IT’S BEEN A BUSY COUPLE OF WEEKS FOR BMW. The second generation 4 Series Gran Coupé will arrive on the Australian market at the end of this year, bringing a yet another option for local customers while further updating BMW’s expanding product portfolio.
The new four-door coupé (an oxymoron, if ever we heard one!) showcases enhanced driving dynamics, a sharper design that embodies BMW’s new design language and a range of advancements in the areas of operation and connectivity.
It combines these elements with a spacious and luxurious interior (although with inevitably compromised rear head room) that offers easy access to the rear compartment in combination with five full-size seats, large tailgate and a versatile variable-usage load compartment.
For the first time BMW will offer an M Performance 4 Series Gran Coupé model from the outset with launch of the M440i xDrive variant.
All models will be built under a flexible manufacturing process at BMW Group Plant Munich on the same line as the all-electric BMW i4, which will arrive in Australia for customer deliveries several months after the new 4 Series Gran Coupé.
Distinctive proportions and highly versatile interior
The standalone character of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is clearly expressed in its exterior design.
Measuring 4783mm in exterior length, 1852mm in width and 1442mm in height, it has distinctive proportions combined with dynamically stretched coupé lines.
It is 143mm longer, 27mm wider and 53mm taller than its predecessor, while the track widths have also grown – to 1595mm at the front (+50mm) and 1623mm at the rear (+29mm).
The wheelbase of 2856mm is 46mm longer than the predecessor’s and 5mm more than that of the 3 Series Sedan.
The model-specific body concept results in a versatile interior offering generous amounts of space in the rear.
The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé offers 470 litres of boot space, with load capacity capable of being expanded to a maximum of 1290 litres by folding down the sections of the rear backrest with its standard 40:20:40 split.
Expressive front end, elegant silhouette and powerful rear
Bold lines and surfaces with a three-dimensional structure are the defining elements of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé’s front end.
The large and vertically prominent BMW kidney grille drops deep down at its centre and transmits a feeling of confidence and presence.
The slim full-LED headlights are integrated with U-shaped fibre-optic light guides for the daytime driving lights.
There is also the option of Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Laserlight including BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam assistant.
Precise lines, doors with frameless windows, flush-fitting door handles and powerful shoulders shape the elegantly sporty silhouette of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé.
The roofline culminates in a pronounced spoiler on the tailgate, delivering a sporty and elegant appearance.
The low-slung, muscular stature of the car is additionally accentuated by a rear apron with vertical aero lips at its outer edges and black finish for its lower edge.
The stylishly darkened full-LED rear lights extend well into the flanks.
Bespoke design features add dynamic flourishes to the car via the M Sport package, which will be standard on both the 420i and 430i, while the flagship BMW M Performance model makes a bold impression with its own aggressive features and stance.
An M Carbon exterior package can be specified as an option, and model-specific M Performance Parts will be available later as part of the Genuine BMW Accessory range.
Interior: driving pleasure and spaciousness amid a premium ambience
A high centre console and flowing surface structure running from the instrument panel into the door panels generates a cocooning feel for the cabin of the new 4 Series Gran Coupé.
The Start/Stop button for the engine is positioned in a classily designed control panel in the centre console, which also houses the BMW iDrive Controller, buttons for the Driving Experience Control unit, electromechanical parking brake and model-specific gearshift lever.
The rear seat bench with folding head restraints allows three child seats to be fitted.
Sport seats and a sport leather steering wheel meanwhile are fitted as standard.
The dynamic style of the interior is accentuated by adoption of knee pads on the centre console across all variants.
State-of-the-art four- and six-cylinder engines on offer
The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé underscores its vividly enhanced sporting credentials with a performance model at the top of the range.
The BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupé is powered by a six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo in-line petrol engine that develops 285kW and 500Nm.
The TwinPower four-cylinder engine of the BMW 430i Gran Coupé develops 190kW and 400Nm, while the 420i generates 135kW and 300Nm.
All engines for the local market team up with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission that provides sharp shift dynamics and can be controlled via shift paddles on the steering wheel or via the gear selector in the centre console.
High body rigidity, optimised aerodynamic attributes
The sporting characteristics of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé are also well served by a low centre of gravity and almost 50:50 weight distribution.
An intelligent material mix has been employed to optimise the weight of both the body and chassis technology, while bespoke body struts at the front end and in the rear axle area contribute to the car’s outstanding handling agility and precision.
An active air flap control system comprising flaps at the top and bottom, as well as air curtains and an almost completely sealed underbody, optimise the car’s aerodynamics.
Sophisticated chassis technology with model-specific tuning
Model-specific geometry, mounting and tuning for the sophisticated chassis technology in the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé imbue it with exceptional dynamic assurance.
The two-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle have likewise been engineered to reduce weight while increasing rigidity. Standard-fitment lift-related dampers enhance both sports performance and ride comfort. Depending on the spring travel, these provide extra damping to control body movement when driving over large bumps, as well as preventing excessive dive.
The system reacts to minor imperfections in the road surface with low damping forces that produce high levels of comfort.
The Adaptive M suspension offered as standard on the 430i and M440i xDrive combines the dynamic characteristics of M Sport suspension with electronically-controlled dampers to offer the widest possible range of driving experiences.
Variable sport steering is standard equipment on all three locally-delivered variants, while M Sport brakes are fitted as standard on the 430i and M440i xDrive and can be optioned on the 420i.
The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé comes with 19-inch light-alloy wheels across the line-up.
Wide array of driver assistance systems
Some 40 assistance functions designed to enable comfortable and safe driving and parking are available for the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé.
Standard equipment highlights include Driving Assistant with lane departure warning, lane change warning, front collision warning with brake intervention, rear crossing traffic warning and rear collision prevention.
Parking assistant including Reversing Assistant, Park Distance Control front and rear, Lateral Parking Aid and Rear View Camera are also on the extensive list of standard equipment items.
Advanced connectivity and new digital services
The driver and passengers in the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé benefit from the extended possibilities provided by BMW Operating System 7 as standard.
Customers can take their pick of control interface for the situation at hand: control display touchscreen, familiar BMW Controller, multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, voice control or optional BMW Gesture Control.
There is also access to a range of highly advanced digital services, including the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Digital Key, Connected Music and Remote Software Upgrades.
The standard-fitment BMW Live Cockpit Professional features a fully digital screen grouping including a high-resolution instrument cluster with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch control display.
With smartphone integration fitted as standard, customers can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via the car’s operating system.
The Remote Software Upgrades function also allows improved vehicle functions and additional digital services to be imported into the car over the air.
BMW Australia offers also customers the ability to download vehicle upgrades via the BMW Connected Drive Store.
Once we have tested and assessed the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.