BMW has taken the wraps off the all-new 4 Series Coupe. Not only is the new generation a step forward from the outgoing one, but BMW has also reiterated clear differentiation of the coupe's design from the 3 Series sedan. The 4 Series Coupe is only in its second generation with this new version – it earned a separate model designation replacing the 3 Series Coupe, of which three generations existed through the nineties and early 2000s.
In terms of the design, the new 4 Series is quite a departure from the outgoing model, thanks to that massive vertical kidney grille. In a way, the 4 Series Coupe resembles the larger and more powerful M8 Coupe that was recently launched in India, especially with its flowing coupe roofline and sculpted body. That said, the front is now more aggressive, the headlamps are sleeker and the overall design is more fluid than before.
Even though the new 4 Series Coupe continues to be based on the 3 Series platform, developments are made to its chassis. The 4 Series sits 21mm lower and the rear track is now wider by 23mm compared to the 3 Series sedan. It also sports a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. For enthusiasts who wish for a sportier set-up, the 4 Series can be specced with anti-roll bars, stiffer M Sport suspension, adaptive dampers, M Sport brakes and M Sport rear differential with locking function.
Coming to the heart of the matter, the 4 Series Coupe will be offered with five variants, all with the standard 8-speed Steptronic transmission. The range-topping M440i xDrive will be powered by a 3-litre, in-line six-cylinder twin-scroll turbo-petrol engine that pumps 369bhp and 500Nm of torque. This variant is also electrified, featuring mild hybrid technology for an additional 11bhp through a 48-volt starter-generator.
That said, the range will also include the 2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine in two states of tune – 181bhp and 300Nm in the 420i and 254bhp and 400Nm in 430i. Then there’s also the two-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that now gets mild-hybrid assistance and multi-stage turbocharging as standard for sharper response and better efficiency. This powerplant makes 184bhp and 400Nm in the 420d. Lastly, there’s the larger 3-litre six-cylinder diesel available in two states of tune – 284bhp and 650Nm in the 430d and 335bhp and 700Nm in the range-topping M440d.
A host of premium features come as standard in the new 4 Series Coupe including LED headlamps and tail lamps, three-zone climate control, new 10.25-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, newly developed sports seats, ambient lighting, Harman Kardon audio, and the innovative 3D visualisation of the surroundings in the digital instrument cluster among many others. Standard driving stability systems include dynamic traction control and cornering brake control among others.
The new BMW 4 Series Coupe goes on sale internationally in October 2020 and will primarily rival the Audi A5 Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. There’s no word from BMW India yet if the 4 Series will make it to our shores. BMW launched their flagship 8 Series in India last month, driving in the 8 Series Gran Coupe and the M8.