BMW has launched the controversially styled new 4 Series Coupe in South Africa. The local line-up features a blend of turbopetrol and -diesel engines, while the flagship M440i xDriveis the warm-up act to the mighty BMW M4.

BMW is determined to clearly differentiate the 4 Series from its 3 Series sibling and demonstrate that the former is not simply a 2-door version of the G20-generation sports executive sedan. To that end, the all-new G22 4Series boasts radical styling– the exterior design was first previewed in Concept 4form, but that grille is polarising. However, many of those who'veseen the newcomer in the metal say "the snout" is strikingly effective!

BMW 4 Series (2020) International Prototype Drive

Under the skin is the CLAR (Cluster Architecture) and the newcomer features awheelbase that's 42 mm longer than that of its predecessor(2 851 mm). The BMW 4 Series is also slightly longer and wider, as well as being 57 mm lower,than the 3 Series. It also has a sportier suspension setup.

BMW SA offersthe new 4 Series Coupe in standard and M Sport Package levels of trim. The M440i xDrive comes standard in M Sport trim, but for those wanting more, there is an M Performance launch edition that will include extras such as M Sport suspension including the M Sport differential, anthracite roof lining,Shadow Line,Interior trim finishers inAluminium Tetragon,M Aerodynamics package with front apron, side skirts and wheel arch trims in body colour,M Rear spoiler in body colour and18-inchM light-alloy double-spoke style 848 M Bicolour/MT wheels withrunflat tyres.

Inside, there's anM leather steering wheel and sport seats for driver and front passenger.

Powertrain and performance

BMW is offering its new 4 Series Coupe in 3 flavours. Kicking off the range is the 420i, which comes to market with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol motor. It produces 135 kW and 300 Nm, and BMW says its good for a 0-100 kph in 7.5 sec.

For the turbodiesel fans, a2.0-litre 4-cylinder forced-induction diesel motor propels the 420d and it produces peak outputs of 140 kW and 400 Nm. Gone are the days when diesel vehicles were slow –the diesel-powered 420d outsprints its 420i sibling, with a claimed time of 7.2 sec.

Finally, the M440i xDrive (the flagship of the range until the M4 Competition arrives next year) has a 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder motor with 275 kW and 500 Nm. Thanks to its standard all-wheel drivetrain, it boasts a claimed 0-100 kph time of 4.5 seconds.

When it comes to efficiency, BMWclaimsaverage fuel consumption figures of 6.4 L/100 km, 4.8 L/100 km and 7.8 L/100 km for its 420i, 420d and M440i xDrive derivatives respectively. All models have 8-speed automatic transmissions.

BMW 4 Series price in South Africa (November2020)

The prices below include a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Further Reading:

BMW 4 Series Convertible revealed: It's not subtle

BMW M3 & M4 revealed, but no manuals for SA!

BMW M3 (2020) International Prototype Drive