The brand new BMW 4-series Coupé has surfaced a few times in recent days, but now BMW itself officially pulls off the canvas. We welcome the second generation of the 4 series, which is clearly more different than before from the 3 series.
The brand new BMW 4-series (G22) is two years later than the 3-series with which it was based, but for a long time it had been known what could be expected from it. The Concept 4, which was in Frankfurt last September, appears to have been largely transferred to the production model. At the time, the sleek coupé particularly caused a stir with its striking grille. Even though there are some varying reactions, the huge kidney grille just adorns this new 4-series. According to BMW, the grille is not only so robust for aesthetic reasons, but also to “reflect that the engine can use a lot of cooling”. It takes some getting used to, but it contributes to what BMW describes as the “clear of the 3-series distinctive appearance” of the 4-series.
In addition to the ‘kidneys’ which have now optically fused together, we find sharply shaped headlamp units, which use standard LED lighting. These can be optionally equipped with the BMW Laserlight adaptive LED lighting. At the rear of the new 4-series, the sturdy hip part is particularly striking. Also, the car now has a fairly far rear C-pillar, with a fairly subtle Hofmeisterknik. The track width of the 4 series is 23 millimeters wider than is the case with the 3 series, so the wide hip section is more than ostentation. Of course, the standard rear-wheel drive 4-series should be the textbook example in terms of handling, and BMW has high expectations in that regard. The car should feel stiffer and sharper than its predecessor, and the weight distribution across the front and rear is now 50:50 according to BMW.
In the interior of the 4-series it all looks a bit more famous than on the outside. As expected, there is hardly any difference with the 3-series. The dashboard comes standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, which is equipped with the latest version of BMW’s Operating System. Those who want it all bigger can draw for a 12.3-inch copy. The system can handle Android Auto and Apple Carplay as standard. BMW says it has worked on better sound insulation to make it even more comfortable. That should make it pleasant to stay in the 4-series in combination with the standard three-zone climate control. Of course, there are also numerous safety systems available as standard. For example, there is Lane Departure Warning with automatic steering correction, Lane Control Assistant and Front Collision Warning with automatic brake intervention. The 4-series also automatically sends sideways to free space when emergency services try to get through a traffic jam.
engines
At the market launch in October this year, BMW will place seven variants on the international order list. Three petrol versions and four diesels. The petrol range starts with the 420i; it gets the 184 hp four-cylinder under the hood, with which the 4-series accelerates to 100 km / h in 7.5 seconds. The option above that, the 258 hp 430i, takes 5.8 seconds to do that. The M440i xDrive is currently occupying the top position. It has the 374 horsepower 3.0-liter six-in-line under the hood, which is assisted by 48V Mild Hybrid technology. With that engine under the hood, you can reach 100 km / h from a standstill in 4.5 seconds. Of course, above this version there will eventually be the M4, which gets up to 510 hp from the 3.0 six-cylinder.
So diesel starts with four choices; the 190 hp 420d provisionally forms the basis of the offer. Those who prefer four-wheel drive can opt for the 420d xDrive. A step higher is the 430d xDrive with the 286 hp strong six-cylinder diesel under the hood. For the diesels, the highest possible for the time being is the M440d xDrive, which manages to mobilize 340 hp and a solid 700 Nm of torque. With a 0-100 time of 4.7 seconds, it is only 0.2 seconds slower than its petrol counterpart. In all diesels, 48V Mild Hybrid technology (good for 11 hp) is available and across the board (petrol and diesel) the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is standard. The first prizes will follow in the run-up to the introduction. Of course, the revelations of the new 4-series Convertible and the Gran Coupé will also follow in due course.