The BMW 4 Series, two door coupe and convertible are available in the 4301, 4301 x Drive and M44oi x Drive. The Coupe will be my focus, but also some info on the sedan.
The 4301 version have has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque). While the sedan 440i Drive Grand packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter six cylinder, (382 horsepower, 369-torque mated to an eight speed transmission standard in all 4 Series. My coupe delivered a combined-25 mpg, 22-mpg-city and 29-mpg highway, with a 15.6 gallon fuel tank.
The new 4 Series Grand Coupe is longer than its predecessor by 5.9-inches for a total 188.1-inch. It is 2.1-inches taller for a total 54.9-inches, weighing in at a hefty 4,292 lbs. When back seats are flat, cargo space is 106.6 cu.ft. This makes the Coupe even surer footed in slippery conditions.
The shadowline trim, larger exhaust outlet, unique bumper and an M rear spoiler provide rich good looks. The 4 Series sits on 18-inch standard wheels with an M sport differential. The sport suspension turning gives an edge through the corners allowing for amazing speed. You can drive with confidence.
Photo: BMW
Other styling elements include the full LED headlights, frameless door windows, flush fitted door handles and aggressive shoulders toward the rear leading to the darken LED headlights. The tailgate design makes loading and unloading simple and easy.
However, the cabin was small and so were the premium quality seats. They were set so close to the door, you could not deposit or remove anything from the small door storage pockets with the door closed. A six foot tall person would lack for sufficient head room. The seats were for manual adjustment. The previous driver had the seats so for back, and somehow locked, so I never could move closer to the wheel.
There were numerous basic driver assist features like emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. Monitoring Plus, the Driving Assistance Professional Package, includes adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
Photo: BMW
The 4-Series comes with a large 10.3-inch information display as well as a 12.3-inch wireless in-dash navigation, Sirius XM satellite radio, and Wi Fi hot spot feature. A standard 10-speaker satellite radio is also featured, along with an optional 16-speaker Harman/Kardon Stereo. Technology is top notch, but can be troubling to operate unless you have an advanced degree of user knowledge.
The MSRP is $56,286.
Warranty
Basic 4-year Warranty/50,000-miles.
Corrosion 12-year/Unlimited miles.
Drivetrain 4-year Warranty/50,000-miles.
Hybrid/Electric components 5-years/80,000-miles.
Maintenance 3-years/36,000-miles.
Roadside Assistance 4-years/Unlimited miles.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this outlet or [email protected].
