2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe Overview
Did you think— or, more likely, hope?— the 2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe might be spared the oversize twin-kidney grille that has permeated the marque’s latest designs? Even after you saw the company’s Concept 4? We’re sorry to disappoint you if that is the case, but cast your eyes to the new version of the two-door model, its nose cheekily bifurcated in official press photos by thin, rectangular European license plates.
Scheduled for its global launch in October, the all-new 2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe receives a boost in horsepower, torque, and performance, along with significant upgrades in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). A 48-volt mild hybrid starter/generator and battery are standard on the six-cylinder model, enhancing efficiency and performance.
2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe: New Sheetmetal, Better Aero
The 2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe’s “striking front end” alongside its large twin-kidney grill “provides adequate cooling for the more powerful engines,” as stated by BMW. The grille is angled forward from the bottom of the front bumper cover. The surfaces with a 3-D mesh cover frame the kidneys, complemented by arrow-shaped hood accents that converge at the grille. The updated front bumper incorporates Air Curtain intakes that emphasize the 4 Series’ width, which has increased by 1 inch compared to both the outgoing 4 Series and the newer 3 Series sedan.
The new 4 Series is 2.2 inches longer than the 3 Series and 5.2 inches longer than the old 4 Series, while also being 2.2 inches lower. Sharing its wheelbase with the new 3 Series, which is notably longer than the previous 4 Series’ wheelbase, the 4 Series claims a drag coefficient of 0.25, a reduction from 0.29 in the 2014-19 model.
The car’s profile features “very clean, minimalist lines,” portraying muscular fenders and a tapering greenhouse ending in the distinct Hofmeister kink. Notably, the C-pillars’ crisply creased lines exhibit a slightly Infiniti-like aesthetic.
The M Sport package brings a unique front bumper design characterized by larger air-intake openings. Additionally, Shadowline inlays adorn the restyled rear bumper. The rear diffuser panel, front air-intake trim, side-window moldings, and lower exterior-mirror housings feature a high-gloss black finish. The optional Shadowline Package adds this high-gloss black to the kidney grille and exhaust-tip trim, completing the sporty appeal.
Choosing the M440i xDrive Coupe adds a rear trunk spoiler, along with Cerium Grey accents for the kidney grille and front air-intake trim.
2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe: A Look Inside
The interior features newly designed front sport seats and a sport steering wheel as standard. The M Sport Package and M440i xDrive Coupe include soft knee padding on the sides of the center console, an M Sport steering wheel, and M logo door sill plates.
Noteworthy updates include the relocation of the start/stop button to the center console, closer to the redesigned gearshift, iDrive controller, and dynamic-setting switch. Full LED interior lighting is standard, while adjustable ambient lighting for the instrument and door panels is optional.
2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe: Updated Engines
Performance sees a significant improvement with enhanced horsepower and torque for the carryover four- and six-cylinder engines. The B46 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbo-four in the 430i and 430i xDrive is up by 7 horses and 36 lb-ft, while the B58 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbo inline-six in the M440i xDrive boosts the figures by 52 hp and 39 lb-ft.
BMW claims a remarkable 4.3-second 0-60 mph time for the 2021 M440i xDrive, while the 430i achieves a commendable 5.5 seconds, with the 430i xDrive reducing that by 0.2 seconds. The top speed with either engine is capped at 155 mph or 130 mph, depending on wheel and tire specifications, with various options available for both 18-inch and 19-inch wheels.
Choose From RWD or AWD— and One Transmission
In BMW terminology, “xDrive” denotes all-wheel drive, available exclusively on the 430i as rear-wheel drive. The intelligent AWD system offers “rapid, precise, and fully variable distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels,” utilizing an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. When not required, the xDrive system transfers 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels. The M440i xDrive also features a standard M Sport rear differential, optimizing traction under acceleration.
The standard eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (manual is not available) integrates a new hydraulic control system for improved responsiveness, complemented by new torsion dampers that minimize powertrain irregularities. This system is adept at adapting upshifts and downshifts based on route and driving conditions, thanks to its connectivity with the navigation system and optional Active Cruise Control’s radar sensor.
M440i xDrive Coupe Gets Standard 48-volt Mild Hybrid System
The 2021 BMW M440i xDrive Coupe will feature a standard 48-volt starter/generator and a separate 48-volt battery, enhancing energy recuperation, storage, and usage during driving. This technology allows for regeneration during deceleration and braking, with additional energy produced in Sport mode. Consequently, performance can be enhanced by up to 11 horsepower during hard acceleration by reducing parasitic losses. The system is capable of shutting down the engine under braking at speeds below 9 mph and allows for quick restarts with minimal vibration.
2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe: Ride and Handling
BMW has declared that it has stiffened the 4 Series’ body structure, connecting the front shock towers to the bulkhead and rear axle. The use of extruded aluminum side member panels and die-cast aluminum shock-absorber housings contributes to this enhancement.
The suspension setup features front MacPherson struts and a rear five-link configuration. BMW claims that the combination of a stiffer structure, wider rear track, and a lower center of gravity significantly improves handling compared to its predecessor. Additional hydraulic damping for the front shocks and compression-limiting elements for the rears further enhance ride comfort.
Stiffer shock damping, springs, anti-roll bars, and a lower ride height (0.3 inches for xDrive models) work in harmony to provide a firmer ride with better handling. An optional M Sport suspension, standard on the M440i xDrive Coupe, further refines suspension dynamics by enhancing spring and bushing stiffness.
For drivers looking for additional customization, upgrading to the Adaptive M Suspension provides electronic shocks that distinctly adjust between Comfort and Sport modes. Furthermore, the driver-customized Adaptive setting responds to throttle and steering inputs for a sportier or more comfortable overall experience.
2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe: About That Steering
The steering system appears largely unchanged for the 2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe. Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance is standard, while Variable Sport steering is standard on the M440i xDrive and part of the M Sport Package option for the two 430i models. This variable system adjusts steering angles for maximum cornering effectiveness while enhancing low-speed comfort.
When the Ultimate Driving Machine Nearly Drives Itself
The available Driving Assistance Professional Package is defined as a Level 2 autonomous system, featuring Active Cruise Control, Stop & Go, and Extended Traffic Jam Assist, allowing for “extended hands-free vehicle operation.” Additionally, the optional Parking Assistance Package includes surround-view and 3-D cameras to facilitate both parallel and perpendicular parking maneuvers. Back-up assistance records the last 50 yards at speeds under 20 mph, enhancing usability.
With the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, drivers can utilize voice commands to set the temperature and control car windows. The standard iDrive 7 system includes navigation capabilities and cloud-based BMW Maps. An 8.8-inch center touchscreen with a 5.1-inch color display between the instrument gauges is standard, while a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch instrument display is an optional upgrade. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come as standard features.
The base price for the 2021 BMW 430i Coupe starts at $48,595, with the 430i xDrive Coupe at the same entry price. The M440i xDrive Coupe comes in at $59,495. Even though this new 4 Series is poised for release, anticipation is already building for hotter variants like the M4 and potentially a new M4 CS model.
