A beauty…

BMW have again set the example: their new 4 series coupé is setting the benchmark again in style and sportiness. The front end is dramatic, also the roof line has the proportions and lines of a thoroughbred. The prominent, vertical BMW kidney grille follows the tradition of legendary BMW coupés and reflects the engine’s high cooling air requirement. Stretched side window graphic, powerfully sculpted shoulders and flowing roofline exude athleticism and sporting elegance.

There are standard LED headlights with extremely slim contours. Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Laserlight are available as an option. Stylishly darkened LED rear lights with eye-catching L-shaped light bars.

Improved cabin

The interior is also further improved, in instrumentation as well as seating. New interior design centred on sporty driving experience. Driver-focused cockpit design, new display grouping with up to 10.25-inch Control Display and optional, fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Control panel with high-quality design on the centre console, new sports leather steering wheel and newly developed sports seats as standard, knee pads on the centre console optional. Two seats in the rear with defined individual-seat character.

Legendary handling further optimized

As a true BMW befits, the impeccable handling is the result of careful engineering and testing.

Bespoke package of bracing elements increases body rigidity. The centre of gravity is 21 millimetres lower, rear-axle track 23 millimetres wider than on the latest BMW 3 Series Sedan. Other chaarcteristics: weight-minimised body and chassis construction. Finely balanced 50 : 50 weight distribution. Targeted optimization of aerodynamics and reduction in lift at the rear axle.

Lift-related dampers with bespoke tuning are fitted as standard. Optional M Sport suspension with even firmer set-up for dampers, mounts and anti-roll bars, plus additional body struts and variable sport steering. Also available as options: Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M Sport brakes with a choice of blue or red brake calipers, M Sport differential with fully variable locking function in the rear differential.

Sales begin with five model variants; the BMW M440i xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined 7.1 – 6.8 l/100 km [39.8 – 41.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 163 – 155 g/km) makes its debut at the top of the range. The sporting flagship is powered by a 275 kW/374 hp six-cylinder in-line petrol engine. Range also includes two four-cylinder petrol engines and a four-cylinder diesel unit. Two six-cylinder in-line diesel engines will join the line-up in March 2021.

Mild hybrid technology for the six-cylinder in-line-petrol engine and all diesel engines is also provided. 48V starter-generator boosts the combustion engine with an extra 8 kW/11 hp. All diesel engines now have two-stage turbocharging.

All model variants come now with standard eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Optional eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with new Sprint function for instantaneous and dynamic acceleration manoeuvres, for the enthusiasts. BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is available for two model variants from launch and four variants from March 2021.

We cannot wait to collect some driving experiences with this beautiful four wheeled gem, which proudly bears the BMW logo… Just be patient, and stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel