[Taboleo] Proudly Standing Tall and Making a Confident Comeback, BMW New 4 Series Coupe

[Test Drive] BMW New 4 Series Coupe
Vertical Kidney Grille Designed by Korean Designer, Unfamiliar but a New Attempt

BMW New 4 Series Coupe

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] The BMW New 4 Series has finally been officially launched in Korea. The New 4 Series is the second-generation full-change model of the BMW 4 Series, first introduced in 2013. The most significant change in the New 4 Series’ exterior is the front design. The newly introduced massive vertical kidney grille takes center stage, differentiating it from previous BMW series.

Considering that BMW models have mainly applied horizontal kidney grilles so far, this design is regarded as quite radical. We experienced the BMW New 4 Series, praised for its unique design and driving performance, at the BMW Driving Center in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, on the 3rd.

BMW New 4 Series Coupe. The vertical kidney grille is the most striking feature.

- The vertical kidney grille is the most impressive and has sparked some controversy; how was it in reality?

△ My first impression upon seeing the New 4 Series coupe was, "Ah! This is different from the BMW cars I’ve seen so far." The vertical kidney grille changed the look dramatically. The kidney grille, named for its resemblance to human kidneys, is a symbol of BMW design.

BMW has mainly applied horizontally elongated kidney grilles, but this model attempts differentiation with a vertical design. The new grille, extended downward to the lower part of the front bumper and slightly tilted forward, was even more striking.

Seungmo Lim, a designer at BMW headquarters who led this design change, explained the meaning of the newly applied kidney grille during an online briefing held that day.

Designer Lim said, "The New 4 Series pursued maximum differentiation based on the 3 Series," adding, "Especially, we applied the vertical kidney grille, inheriting the look of legendary BMW models, to pursue a fresh image." He emphasized, "This new BMW kidney grille is a modern reinterpretation based on the classic designs of the BMW 328 and BMW 3.0 CSi introduced in the 1930s and 1970s. Although the vertical grille may feel unfamiliar, it attempts a change from familiarity."

BMW New 4 Series Coupe Rear View

- Was the overall exterior design harmonious?

△ The exterior design can be described as a pursuit of harmony between sleekness and elegance. The BMW New 4 Series coupe features the sporty proportions unique to a 2-door coupe. It felt like a balance between simple yet sharp lines and clean, ample surface areas. Another characteristic is that the body is larger than the previous generation. The length is 4,770 mm, width 1,845 mm, and wheelbase 2,850 mm, which increased by 130 mm, 27 mm, and 41 mm respectively compared to before, while the height rose by 6 mm to 1,385 mm. The front and rear track widths (distance between left and right wheels) also expanded by 28 mm and 18 mm respectively.

- What are the features of the interior space?

△ The interior space felt designed around the driver. Since the concept pursues driving enjoyment, it is natural that everything is focused on the driver. The uncluttered interior, combined with high-quality materials, emphasizes the luxury befitting a premium sports coupe.

Sports seats and a newly designed M leather steering wheel are standard, and the instrument cluster, door panel trims, and the elevated center console create an environment that seems to embrace the front-seat passengers. The instrument cluster and the upper center fascia control display deliver various information intuitively through large screens.

BMW New 4 Series Coupe and Convertible

- How was the actual driving experience? And what new technologies are applied to the engine?

△ Driving the New 4 Series from the Yeongjongdo BMW Driving Center to Wangsang Marina Pier, the most prominent feeling was dynamism. I could understand why people say BMW provides driving pleasure. The New 4 Series coupe showed improved driving performance compared to the previous generation, based on a powerful engine and powertrain.

The New M440i xDrive coupe, the first high-performance M Performance model in the 4 Series, is equipped with an M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine producing a maximum output of 387 horsepower and maximum torque of 51 kgf·m. Combined with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. The 420i model is equipped with a BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder gasoline engine delivering a maximum output of 184 horsepower and maximum torque of 30.6 kgf·m.

The 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, which guarantees quick shifting and high efficiency, also enhances driving performance. This sport automatic transmission newly includes a ‘Sprint’ function that adjusts engine and transmission characteristics to maximize dynamism during overtaking and acceleration in mid-speed ranges. The time to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h is 7.5 seconds.

BMW New 4 Series Coupe and Convertible

- Was the driver assistance system easy to use?

△ The new 4 Series introduces a driver assistance system with various added functions. The advanced driver assistance system ‘Driving Assistant’ is standard on all models in the series. This feature includes active cruise control, forward collision warning system, lane departure warning system, and various other driving aids to support safe driving. In actual operation, the warning system activated quickly in emergency situations such as lane departure.

Additionally, the ‘Parking Assistant’ supporting easy parking and the ‘Reversing Assistant’ function, which helps steer the vehicle backward up to 50 meters along the entry path, are standard on all models. This will be a great help for novice drivers struggling with parking. The New 4 Series also incorporates numerous latest convenience features. Comfort Access 2.0, which aids convenient entry and exit, ambient lighting, and 3-zone air conditioning are standard convenience features.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.