What’s in a Name?

For nearly four decades, many an avid motoring enthusiast has aspired to own just one car – the BMW 3 Series coupé, and since 1988, the M3.  That dream however is no longer attainable, as the much-praised 3 Series coupé has now been replaced by the all-new 4 Series, meaning no more new M3’s either.  

 

At first this news may seem disappointing, until that is, you see, and better still drive, the new 4 Series.  The name change is part of a strategy to make the car feel more like a standalone model, rather than just a 2-door version of the 3 Series saloon.

 

BMW also claims that the 4 Series is “plus one of everything” when compared to the last 3 Series coupé – in other words, longer, wider, lower, faster, stiffer, more focused, more interior space and more generous standard options.

 

The new dimensions are easily recogniseable when you first see this car.  The length has increased by 26mm, the width by 45mm and 80mm front and rear, and the height has dropped 16mm, giving it a very low centre of gravity.  For the first time in a 3 Series-based model the widest point of the body is not across the front wheel arches but across the rear wheel arches, accentuating the tough rear stance of the car.

 

At the front, the look borrows from the most recent 3 Series with the headlights integrated with the kidney grilles.  The full-LED headlights also have a more angular interpretation of the classic BMW twin circle design.

 

Perhaps the most striking feature of the front design is the large air intake in the front apron, with built-in daytime running lights.  Working in tandem with Air Breathers – aerodynamic aperatures on the side of the car behind the front wheels – the front air intake guides air through the wheel arch to minimise drag.

 

With the exception of the bonnet, every panel on the 4 Series is new.  From the side, the low swooping roof line and short rear overhang give the car a very athletic profile, enhanced by a strong, arrow-like crease line running the length of the car all the way to the rear taillight cluster.

 

 

 

On the inside, the changes are more subtle with a basically identical dash and instrument panel setup to the 3 Series.  Our test drive model had a striking red trim along the doors and dash for a sporty effect. The front seats are very hugging and supportive and have also been lowered by 9mm, giving a closer-to-the-road driving dynamic.  

 

BMW’s iDrive interface and 6.5-inch display screen comes as standard, and the Technology package offers an upgrade to an 8.8-inch screen and touchpad iDrive controller that can be used to hand write inputs with your finger.

 

Another fun element is an electronic arm that automatically pushes the seat belt forward over your shoulder so you can reach around more easily to put it on.

 

Other standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, leatherette upholstery, 8-way power front seats, leather wrapped telescopic steering wheel with paddle shifts, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and USB/iPod interface.

Of course, for any serious 3 Series coupé fan, the most important matter is how the 4 Series will stack up in terms of performance and handling. And on this front, the news is all good.

 

 

The 420i and 428i get TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engines producing 184hp/135kW and 240hp/180kW respectively.  The range-topping 435i features TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre inline 6, serving up 302hp and 225kW.

A supremely smooth 8-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models.

 

There are also four driving modes – Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. A simple press of a button on the centre console adjusts throttle control, transmission, suspension and steering settings, for distinctly different driving dynamics depending on the conditions and your mood.

 

We test drove 428i and were very impressed with its balance of power and efficiency.  0-100km/h is easily achieved in 5.8 seconds, while fuel efficiency is 6.4 litres/100 km.

 

BMW have made the 4 Series 25kg lighter and increased the torsional rigidity by a significant 60 percent, in part by adding two braces between the front subframe and the body, similar to what would be used on a convertible.   This provides tauter body control and greater levels of agility and poise.  The 4 Series is available in rear wheel drive, and an xDrive all-wheel drive will also be available.  The electo-mechanical steering is accurate, responsive and well-weighted, and together with the lower centre of gravity, there is an overall great onroad feel. 

 

Not that this really comes as any surprise given the reputation of all previous 3 Series coupés, but the name change has probably made some fans a bit anxious just the same.

 

Naturally there are the usual plethora of option packages, starting with Luxury, Sport and M Sport, which offer different wheel designs, colour schemes and trim and upholstery types.  The M Sport adds performance tyres, sports seats, sport-tuned suspension and a sport steering wheel.

 

There is also a Technology package which includes the larger iDrive screen, navigation system, head-up display, Bluetooth audio connectivity and BMW Apps for iPhone and Android devices. Other standalone options include an upgraded 16-speaker Harmon Kardon surround-sound system and automated parallel parking assist.

 

Initially, some might have viewed the introduction of the 4 Series as a risky move, especially given the reputation and loyal following of the model it is replacing, but BMW has absolutely delivered on its promise to offer an altogether improved executive coupé that drives hard and looks fantastic.