There is no question that the new BMW Series 4 Coupé is a design-led makeover of its predecessor resulting in a seriously sleek longer and wider version of one of the most accomplished mid-size coupés in the market. The first thing that you notice is the huge front grille, which is sure to catch lots of attention, although it is a shame that its visual impact is compromised by the number plate. Other added elements of design on the front apron and at the rear accentuate the width and sportiness of the car, particularly in the M Sport model, courtesy of the High-gloss black applied to the mirrors and other parts of the exterior.
At the back, the width is highlighted by the horizontal line marked but its new tail lights. LED headlights come as a standard across all models, with adaptive lights as an option. On profile, the car’s elongated shape, frameless windows and falling roofline make it very elegant looking, and although it is not per sei a sports car, it definitely has the body of one. Add its muscular shoulders and a centre of gravity 10cm lower than before, and that sporty edge is guaranteed. Adaptive suspension is optional in the two M models. Reduced surfacing above the front wheel arches emphasises the low stance of the new Series 4 Coupé. Alloy wheels range from 17 to 20 inches.
As you open the car (with the key or just by touching the handle), a wing-shaped image projects on the floor. This is the same shape that you find on the overhead lights above the back mirror. Quite cute if you ask me. I also find charming that the seatbelts move forward so one doesn’t have to twist like a pretzel to reach them. The longer body means a generous cabin for four and more than decent boot-space. There is a lot of love and attention to detail in the interior design of the new Series 4 Coupé: beautiful soft Vernasca leather and stitching on the door, sport seats and many other elements; great design in the door handles; adaptive steering-wheel and a hundred positions for the seats. The result is an excellent balance between sportiness and comfort.
Interior of the BMW Series 4 cabin.
M Sport models come complete with Sports seats with M-specific upholstery (including Merino leather trim), M leather steering wheel with adapted multi-function buttons, door sill plates and the M logo in the instrument panel. The Harman Kardon surround sound system is available as an option and you can have from six up to sixteen speakers. Come on Barbie, let’s go party!
The central console is carefully design with the shape of the onboard screen being mirrored below where the rest of the instrument panel is located. A soft-touch dashboard which can be voice-activated (Hey BMW!) completes the ‘cockpit’ of the car. Oh! The start/stop button is now in the central console. The tech in this new range really brings it apart from the previous versions. It includes all kind of safety and driving-assistance features, from lane departure and front collision warnings to speed limit info, city breaking (aimed mainly at avoiding running over pedestrians and cyclists) and optional head-up display, which now offers 70% larger projection area and thus, optimised graphics and additional information.
Behind, two adults can travel comfortably. Good head and leg room, an independent climate unit and cup holders suggest quite a comfortable journey. Not bad at all for a mid-size coupé. I’ve been told that the M models were always the most popular in the Series 4 and in this new range, there are to M options, 440i and 440d, both of which are sure to be the petrol-heads’ favourite with a grille surround, air intake trim, exterior mirror caps and trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes finishers in Cerium Grey metallic. However, the basic trim looks certainly good enough to me.
The Series 4 Coupé two-door car is the first in the BMW range available with the new M Sport Pro package. This option includes all the elements of the M Sport model and adds the Sprint function which allows the driver to reduce gears to the lowest possible at a given speed just by holding the left shift pad a couple of seconds what gives the car and additional burst and automatically changes the driving mode to Sport. M Sport brakes are featured on the BMW 420i and 420d x Drive Coupé, as well as alloy wheels, a rear spoiler in High-gloss black, BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim and lights and M seatbelts. All engines have incorporated mild hybrid technology in the form of a 48V starter generator, which provides sharper reflexes and reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Top of the range is the M440i xDrive Coupé, which features a big six-cylinder in-line petrol engine. Another two four-cylinder petrol engines and a four-cylinder diesel are also available.
The standard transmission is an eight-speed Steptronic, with the Sprint function optional. BMW xDrive is available on the diesel model, while the intelligent all-wheel-drive is standard on all six-cylinder options.
Front detail of the BMW Series 4.
Unfortunately I haven’t yet had the chance to drive it but I’ve been told that it shows excellent driving dynamics, it is precise and agile, making it a great choice for both every day use and a bit of weekend adventure, especially around corners, where it proves how well balanced it is.
Show Comments +