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- All-new 2nd-generation 4 Series Coupe
- Global launch scheduled for October
- More power means better performance
- Five inches longer and an inch wider
- M440i xDrive gets a 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain
- BMW 430i Coupe starts at $45,600
- BMW 430i xDrive Coupe starts at $47,600
- BMW M440i xDrive Coupe starts at $58,500
An all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe arrives in October. This sporty new BMW BMW, +0.52% 2-door is 5.2 inches longer and an inch wider than the previous 4 Series Coupe, and its wheelbase, increased by 1.6 inches, is now the same as that of the current BMW 3 Series sedan. Compared to the 3 Series sedan, the 2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe is 2.2 inches longer, one inch wider, and 2.2 inches lower, with a rear track that has been widened by an inch.
Aerodynamic design
While the new 4 Series Coupe has a sleek drag coefficient of 0.25 (down from 0.29), you can’t fail to notice the tall and dramatic BMW kidney grille extending down to the bottom of the bumper. While we think it will take a while to get used to the vertical new grille, it definitely shouts, “BMW!” What’s more, the wide-set lower air intakes provide some balance by emphasizing the Coupe’s added width.
The BMW 430i Coupe
BMW
With its slim LED headlights, long hood, tapered greenhouse, and muscular rear haunches, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe looks sharp and has an attractive silhouette. Notable other styling details include frameless door windows and dark LED taillights, plus trapezoidal exhaust finishers integrated into the lower rear bumper.
When you order the optional M Sport Package, the front bumper has larger air openings, and gloss-black trim is employed in various places. The hot version, the M440i xDrive Coupe, is set apart by a trunk spoiler and a Cerium Gray finish on the grille, front air intake, mirrors, and exhaust trim.
Added power
All new 2021 BMW 4 Series Coupes enjoy a healthy boost in horsepower and torque. The rear-drive 430i Coupe and all-wheel-drive 430i xDrive Coupe are both powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, now bumped to 255 horsepower. That’s an increase of 7 horsepower over last year, and torque has increased by 36 lb-ft to 294 lb-ft at a low 1,550 rpm.
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BMW says the new 430i Coupe hits 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and 5.3 for the 430i xDrive Coupe. That’s respectably quick, and both have electronically limited top speeds of 155 mph (130 mph when equipped with certain wheels and tires).
Far more potent is the new 2021 BMW M440i xDrive Coupe. It’s powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower (up 62) and 369 lb-ft of torque (up 39), so it will be considerably quicker than the 430s. BMW says the all-wheel-drive M440i Coupe hits 60 mph in only 4.3 seconds, about a second more quickly than its siblings. Top speed remains electronically limited to 155 mph (130 mph with certain wheels and tires).
In a significant update, the new BMW M440i xDrive benefits from a standard 48-volt mild-hybrid system. In very basic terms, this integral starter/generator system recoups energy and reuses it for improved acceleration or efficiency. It’s also responsible for the silky restarts of the fuel-saving stop/start system. That system, by the way, can shut off the engine when the M440i is slowing but still rolling and has reached a speed below 9 mph.
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One gearbox is available: an 8-speed automatic with launch-control software. It also has intelligent connectivity, which enables it to adapt its shift strategy based on the route and driving situation. The 4’s transmission even teams with the standard navigation system to avoid unnecessary gear changes.
Improved cockpit
As you’d expect, BMW’s 2021 4 Series Coupe has a driver-focused cockpit, one with sport seats, a leather-covered sport steering wheel, and an acoustic glass windshield that helps minimize noise intrusion. In addition to a start/stop button on the center console, you’ll find a new gear-selector lever down there, along with the iDrive multifunction controller and the Driving Experience Control switch. Of note, the M440i xDrive Coupe (and any new 4 Series Coupe fitted with the M Sport Package) gets soft knee padding on both sides of the center console.
Also notable: The 2-person rear seat, with integral headrests, splits and folds down for added utility.
Sporty new platform
BMW uses a mixture of hot-stamped steels and aluminum alloys to create a lightweight and rigid new chassis for the 4. The new unibody platform is further strengthened by bracing between the shock towers and bulkhead, plus extruded-aluminum side panels and die-cast shock absorber housings. Aluminum is used for the hood, front fenders, and doors.
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The suspension, with a double-joint spring arrangement in front and a 5-link rear, has sportier tuning, thanks in part to new shock absorbers that are said to minimize body movements and reduce road vibration.
If you want an even sportier 4, order the optional M Sport suspension (standard on the BMW M440i xDrive Coupe). In addition to firmer springs and stiffer bushings and mounts, the M Sport suspension includes larger anti-roll bars and a bit more negative wheel camber for sharpened steering response.
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While the base versions of the new 4 Series Coupe will ride on 18-inch all-season run-flat tires, 225/40R-19 all-season run-flats are optional, along with 255/35R-19 performance run-flats. If you don’t want run-flats on your M440i xDrive Coupe, the car can be ordered with traditional pneumatic performance tires, size 225/40R-19 or 255/35R-19.
How much is the new 2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe?
The rear-wheel-drive 2021 BMW 430i Coupe starts at $45,600, while the all-wheel-drive 430i xDrive Coupe begins at $47,600. Powered by the 382-horsepower turbocharged inline-6, the potent all-wheel-drive 2021 BMW M440i xDrive Coupe comes in at $58,500.
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This story originally ran on KBB.com.
