimises the transfer of power to the road by carefully adjusting the distribution of drive power between the wheels. This enables better acceleration out of corners and improves handling capabilities when negotiating a quick succession of bends. It also improves directional stability when changing lanes at the same time as braking.

Intelligent driver assistance systems optimise comfort and safety
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 minimise 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.

Front collision warning, Speed Limit Info and Lane Departure Warning now standard
Front collision warning is now standard on the` new BMW 4 Series Coupé. It comprises collision and person warning with city braking function that can detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Speed Limit Info, including no-overtaking indicator and the Lane Departure Warning system with lane return by steering assistance, are also standard.

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

Driving Assistant Professional
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
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 steer into a suitable gap in the adjacent lane.

New BMW Head-Up Display and 3D visualisation of the surrounding area
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.

Parking Assistant now includes the reversing assistant
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 visualisation 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.

BMW Operating System 7
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.

Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay – and now also Android Auto
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.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant: more natural voice commands and additional functions
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.