Meet the new 4 Series Coupé. Driven last week in the Scottish Highlands, the drama of this unique landscape, where in one single afternoon we witnessed four contrasting seasons, and where for miles upon miles not a sole can be spotted, proved to be an ideal stage to highlight the sleek, sculpted and sophisticated lines of this latest BMW. The 4 really is a handsome car in the flesh.
The car replaces the 3 Series Coupé and forms the new 4 Series family that will grow in time to include the X4 and more. To briefly explain this new numbering, the German marque is streamlining its model naming process to help differentiate the ever-expanding family of cars. So all coupés and convertible – sportier models – will have even numbers while the odd numbers will apply to the more sober saloons and estates.
The 4 Series Coupé is significantly lower than the model it replaces. It has also been stretched by 26mm lengthwise and 43mm in width. All this has had a striking effect on the car to make it look and feel immediately sportier, younger even. The wheel arches are the widest point in the car and have been heavily sculptured to draw attention to the car’s generous hips. It really gives it a great stance – almost hugging the road. Added to this the 4 Series Coupé has the lowest centre of gravity of any current BMW which makes for great road handling.
The designers have also manipulated the car’s accessories, its ‘jewellery’, to accentuate the fantastic proportions. The double grille at the front is slightly forward leaning here, and the twin round circular xenon headlights slightly smaller to work with the overall proportions of this car. Additionally, stretched L-shaped LED taillights on the outer extremes of the car, accentuates the width of the 4 Series.
Inside has an immediately sportier feel. The control layout is heavily driver-focused with sport multi-function leather steering wheel and free standing 6.5-inch iDrive control display. The longer wheelbase allows for noticeably more room in the rear compartment, and the boot is a decent size for a coupé.
Car companies are offering more and more variations in a bid to attract and keep buyers. The options are growing, yet in terms of design the general standard is sadly poor. Drive along any highway and it is hit and miss spotting the handsome cars. Often they tend to be either classics or overtly premium models. Mainstream cars, even in this higher price bracket, are simply dull. In this context the 4 Series Coupé is a blast of fresh air.
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