BMW 4 Series, 420i M Sports Package. Photo = Reporter Oh Se-sung and Hankyung.com
“So far, the 4 Series has been evaluated as a ‘3 Series coupe model’. We used different parts, but the difference was not easily felt. So we tried to create a design that is distinct even at a glance.”
This is the explanation of BMW designer Seung-mo Lim, who was in charge of the exterior design of the new BMW 4 Series. Designer Lim’s BMW has succeeded in differentiating between the 3-series and 4-series, which had been somewhat ambiguous. As a result of testing the new 4 Series, which is still unfamiliar but possesses its own charm, it was a sports coupe that was not burdensome even for novice drivers.
The new 4 series was controversial with its unconventional design before its release. Some people say that the vertical (vertical) kidney grill is reminiscent of the teeth of a pig nose or nutria. In fact, the vertical kidney grill was applied to the 329 model released in 1936 and the 328 model released in 1939. Since then, homage has appeared in several concept cars. However, it seems that there were many people who felt a sense of incongruity as the design was applied to the mass-produced car.
The new 4 series I saw myself had a big grill, but I didn’t think it resembled Nutria. The vehicle tested was the new 420i M Sports Package Coupe model. The thin design of the headlights emphasized the shape of the vertically raised grill, but the license plate was placed in the middle of the grill, greatly reducing the burden.
Side view of the BMW 420i M Sports package. You can see the boldly descending loop line. Photo = Reporter Oh Se-sung and Hankyung.com
The body is larger than the previous generation, and even longer, wider and lower than the 3 Series. The length, width, and height of the new 4 series are 4770·1845·1385mm. Compared to the 3 series, the center of gravity is also 21mm lower. It is the result of a focus on the identity of the classic BMW sports coupe.
Thanks to this, the side design has a beautiful and bold line that comes out with elasticity. Even among the reporters who tested together, the design of the front part was disliked, but there was no disagreement that the side design that emphasized volume and bold proportions was cool. I thought, “If you just look at the side, the car that will beat the new 4 series is not right.” The rear is a typical BMW design.
Interior view of the new BMW 4 Series. Photo = BMW
The interior is not much different from the latest BMW cars. A 12.3-inch digital cluster, a 10.25-inch main display oriented toward the driver, and an M leather steering wheel with a three-spoke design were applied. A high-resolution head-up display is also in place. It provides a reverse assistant that automatically returns up to 50m, a semi-autonomous driving function, and supports a wireless charger and Android Auto/Apple Carplay.
When I opened the frameless door and sat down in the driver’s seat, the guide hidden in the B-pillar popped out, making it easier to wear the seat belt. This is where you can feel the luxury of the BMW Coupe. There was also a rear seat, but if you pull the handles behind the driver’s and passenger’s seats, the seats flipped and you could ride in the rear seat.
Interior view of the new BMW 4 Series. Photo = BMW
As the height was low, I thought it would be difficult to get on and off, but it was easier to get in and out than I thought. The space wasn’t enough for an adult male to sit down, and the feeling of sitting was good. However, headroom was limited due to the bold roofline. It is judged that it will be narrow for those who are over 180cm tall.
When I returned to the driver’s seat and started it, the 420i started off smoothly. The 420i, equipped with a 2000cc four-cylinder engine, exhibits a maximum output of 184 horsepower and a maximum torque of 30.6 kg·m. It is not enough to say that it is a sports car, but the 8-speed Steptronic sports automatic transmission maximizes efficiency, so I couldn’t feel the lack of it in everyday driving. The suspension is not rigid and the driving feel is quite stable, so even beginner drivers can drive without burden.
Rear view of the new BMW 4 Series. Photo = BMW
Sensitive handling and comfortable high-speed driving are also satisfactory. The 420i steering wheel accurately recognized and reflected the driver’s intentions. At high speed, the 5 Series was unenviable enough to be stable, and it was comfortable with little noise inflow. The official fuel efficiency is also 11.5km/L, which is compliant.
The price is 59.4 million won. It will be difficult right now, but we can expect big discounts from BMW in the future. It is attractive considering the fact that it is a BMW coupe that is equipped with advanced safety and convenience functions and can be used as a daily car.
However, if you don’t have to worry about pockets, and if you want high performance, it would be a good idea to look at the M440i X drive model. During the test drive, I ran into the M440i X drive and ran side by side for a while. I pressed the accelerator pedal hard on an empty road, but the M440i X drive quickly disappeared as a dot with a loud exhaust sound. The price of the M440i X drive jumps to 81.9 million won.
Sesung Oh, reporter of Hankyung.com [email protected]
Video = Choi Hyuk, reporter of Hankyung.com [email protected]
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