BMW is in the final stages of development of its redesigned
4-Series, and the automaker has released the first specs on the
coupe variant. A debut is scheduled for later in 2020 meaning we should see
the new coupe arrive as a 2021 model.
A 4-Series
Convertible and high-performance
M4 are also in the works. There won't be a repeat of the previous
4-Series Gran Coupe, though. The stylish liftback sedan is set to be replaced
by an i4
battery-electric sedan in the new 4-Series family.
The new 4-Series is based on BMW Group's CLAR modular
platform, but features specific tweaks to give it its own character. For
example, compared to the 3-Series
sedan also based on the CLAR platform, the 4-Series in coupe guise has
a 23-millimeter wider track, 21-mm lower center of gravity, and additional body
reinforcements for improved stiffness and rigidity.
The 4-Series also benefits from less aerodynamic drag, more
negative camber, and sportier tuning of the suspension, steering and brakes to
help deliver a sharper, more focused driving experience. According to BMW, the
4-Series' agility and lateral acceleration are significantly improved compared
to the 3-Series, which should result in better overall handling.
Some of the powertrains will also be unique. We already know
that the i4 will feature a battery-electric powertrain that will deliver up to
523 horsepower. An 80-kilowatt-hour battery in this model should also deliver
over 250 miles of range on a charge.
For the non-electric 4-Series models, there will be 2.0- and
3.0-liter options, all of them turbocharged. Some of these will be augmented
with mild-hybrid systems. One such setup will be a 3.0-liter turbocharged
inline-6 and mild-hybrid system powering an M440i xDrive. The inline-6 delivers
a peak 374 horsepower but receives a temporary boost of 11 hp during hard
acceleration from an integrated motor-generator. This motor-generator also
serves as the starter motor and recovers energy under braking.
Drive in the M440i xDrive is to all four wheels via an
8-speed automatic and BMW's M Sport differential at the rear axle. Staggered
18-inch light alloy wheels and an M Sport brake package will also feature in
the M440i xDrive.
Above the M440i xDrive will sit
the new M4. BMW hasn't said what will power this model but it should come
with the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 code-named the S58 that
debuted in the 2020
BMW X3 M and X4 M. Rumor has it the engine
will be detuned in models equipped with a manual transmission and
rear-wheel drive, whereas automatic-equipped cars, which will come with
all-wheel drive as standard, should have something close to 473 hp. A more
powerful M4
Competition with 503 hp should also be coming, along with eventual
track-focused CS and CSL models.
The interior of the 4-Series will also be slightly different
compared to the 3-Series. The layout of the center console is unique, and so is
the design of the shifter. The car is expected to come standard with a digital
instrument cluster which will be joined by a touchscreen display sitting at the
top of the center stack.
What could provide controversial on the new 4-Series is the
exterior styling. The car is set to receive a new take on the traditional
kidney grille, one that will see the kidneys stretched so they run from the
hood all the way down to the front splitter. The look was previewed last year
on the Concept
4 and takes inspiration from sporting BMWs of the past like the
pre-war 328 and 3.0 CSi of the 1970s.
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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