The 2020 4 Series invokes classic BMW

There’s no doubting that the 2020 BMW 4 Series coupe has a dramatic new look but there’s one thing that everybody’s been talking about.

The most distinctive feature is the simply enormous front grille which uses a more vertical interpretation of the signature BMW kidney shape. BMW say it’s been designed to invoke classic BMW’s like the pre-war 328 sports car. BMW’s design boss also says that it makes the 4 Series more emotional.

When the BMW Concept 4 was revealed back in 2019 the reaction to it was pretty polarised. Unlike most finished versions of eyebrow-raising concept cars this production ready 4 Series is still very similar to the Concept 4 while being a massive departure from BMW’s other designs. To add further controversy to the design there are some typical BMW traits that are missing from the new 4 Series. For example, there’s no high-up horizontal crease and there’s no Hofmeister kink.

The 4 Series was launched as a standalone model in 2014 taking the baton from the three-door 3 Series. While this car is still very similar to the latest 3 Series underneath the massive difference in design really does show that BMW wants to separate these models even more.

The 4 Series is a direct rival to cars like the Audi A5 coupe and Mercedes C Class coupe. This second generation is bigger all around than the outgoing model. However, the boot space has shrunk slightly compared with that of the existing model. It’s still bigger than the C Class coupe but smaller than the A5 coupe.

Things are far less controversial inside the 4 Series. The interior features several familiar BMW design trends and gets new sports seats as standard. Like the outgoing model this car is a strict four-seater although the rear bench can split and fold if you’re in need of more luggage space. The latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system features with a new larger head-up display that’s optional. As standard you get an 8.8 inch infotainment screen and conventional instrument dials with a small 5.1 inch screen between them. However, you can upgrade all of this to a 10.25 infotainment screen and a 12.4 digital instrument panel by opting for the Live Cockpit Professional option.

The 4 Series will go on sale with three petrol engines and one diesel. There’s a 420i with 181 bhp (brake horse power) and a 430i with 254 bhp. Both units are 4-cylinder 2.0 litre petrol engines. There’s also a 420d which is a 48 volt mild hybrid 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel producing 187 bhp. The range-topper will be the M440i xDrive which will produce 369 bhp and 369 pounds foot of torque from a 48 volt mild hybrid 3.0 litre 6-
cylinder turbo petrol engine. It’s claimed to be capable of 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds. M Sports cars feature a sport gearbox that’s optional on other models. In addition to quicker shifts this brings both launch control and a new driving mode, named Sprint. Rear-wheel-drive comes as standard except on the M 440i. Four-wheel-drive is also optional on the 430i and 420d.

A 430d and an M4 40d are due next March while a high-performance M4 is also expected to arrive later next year. It will produce 503 bhp from a 3.0 litre 6-cylinder petrol engine. A new plug-in hybrid 430e will feature a 2.0 litre petrol engine and electric motor to develop a combined 248 bhp and offer at least 30 miles of electric range. It’s no surprise that a convertible version is on the way too and as a weight saving measure it is expected to go back to a fabric roof rather than the folding metal roof that the current version has. There’s also a four-door Gran Coupe variant in development as well as a 523 bhp i4 electric saloon.

BMW says it has put a focus on the handling dynamics of the 4 Series with some slight tweaks to the 3 Series it’s based on. The chassis is tuned differently and the 4 Series rides 10mm lower than then 3 Series. Plus it has a lower center of gravity too. The 4 Series will also be the first car to offer BMW’s M Sport Pro package. This adds the sport gearbox and enhanced exhaust note in Sport mode. You also be M Sport brake and a new Design trim amongst other extras.

Although higher than the outgoing model, prices will remain competitive against the Audi A5 and C Class coupe. With the news of a new 4 Series coming to our shores it means that there are some great deals on used BMW 4 Series cars for sale. So, why not grab yourself a bargain by heading to the DesperateSeller.co.uk website.