ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW BMW 4 SERIES COUPE

The new BMW 4 Series Coupe is the first from the German carmaker to be available with the specialised M Sport Pro Package and it will be launched later this year with a striking new face.

With class leading performance, handling and sporty styling, the new model builds on the technology from the latest 3 Series Saloon. Mild hybrid technology features on all diesel engines and the straight six petrol unit of the flagship is the M440i xDrive Coupe. The latest weight saving chassis technology and the already noted M Sport Pro Package, form part of the offering with this exciting newcomer that is set to raise the standard in the premium mid size segment.

Stunning performance and supreme handling capabilities will delight those who desire a sporty drive. The new model can be ordered in M Sport format with its large outer air intakes in the front apron and a striking rear apron with an inlay in Dar Shadow and a diffuser element in High Gloss Black which showcase the two door model’s performance credentials. Other M Sport design features include intake trim elements, side window surrounds and exterior mirror bases in High Glass Black. The M440i xDrive and the M440d xDrive also come with 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, M440i xDrive and M440d xDrive Coupe 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.

High-quality materials and the driver-focused layout of the cockpit define the premium and performance feel of the interior while 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. New front sport seats are standard, featuring contoured side bolsters to provide maximum support during hard cornering and all models also include front-seat heating as standard, and electrically adjustable sports seats including memory function, available for customers who choose to upgrade to the Comfort Plus package. The Harman Kardon surround sound system is optionally available and on the practical side the newcomers feature a 40:20:40 split backrest, an array of larger storage areas and boot space that has been increased to 440 litres.

To the heart of the matter, and 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 topper features a powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine. All the engines link up as standard with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, which can now be specified with the new optional Sprint function. Also available is xDrive on the four-cylinder diesel model, while the intelligent all-wheel-drive system features as standard on all six-cylinder variants.The line-up is set to expand further with the arrival of two straight-six diesel engines scheduled for March 2021.

Ian Lynas