BMW’s four-door version of its 4 Series boasts more space and tech, 420i, 430i and M440i scheduled for Q4 Singapore launch

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Photos: BMW 

Munich, Germany  

• Comparable to the current 3 Series in size, but much larger than the first-gen 4 Series Gran Coupe 
• Gasoline-powered 20i, 430i, and M440i variants to come to Singapore Q4, 2021, five versions in total including two i4 models
• Current BMW iDrive system with BMW OS 7.0 onboard 

A week after we wondered where it was, here is BMW’s new, second-generation version of its midsized four-door coupe, the 4 Series Gran Coupe (4 GC). 

The first of the 4 GC range to debut was the fully-electric BMW i4 that was revealed in early June – we have an in-depth report on that car, which was announced as a i4 eDrive40 and high-performance i4 M50.

As for the conventional 4 GC models, three gasoline-powered versions are coming to Singapore – the 420i, 430i, and the high-performance M440i xDrive – so that makes a total of five versions of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe to be on sale here by 2022. 

Combining coupe-looks with the usefulness of four proper doors and a fastback hatch at the rear, the 4 GC was by far the most popular version of the 4 Series range, making up 70 percent of sales in Singapore. 

Design and appearance

As a four-door coupe, it looks just like the regular 4 Series Coupe from the front with the striking new BMW nose concept, with the overall proportions and design all suggesting ‘coupe’, but one that simply happens to have two extra doors. 

Being a sporty car – hence the even numbered name – the 4 GC will only be sold in M Sport trim. The car shown here, the 430iM Sport has more aggro lines, blacked out bits, and dual circular tailpipes. 

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The M440i might look identical to the 430i in M Sport trim, but to clue you in there’s the grille, badge outline, tailpipe caps,  and side mirrors in matte-chrome Cerium Grey, while the rear diffuser is much larger and has trapezoidal tailpipes.  

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Customers who want a little extra oomph on the cars are, as with the 4 Series Coupe, able to spec the M Sport Pro kit, which stacks on 19-inch M design rollers, darkened head and taillights, a spoiler, M Sport brakes, a sportier drive sound, uprated sound system, and M seat belts. 

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Variants and performance 

Just like the 3 Series, the entry-level 420i and the mid-range 430i are powered by a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged inline four, with 184hp and 245hp respectively. Power is sent to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and then on to the rear wheels. Fuel consumption should be improved over the first-gen, but we can’t make a direct comparison due to old fuel efficiency reporting and the new WLTP standard. 

As seen in the i4, the new lift-dependent dampers are standard issue on the 4 GC, and the front end’s stiffness has been boosted by a shear panel connecting the front suspension strut towers and forward bulkhead, while the rear floor has bracing elements near the axle. There’s also optional M Sport suspension and brakes (stock on the M440i), and adaptive M Suspension is available as an option. Additionally, customers can opt for an M Sport Differential on the 430i, and it’s also standard on the M440i. 

The M440i xDrive is the highlight of the range. Like the first-gen’s 435i, there is (for now, and far as we know) no ‘full’ M variant, so this is the quickest 4 GC you can get, barring the i4 M50 model. 

Specs-wise, it’s very similar to the closely-related M340i, with a 374hp 3.0 turbo inline six cranking 500 torques to an eight-speed auto and all four wheels, where needed, though it’s rear-biased most of the time. 

Unlike the 420i and 430i, a mild hybrid system can be found on the 420d and 430d (not sold in Singapore) and the M440i. The mild hybrid system adds 11hp from an electric motor during acceleration, and recuperates energy when off the gas, improving overall efficiency. 

Platform, interior and more 

Based on the BMW’s current-gen CLAR architecture reserved for its larger/premium models, the 4 Series has now a ‘noticeable increase in spaciousness and practicality’ claims BMW, with the model growing 143mm in length, 27mm wider, and – interestingly for a ‘coupe’ – 53mm taller. 

As the measurements show, it’s on par with the 3 Series executive sedan, so you can expect a similar amount of leg and shoulder room, though slightly less headroom as befitting the car’s coupe status. Boot space remains similar to the outgoing model, and the added bonus of the liftback making it easier to manage bulky or long items. 

Given what we’ve seen of the 3 Series and 4 Series models launched in Singapore to date, we would be very surprised if the 4 GC does not come with the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system (also iDrive controller of course) and 12.3-inch drive’s instrument display as well. All of the good stuff that comes with BMW OS 7.0 will also follow, including the Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Connected, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and lots more. 

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