The BMW 4 Series continues its emancipation from the 3 Series sedan. New style (discussed and debatable), technological leap forward and rew...
The BMW 4 Series continues its emancipation from the 3 Series sedan. New style (discussed and debatable), technological leap forward and reworked chassis, the Bavarian coupé changes in depth. We tested it in its new M440i xDrive version.
The coupe at BMW is a love story that has been going on for decades. Especially when you think of the legendary 3 Series and its many generations since 1975. The quintessential German driving pleasure, some models have even become highly sought-after young timers, most notably the E30s of the 80s and 90s, especially in the M version.
But since 2013, the 3-Series Coupe has emancipated itself from its sedan sister by becoming the 4-Series. 7 years ago, the differences between the two models were still not very pronounced, but the new generations have little to see.
The first element that separates them is obviously the famous very vertical double bean. BMW showed this grille in Frankfurt last year on its Concept 4. Some observers had then cried out for scandal, others for genius! One year later, here it is - a little less imposing - on the series version. Completely assumed by the Bavarian brand, this grille is a tribute to the mythical 328 and 3.0 CSi coupes.
Ein kleiner Series 8
However, the changes do not stop at the front alone. The pencil stroke is quite different from the Series 3 from which it derives. The center of gravity has been lowered (- 2 cm), the large air intakes, the worked side lines and the carbon diffuser surrounded by trapezoidal exhaust outlets on our M440i variant add a dose of elegance and sportiness.
It is also impossible not to notice that the new 4 Series has grown considerably compared to its previous generation, bringing it closer to its big sister, the 8 Series (4.85 m). Longer (+ 13 cm to 4.77 m), wider (+ 3 cm) and higher (+ 0.6 cm), it even increases in wheelbase (+ 4 cm). Not quite enough to take advantage of the rear passenger compartment, a 1.80 m tall adult will have plenty of room on his or her knees and head in the roof.
After all, a coupe is still a single or couple car. In fact, BMW has thought of romantic weekends, since the trunk gains 30 liters more cargo space. While the man loads his luggage, the woman can enjoy the best seat in the house, behind the wheel. Not so much for the interior environment, which is very well made but identical to that of the 3 Series, but rather for what's under the bonnet: a 374 bhp, 500 Nm torque, 3.0 twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder engine with 3.0 twin-turbochargers. Not so far from the old generation M4 with its 431 hp.
The ideal engine?
A 6 in line in the pure BMW tradition with a special feature, a 48V micro-hybridization to reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and therefore contain a little bit of the malus that will still oscillate between 3,100 and $7,900 in 2021! So much the better because at $68,400 excluding options, the bill is already quite steep.
Modern thanks to its starter-alternator, the engine is a delight. Flexible at low revs, with a constant thrust up to 6,500 rpm, it offers great performance for a beautiful 1,800 kg beast: 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. All this in a very nice sound, and we almost forgot that on the latest M330i and M135i.
Power is transmitted perfectly to all four wheels thanks to rear-wheel drive type all-wheel drive and a rear differential. The front end is precise, as is the steering, which provides good feedback. All in all, the M440i is quite playful, though a bit heavy. It's a good interim vehicle before the arrival of the sulfurous M4 version scheduled for next year.
BMW 4 Series, a new face! - TURBO test of 29/11/2020
A real GT
After all, this 4 Series M440i is a real GT. Capable of being sporty therefore, but also comfortable thanks in particular to its piloted damping (optional). The controls are very smooth and the 8-speed automatic engine/transmission (no manual in the catalogue) is smooth at low speeds, with the starter-alternator making it go smoothly.
However, in the city, its imposing size and poor all-round visibility make certain options such as the 360-degree parking camera ($450), the Reverse Assist or Reverse Assist (Drive Assist Pro package at $2,350) mandatory. These options are in addition to a range of technologies that have already been extensively updated.
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