Fantastic 4! BMW unveils 4 Series Coupe

MANILA, Philippines - Few people below the age of 40 know that for almost two decades, BMW was known mostly for its two-door coupes. From the classic 1600 and 2002tii of the 60’s to the 1st-generation E21 3 series (316 to 323i) which ran from the 70’s to the mid-80’s, BMW was predominantly a coupe specialist. You’d have to go way upmarket to afford the Bavarian marque’s much bigger 5 and 7 Series luxury sedans. But for two glorious decades, the then-entry-level 3 Series came only as a two-door coupe.

Fast forward 30 years and Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, heralds the dawn of a new era for the sport coupe, with the launch of BMW’s latest model—the 4 Series Coupe. The BMW 4 Series Coupe celebrates the very essence of the BMW brand’s existence, by offering powerful aesthetics and sporting dynamism.

“This 2014, we usher in a new era of Joy with the launch of the BMW 4 Series Coupe.” said Maricar Parco, ACC President “With its powerful road presence and standout dynamic ability, this coupe is one of the sportiest vehicles in the current BMW line-up, setting a new standard for the segment. Similar to its predecessor, the outgoing BMW 3 Series Coupe, the 4 Series Coupe gives out an abundance of sheer driving pleasure that is unmistakably BMW. ”

Compared to the previous BMW 3 Series Coupe, the BMW 4 Series Coupe has a longer wheelbase that displays its dynamically stretched silhouette, and a significantly wider track, fit to house its new 19” alloy wheels that make it sit considerably lower on the road. BMW‘s typically short overhangs, long hood and flowing roofline, give the 4 Series an illusion of motion even when standing still.

The double-kidney grille, bi-xenon headlamps with the trademark LED Corona rings, and single frame air intake on the front apron speak volumes about the sporting nature of this coupe. A new element to this model is the “Air Breather” on each side of the fender, which effectively reduces drag. The Coupe’s muscular wheel arches and wide track emphasize the new levels of grip and handling, as for the first time ever in a BMW (excluding the side mirrors), the rear wheel arches are the widest part of this sensually designed automobile.

The BMW 4 Series Coupe’s interior boasts of a stylish fusion of sporting allure and exclusive elegance, with the use of beautiful soft-touch leather and high-gloss interior trim accents. Central driving controls have been ergonomically placed on the steering wheel, with a center console that is angled 7 degrees to the driver—another hallmark of a BMW. Powerfully contoured front seats with electrically adjustable side bolsters and a thick three-spoke sport leather steering wheel further underscore the vehicle’s sporty nature.

Various improvements in steering accuracy, precision and agility of the BMW 4 Series Coupe set it apart from its predecessors. Sophisticated chassis technology, 50:50 weight distribution, fine-tuning in the wind tunnel, and an innovative lightweight construction concept create a new standard for sporting performance.

The new 4 Series Coupe is currently available locally as the 420d variant, at the heart of which is an inline four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo common-rail direct-injection diesel engine, with a maximum output of 184hp and 380Nm of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed sport automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

BMW EfficientDynamics has a key role to play in the car’s overall efficiency, with features that include the Auto Start/Stop function and Brake Energy Regeneration that help cut down on fuel consumption and emissions. The Driving Experience Control with ECO PRO mode gives the Coupe the potential to cut fuel use by as much as 20 percent. The BMW 4 Series Coupe also features its Air Curtain on the front bumper and the aforementioned Air Breather on the front fenders, which allow air to pass seamlessly through the coupe’s sculpted body, effectively reducing drag and maximizing efficiency.

BMW ConnectedDrive technology, meanwhile, showcases a combination of driver assistance systems and integrated connectivity in the new 4 Series Coupe. BMW’s iDrive system with direct select buttons and a 6.5” LCD screen have been at the forefront of onboard computer technology and sets the benchmark for vehicle safety, comfort and infotainment.

The BMW 420d retails for P3,990,000.