BMW are aiming to raise the bar with their latest all-new 4 Series Coupe.

So among the heady list of equipment on offer you’ll find mild hybrid technology, weight saving chassis wizardry and, for the first time, their M Sport Pro package.

Launched worldwide back in October 2020, the UK media got a first drive soon after, where its excellent performance and handling credentials were there to sample.

The sheer pace of development in the motor industry and the constant changes that come to the market can make it a head scratching experience for motorists to unravel.

Things might be slightly easier in this instance as the ‘4’ has a distinctive new sleek exterior look.

It’s longer than its predecessor and a bit wider too, with short overhangs, slim pillars, long doors with frameless windows and a flowing.

Up at the front is BMW’s trademark kidney grille which reprises a design feature from the company’s past but adds a modern twist. Some like the change, some don’t, but it’s unmistakably BMW.

The rear end styling also incorporates slim and darkened full-LED rear lights and dual-branch tailpipes.

The 4 Series Coupé can be ordered in M Sport model format, as sampled here. Large outer air intakes in the front apron and a striking rear apron and a diffuser element highlight the two-door model’s performance credentials.

Let’s take a look inside.The engine start/stop button is now positioned in a control panel in the centre console, where the 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 and have contoured side bolsters which give you more than adequate support during spirited cornering.

And from those seats you’ll get a view of the best head-up display you’ll find this side of a computer game.The info available is clear, detailed and commendable.

For a coupe, it retains a certain amount of practicality and a decent amount of room. There’s a 40:20:40 split backrest, plenty storage areas and boot space that has been increased to 440 litres.

The powertrain technology is another area where significant advances have been made over the outgoing model. All the petrol and diesel engines belong to the Efficient Dynamics family and feature BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Mild hybrid technology with a 48V starter-generator ensures even sharper power delivery combined with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

What you really notice is just how quiet it is on the move. While there is still a low rumble of diesel noise, it’s so well damped inside the cockpit it feels like you’re driving a very refined four-cylinder diesel.

All engines have eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard, now even faster shifting and super smooth,and BMW xDrive is also available on the four-cylinder diesel model.

Mild hybrid technology has been included with all diesel engines and the straight-six petrol unit of the flagship M440i xDrive Coupé.

The recuperated energy collected by the 48V battery can be supplied to the 12V electrical system or used for generating additional drive power when fed back to the 48V starter-generator. When the car is accelerating, the generator is also able to offer the driver an electric boost effect that instantly makes an extra 11hp available.

The xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system helps to sharpen the car’s driving ability, pushing power to the wheels as required. Where all-wheel drive isn’t needed, all the power is directed to the rear wheels – giving you the driving experience for which BMW is renowned.

 

BMW 420d xDrive M Sport Coupe

Price: £44,030
Engine: 2.0 litre, four cylinder, diesel
Power: 187bhp
Torque: 295lb/ft
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Top speed: 148mph
0-62mph: 7.4 seconds
Economy: 61.4mpg
CO2 emissions: 112g/km

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